Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper and entrepreneur, has recently acquired the Death Row Records brand, the label that launched his career in the 1990s. The announcement came just days before he performed at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J.Blige and Kendrick Lamar.
Death Row Records was founded in 1992 by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, the D.O.C. and Dick Griffey. It rose to prominence with artists such as Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound and Nate Dogg. The label was also involved in the infamous East Coast-West Coast rivalry that resulted in the deaths of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.
Snoop Dogg was signed to Death Row after Dr. Dre heard one of his early mixtapes and invited him to collaborate on his debut album, The Chronic, in 1992. Snoop Dogg’s first solo album, Doggystyle, was released in 1993 and became a huge success, selling millions of copies worldwide and spawning hits such as Gin & Juice, Who Am I (What’s My Name)? and Murder Was The Case.
However, Snoop Dogg’s relationship with Death Row deteriorated in the late 90s, after Suge Knight was sentenced to nine years in prison for violating his probation and Dr. Dre left the label to start his own imprint, Aftermath Entertainment. Snoop Dogg also faced legal troubles and accusations of being disloyal to the label. He eventually left Death Row in 1998 and signed with No Limit Records, founded by Master P.
Snoop Dogg said he had no hard feelings towards Suge Knight and that they were able to reconcile their differences over the years.He also said he was thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the Death Row brand, which he said has immense untapped future value.
“I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me.”
Snoop Dogg did not disclose the terms of the deal, but it is speculated that he paid a hefty sum to buy the brand from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by private equity funds managed by Blackstone, a leading global investment firm.MNRK Music Group acquired Death Row Records in 2019 from Hasbro, the toy company that bought it from Entertainment One for $4 billion.
Suge Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for killing a man with his car and injuring another in 2015, reportedly had no negative reaction to Snoop Dogg’s acquisition of Death Row Records.According to his son, Suge Knight Jr., his father was happy that the brand was coming back to the West Coast and that he hoped they could work together in the future.
“Suge is cool with it,” Suge Knight Jr.told TMZ. “He’s happy just like everyone else. He kind of knew beforehand that this was going to happen. This, to me, is like a silent victory because I spoke to all of these executives myself and pitched the ideas for merchandising for rebranding.”
He added that his father was not punching the air or feeling bitter about losing his former label.He also said that Hip Hop is like WWE and that fans create narratives that are not true about the relationships between artists and executives.
“People just don’t understand that,” he said. “I hope people understand we’re not punching the air, we’re working. Hopefully we’re all on the same page.”
Snoop Dogg has not revealed his plans for Death Row Records yet, but fans are hoping that he will re-release some of the classic albums from the label’s catalog and sign new talent to carry on its legacy. Some are also wondering if he will collaborate with Dr. Dre again or release some unreleased material from Tupac or other artists.
Whatever he decides to do, Snoop Dogg has made history by taking over one of the most influential and controversial labels in Hip Hop history. And it seems that he has done so with the blessing of his former boss and friend, Suge Knight.
Snoop Dogg has been a part of several record labels throughout his career. According to the web search results, some of them are:
- Death Row Records: This is the label that launched his career in the 1990s, along with Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, and others.He recently acquired the brand from MNRK Music Group.
- No Limit Records: This is the label that he signed with in 1998, after leaving Death Row Records. He released three albums under this label, which was founded by Master P.
- Priority Records: This is the label that he signed with in 2002, after leaving No Limit Records. He released one album under this label, Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss.
- Geffen Records: This is the label that he signed with in 2004, after leaving Priority Records. He released three albums under this label, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, and Ego Trippin’.
- Doggystyle Records: This is the label that he founded in 1995, as a subsidiary of Death Row Records. He later relaunched it as an independent label in 2000. He has released several albums and mixtapes under this label, as well as signing other artists such as Tha Eastsidaz, Soopafly, and Kurupt.
- Gamma Record Label: This is the label that he recently teamed up with to release two solo albums.The label is backed by $1 billion USD in capital and is run by former Apple executive Larry Jackson
Snoop Dogg is one of the most iconic and influential rappers of all time, with a long and successful career that spans several decades and genres. He has released many popular songs that have become classics in hip-hop culture and beyond. Some of his most popular songs are:
- Gin And Juice: This is one of Snoop Dogg’s breakthrough hits from his debut album Doggystyle, released in 1993. The song features his smooth flow over a funky beat, with lyrics that describe his party lifestyle.The song’s catchy chorus and timeless beat have made it a go-to choice for any party playlist.
- Drop It Like It’s Hot: This is one of Snoop Dogg’s most successful singles, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The song features Pharrell Williams on the hook and production, creating an irresistible groove with a minimalist beat.The song was released in 2004 as the lead single from his seventh album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece.
- Who Am I (What’s My Name)?: This is another classic track from Snoop Dogg’s debut album Doggystyle, released as the lead single in 1993.The song showcases his effortless delivery and clever wordplay, with a catchy hook that asks “Who am I? What’s my name?” The song also samples George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog”, adding to its funkiness.
- California Gurls: This is a collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Katy Perry, released in 2010 as the lead single from Perry’s third album Teenage Dream. The song is a pop anthem that pays tribute to the women of California, with Snoop Dogg adding his rap verses to the mix.The song was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- Young, Wild And Free: This is another collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, featuring Bruno Mars on the chorus. The song was released in 2011 as the first single from the soundtrack of the film Mac And Devin Go To High School, starring Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa.The song is a feel-good tune that celebrates living life to the fullest, with a catchy chorus and a reggae-inspired beat.
Snoop Dogg’s real name isCalvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.. He was born on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, U.S.He is also known by other names such as Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Lion, Bigg Snoop Dogg, Dogg Father, Snoop Rock, DJ Snoopadelic, Snoopzilla, and FaZe Snoop.He is one of the most famous and influential rappers of all time, with a long and successful career that spans several decades and genres
Who Is Snoop Dogg’s Wife ?
Snoop Dogg is married to his wife, Shante Broadus.They have been married since 1997 and have three children together.They met when they were teenagers at Long Beach Polytechnic High School in California and have been through many ups and downs in their relationship.They even renewed their vows in 2008 at singer Charlie Wilson’s ranch.Snoop Dogg has said that his wife is his final gut check and that he wouldn’t be where he is today without he.Shante Broadus is also his official manager and oversees all of his businesses, from his music to his cannabis line.She is the founder of Boss Lady Entertainment, a label and a recording studio management company.She also works with their son Cordell and daughter Cori, who are pursuing music careers like their father. Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus are a power couple in the hip-hop industry and beyond.
