Death row records

1987-1992 History timeline

Dr dre and also Suge knight along with D.O.C and Dick griffey began the process of starting a record label.Dr dre went through a challenge with his previous record label Ruthless records he felt like Jerry Heller was cheating. Starting a new label was a good start for him.Their original name was actually called Future shock but then they decided to go with Death row .When you hear the name Death row it’s quite scary.The name is eye catching .The name was actually owned by the Unknown dj he was one of Dr dre Music associates during the 1980’s.Unknown dj wanted to start a label with that name under Morgan Creek.

Unknown dj then later sold the rights of the name to Dr dre and his partners in 1991.And in 1992 the name was  officially Death row records.They also created a parent company called Godfather Entertainment.

1992-1995 Chronic ,Doggystyle and more….

Kenner helped sign inner city California based artists.And also arranged the soundtrack for Deep cover released in 1992.The single Deep cover.It was a song with Snoop dogg and Dr dre.Dr dre already came from a successful group called N.W.A and Snoop dog was making a name for himself as an artist.

The chronic was dr Dre solo album and it featured Snoop dog as a constant feature.And by 1992 interscope records  negotiated a 10 million deal with Dr dre and Suge knight.To finance and distribute Death row.The meeting and Negotiation was arranged by Mcclain.He met dr dre while he was recording The chronic.The plan was actually to release it through Sony.Because of Death row controversy. They decided to pass on.The chronic was released in December of 1992.The distribution agreement was with Priority records.The album sold 5.7 million records worldwide.When a group separates. They go and release their own Solo Music.

Dr dre knew what his audience wanted .And that why he found success.Death row has artist like Dre, Snoop, Daz, Kurupt, Nate Dogg, The Lady of Rage, The D.O.C., Jewell, RBX, Soopafly and many more …...

Snoop dogg charge

Snoop dogg found success with his features.And released his own album called Doggystyle and it was released in 1993.There was a lot of demand when it comes to his album.That why it was released.Snoop dog was was doing well with his features.The album did even better then Dr Dre previous album it went Quadruple Platinum.Snoop dog was charged with Murder in 1993  .This article gives more information

And in 1996 he beat the case.There was debates by American politicians like C. Delores Tucker , Dan quayle about their degrading music when it comes to Black women and encouraging violence.1994 Death row records released soundtracks Above the Rim and Murder Was the Case.November 22 1994 Suge knight and several artist distributed 2000 turkeys to the public.And in 1995 Death row hosted a private party .Suge knight then travelled to New york city for the Source Awards Ceremony.During the stage time he used that time to disparage Sean Puffy Combs . He is the Ceo of Bad boy records.He also gave support to 2pac

Suge knight criticized Diddy when it comes to consistently making appearances in his Artist Music videos.Suge then made a suggestion when it comes to inviting Artist who want the spotlight to join Death row records.

East coast vs West coast beef

During Jermaine dupri birthday party in Atlanta . Bad boy entourage got into a dispute with Suge and Suge’s friend Jai Hassan-Jamal “Big Jake” Robles, a Campanella Park Piru Bloods gang member and Death Row bodyguard.Puff and Suge got into a heated dispute according to eye witnesses.This led to Robles getting shot.October 1995 Suge knight visited 2Pac in prison and posted a 1.4 million bond.

2pac was then working with Death row records on his album.He started with Hit em up.That song when it comes to the diss .There were so many bars on there.People were shocked. he went hard on there with the disses.His album with Death row records it’s called California love and it was released in December of 1995.He also insulted Puff daddy there was accusation on their parts.Setting him up to be robbed and shot at Quad Studios on November 30 1994.The label then continued to have success with Tha dogg pounds album Dogg food.Kurupt and Daz Dillinger collaborated with Snoop dogg to make fun of New york rappers.

The song then provoked a response with a song called ‘”L.A., L.A.” by East Coast rappers Capone-N-Noreaga, Tragedy Khadafi, and Mobb Deep.There were some disputes that were going on in the label when it comes to disagreements.Other Death row artist decided to leave RBX and the D.O.C.Suge knight then begun getting control.Dr dre grew tired of Suge knight.Dr dre contributed to 2 of 2pac album songs on All eyez on me.They were mostly produced by Daz Dillinger and Johnny J.2pac then continued with having verbal wars with people like Notorious B.I.G., Bad Boy Records, Puff Daddy, Mobb Deep, and Prodigy.

It turned into violent confrontations.On march 22 1996 Dr dre left Death row records.And founded a new one called Aftermath.This provoked 2pac into turning against him.Suge knight relationship with MC hammer goes way back to 1988.With the success of his album called The funky headhunter he got signed to Death row records in 1995.The label didn’t release his album.He did release some songs on his album called “Too Late Playa” along with Big daddy kane and also Danny boy.

2PAC Death ,Suge knight Incarceration , Fall off of the label

2Pac died September 13 1996 he was only 25 years old.He was shot 4 times in the front seat . As of now a suspect has been arrested an article is here

https://abcnews.go.com/US/exclusive-jailhouse-abc-interview-tupac-shakur-murder-suspect/story?id=119501261

After the death of 2PAC Mc hammer left the label .Before when you read the article at the beginning it seemes to be some sort of unity.However now everybody was now working on their own thing Daz, now head producer, worked on Snoop Dogg’s second album Tha Doggfather, which featured Bad Azz and Techniec of the LBC Crew, Warren G and Nate Dogg of his group 213 and Tha Dogg Pound.There was a discussion for Death row east. Craig mack was suppose to be the first artist to be signed.

2pac 5 album called “The Don Killuminati: 7 Day Theory” was released in November of 1996.This was a week before Snoop dog album Tha doggfather.Which achieved multi platinum sales.Snoop and 2 pac were doing really well on the label.And that why you would always see them together.And snoop dog took it hard when 2 pac died here is the video:

The following months Death row released Death Row Greatest Hits, Christmas on Death Row, Gridlock’d, and Gang Related. Nate Dogg’s album, G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1.February 28 Suge knight was convicted of probation.This caused Interscope to drop their distribution deal.Suge knight  control over the label was dissappearing.Nate dogg left.And then it was Snoop dog and also Kurupt.The lady of rage left after she released her solo album called Necessary roughness and this was to pursue an acting career.Michel’le with Hung Jury also did it too.Daz dillinger also left after the release of the album called Retaliation Revenge and Get back.During suge knight incarceration Suge Knight Represents: Chronic 2000 and Too Gangsta for Radio was released.Both albums had people like Tha Realest and YGD Tha Top Dogg.Listeners criticized the label for signing new  artists that were imitating Snoop dogg and also 2 pac.

Suge knight release

After his release in August of 2006 Suge knight launched a campaign against Snoop dogg.And his former Artists.Snoop dog and him were exchanging death threats.Snoop dogg dissed Suge knight and left the label.And released a diss track called Pimp slapp’d.The labels had to still support themselves so they were releasing 2pac albums.Along with Dr dre and Snoop dogg.He signed a new talent called Crooked I.Kurupt signed with Suge knight for the exchange of being a vice president.This sparked conflict between him Daz and Snoop.He began to work on Against the grain.

The same year Suge knight entered the uk market.He operated as an independent label.He first signed Mark morrison to a 5 year deal with Death row records.With a song called Thank God it’s friday.And also an album called Innocent man.The album wasn’t released and also the song didn’t chart.This was a risky move to bring Death row records to the Uk.But at the same time it was a good idea.Left eye member of tlc was signed to death row records.Her album was called Supernova and it was released in the year 2001.At this time the name was changed to Tha row records.

Left eye was working on 2 other albums and one was leaked in 2011.Suge knight was promoting his new talent from prison.By this time Suge knight has not released any new albums for his new artists.Kurupt wasn’t satisfied with the label and how things were going.He served 5 years and after that he left.A lot of the new artist were not happy.And the main issues is that Death row records was on the decline.And that the reason why it wasn’t becoming successful.After they had lost there most successful acts.It was hard to emulate that success again.Petey pablo left and also Tha realest.

The decline BANKRUPTCY

In 2006 Death row records and Suge knight signed for Bankruptcy .Suge knight then lost control.And his personal assetts us well.And in 2009 Death row records was auctioned for 18 million.Widewake issued material for artist who never released their music like Kurupt, Danny Boy, Crooked I, Sam Sneed, LBC Crew, Jewell and O.F.T.B. Dr. Dre’s, The Chronic Re-Lit was released on September 1, 2009

Legacy / Revival

Ahead of the Superbowl in 2022.Snoop dogg announced that he would acquire the rights of Death Row Records trademarks from MNRK Music Group (the renamed eOne Music).The sale didn’t include the right of the label catalog.Febraury 11 2022 Snoop dog released his third album on death row records called Tha doggfather.His purchase of Death row records didn’t include the rights of Tupac and Dr dre.Their rights went back to Interscope records.

April 18 2022 it was announced that Death row records would have it’s own streaming service.December 2022 Snoop dogg sold a stake of Death row catalogue to a label called Gamma.Death row catalogue returned to all music streaming service March 9 2023.

Death row records peak

• The label was making over a 100 million annually
• Selling 150 million albums wordwide
• Generated close to 750 million close to it’s lifetime
• Dr dre album opened the success

Influence

Death row records teaches us to be be authentically ourselves. and don’t compromise who you are.Dr dre Snoop dogg and Kurrupt were always authentically themselves.And were not trying to change who they were.Tupac the reason why people liked him is because of the fact that he talked about real life issues in his music.Of course he had the beef with Biggie smalls and Puff daddy.However , his music was relatable and written really well.Snoop dogg also gave us that fun edge.That people truly enjoyed and loved very much.He had this cool aura when it comes to his rap.

Dr dre paved the way for Death row records to have the opportunity to sign more and more artist.Snoop and Tupac basically kept the light on.Death row records is still here and working.The artist that we have today is really different from the past.Especially with the rise of Tik tok.How does that even work.People like Tupac and Snoop dog were able to have long term careers.And people are still listening to their Music and supporting them.How does that work  in this generation.People move on very quickly and they don’t focus themselves on one artist.

Young people can learn to be more creative instead of copying from others.From that point they know that they can be making the best music ever.Music has to be written in a way that connect with other people beyond having a good song.Some people say the most important thing is selling.And that is true .However , you need to make sure that the listeners has some sort of attachment to the artist.That how they are able to have longevity in their careers .Because the truth is that you can easily become forgotten.Especially in this day in age and then no one cares anymore..It become tough to get an audience back.

Snoop dogg and Suge knight tensions…..

Snoop dog then signed to No limit records in 1998.Snoop left Death row records.Suge knight while he was in jail he allegedly threatened Snoop.Snoop dogg then later confirmed that in a rollingstone 2006 interview.Suge knight was facing legal troubles.And also Death row records collapsing.Snoop dogg then called Suge knight a Rat on a song called Shut yo B*** A ** U*.It was in the album called Iz it a crime.Members of new Death row also released their own song and there was a diss at Snoop Tha row (Yall hoes)

Snnop dog in a 2023 Interview he confirmed that they were cool again.They had that conversation behind closed doors.”We were man enough to have that conversation closed doors”.Suge knight then was arrested again in 2015 .And snoop was doing his own thing.And was sentenced to 28 years in prison.Suge knight definitely needs it own article on it’s own when you look at all of the problems that he has had.People like Snoop and Dr dre are enjoying the fruits of their own labour .And suge knight can’t because of his troubles.It’s interesting to see how other people life turns out.

After snoop dog bought the ownership of Death row.Suge knight felt a way because of the fact that.he said it was him that created Death row records.Because at the time Snoop dog and 2Pac were the Artist on there.He feels like Snoop dog can’t make Death row records a success like he made it.He also criticised Snoop dog for killing the West coast sound.He feels like Hip hop right now isn’t good.And we should be trying to make Hip hop better.He also feels like Snoop dog doesn’ truly own it..He asked snoop to show him the Paperwork.

Snoop then responded to Suge knight with  a Diss track.Claiming that he felt a way because he owns evertyhing that he wanted to own and that on his Diss track called Shut yo B A Up.He claims that Suge knight is a Rat.It’s interestig because Suge and Snoop were cool until he bought the ownership of it.Ownership and money can really come in between friendships.And that is a real thing.The Music business is all about money .And if the money comes in between your friendship it can be hard to bounce from that look at people like Dame dash and Jayz and their rocky relationship.

Hip hop being destroyed.Right now it’s in a different phase when it comes to its own success.It’s trying to find who they are again.Because Tik tok has infleunced the sound of hip hop.And the time that Death row was starting.Social media didn’t even exist and it was a different time.We have to figure out ways to make it better.Because Hip hop needs more variety .However , when it comes to Hip hop.There are Artist that make authentic songs However , they are not giving the opportunity its’ pretty hard for them to blow and become successful.That why many people music sound the same.

Notable Death Row Records Quotes

• “I gotta own the masters. We gotta own the masters.”At this point they were negotiating with Interscope records.And of course they want to make sure that they get the best deals  for the label.And also for themselves to.That was very important for them.
• “To all you artists out there, who don’t wanna be on a record label where the executive producer’s…all up in the videos, all on the records, dancin’…then come to Death Row!”This was during the time that Suge knight was Blasting Diddy.And it was at the 1995 Source awards.
• Of all the artists on Death Row, none of them went bankrupt.”This is when Suge knight was blasting snoop dog.Many artist when they sign to labels.They are not always happy .Because they feel like they are being taken advantage of.And that can be true.When it comes to the type of deals that they sign .It’s not always good.And then it becomes like the TLC situation.
• Suge Knight: “Whatcha gonna call that bullshit?” Dr. Dre: “Aftermath.”This is when Dr dre first left the label.To start his own.When you have different people and their personalities come in.There are so many things that could happen.
• “When I walked in, I could just feel like he wasn’t even there and I fainted”.This is when Snoop dog was talking about Tupac.When Tupac Dies it’s almost like the world died.It was a very sad situation.And there hasn’t been anyone that could have created the impact that he did when it comes to his Music.His Music is really good.And it help out a lot of people out a lot.
• Jerry heller said that Dr dre only made 86,000 from Ruthless and that motivated him to start Death row records.That crazy when you look at the amount.Because they had a lot of talent.
• Dr dre was always when it comes to his perfectionism in the Studio time.When your producing Music .You have to make sure that you do a really good job at it.So that you can have a lucrative career in it.When you look at people like Dr dre , Timbaland and even Quincy Jones.It’s not surprising that they are loved and supported even after over 30 years.They make music that people will like and support.That why they have been able to become successful.

Death Row Records has been a long ride . Are we going to see iconic labels like this in the Music industry with an edge.Maybe not because the Talent and the standard as of now it’s not as High as it once use to.The expectation was much higher.However , things have changed.And there are so many things that you would have to do.Making sure that your recruting Talent that has careers over 30 years.Can be hard.Because where do you find does people.Some people say become Old school and start looking for them all over the world.And that is not the easiest thing to do.That can be hard especially when you  starting out  and trying to make a name for yourserf.How do you get yourself discovered.?