Snoop Dogg has acquired the iconic hip-hop label Death Row Records, with the rapper set to take over as label head.
The label was launched in the early 90s by co-founders Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, the D.O.C. and Dick Griffey, with Dre’s The Chronic its first release in 1992. In addition to records by 2Pac, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger and more, Death Row released two of Snoop’s early albums – 1993’s Doggystyle, 1996’s Tha Doggfather – before he parted ways with the label.
“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 commented in a press 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. I would like to personally thank the teams at Blackstone, MNRK and especially David Kestnbaum, who worked collaboratively with me over several months to make this exciting homecoming a reality. I’m looking forward to building the next chapter of Death Row Records.”
Chris Taylor, President and CEO of MNRK Music Group, who previously owned the label, added: “Snoop is clearly the executive to take Death Row into its next 30 years. MNRK has been honored to oversee this legendary brand over the last decade and enjoyed introducing it to millions of new fans in 2021 through our award-winning 30th anniversary marketing campaign.”
The acquisition comes in conjunction with the news Snoop will be releasing a new album, B.O.D.R. (Bacc on Death Row) this Sunday, 13th February. The rapper will also perform alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar the same day as part of the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.
