Death Row Records

Snoop Dogg Admits Dr. Dre Didn’t Like That The Doggfather Brought Death Row Records

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Snoop Dogg recently opened up about the tension that arose between him and Dr. Dre following his decision to acquire Death Row Records. In a candid interview with AP News, the iconic rapper revealed that his longtime mentor was initially wary of the move. Snoop purchased the storied label from MNRK Music Group, formerly eOne Music, in 2022—a milestone that marked a full-circle moment in his career but stirred skepticism among those closest to him. For context, Death Row Records faced a turbulent history before Snoop’s acquisition.

The label filed for bankruptcy in 2006 and was subsequently sold to WIDEawake Entertainment Group in 2009. When WIDEawake declared bankruptcy, Death Row changed hands again, eventually becoming a division of Hasbro before eOne was bought by Blackstone in 2021. By the time Snoop took control, the label’s financial struggles had cast a long shadow over its legacy. Dr. Dre’s initial reaction reflected those concerns. “Oh, he didn’t like it,” Snoop admitted bluntly. “He was torn up about it. He didn’t like it.”

Read more: Biggest Hip-Hop Moments Of 2024

Snoop Dogg Says Dr. Dre Didn’t Like That He Brought Death Row Records

According to Snoop, Dre and others questioned why he would choose to take on what appeared to be a financial and reputational burden. “To them, it looked like, ‘Why is he buying a bag of problems when he’s already successful? Why bring that back into his life?’” Snoop explained. But for Snoop, the acquisition went beyond business. It was a matter of legacy and redemption. “They didn’t understand what I saw,” he said. “I saw my legacy. Saw unfinished business that needed to be handled. I wanted to put some life into Death Row—some beautiful music and happy moments to redefine what it stood for.”

Over time, Dr. Dre’s perspective shifted. Snoop shared that his mentor eventually became one of the label’s biggest advocates. “He loves it now,” Snoop said with a grin. “He’s down with it. I even got him asking for a Death Row jacket.” Since taking the reins, Snoop has brought back iconic artists like The Eastsidaz and Tha Dogg Pound while signing new talent, including standout R&B artist October London. Additionally, he and Dr. Dre recently released their collaborative album, Missionary, under the Death Row banner, cementing the label’s renewed presence in today’s music landscape.

Read more: Hip-Hop Albums That Grew On Us The Most In 2024

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Death Row Records Announces Compilation Album ‘Death Row Revue’

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After an incredible year, Death Row Records is carrying its momentum into 2025, announcing the highly anticipated compilation album Death Row Revue, set to drop on January 3rd. The project celebrates the legendary label’s revitalized energy under Snoop Dogg, highlighting its roster of powerhouse newcomers and industry veterans with a diverse blend of R&B, hip-hop, soul, and mariachi.

Following a series of releases, including Jenn Em’s empowering “I’m Ready” and the star-studded holiday anthem “Christmas on Death Row,” the third and final preview from the upcoming project, “I Can’t Recall It,” takes center stage. This soulful duet from Jane Handcock and Charlie Bereal explores themes of confusion, searching, and the elusive clarity of life’s mysteries. Produced by Bereal and Josef Liemberg, the track highlights the effortless chemistry between the two, blending hypnotic melodies, poignant lyrics, and groovy production into a captivating listening experience.

Stay tuned for an unforgettable year ahead, as Death Row Records and its artists continue to make waves and redefine the game!

DEATH ROW REVUE TRACKLIST

  1. I’m Ready – Jenn Em (prod. by Charlie Bereal & Josef Liemberg)
  2. Just Keep Movin’ – Point 5ve (prod. by Kanobby)
  3. Wife Soul – Charlie Bereal (prod. by Charlie Bereal & Josef Liemberg)
  4. I Can’t Waste My Time – Tha Engineers (prod. by Shon Lawon & Kanobby)
  5. Sooner or Later – Tonio Armani (prod. by Shoutout To DFord)
  6. You Don’t Even Know Me – Philosophy (prod. by Soopafly)
  7. Unbelievable – King George ft. Snoop Dogg (prod. by Kanobby)
  8. Special Kind of Fool – Danny Boy (prod. by Soopafly)
  9. La Posada – Julian Torres y Mariachi Cenzotle (prod. by Julian Torres)
  10. Christmas on Death Row – The Death Row All Stars (prod. by Dae One & Cot T)
  11. Finally Free – Butch Cassidy ft. Lisa Carmichael & Lena Irving (prod. by Dae One)
  12. I Can’t Recall It – JANE HANDCOCK & Charlie Bereal (prod. by Charlie Bereal & Josef Liemberg)

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Dr .Dre Released His Solo Debut LP ‘The Chronic’ 32 years Ago

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On this date in 1992, Dr. Dre released his debut solo album The Chronic on his own Death Row Records imprint, which was distributed by Priority Records. This album introduced the world to the Death Row experience, G-Funk infused Hip Hop and the one and only Snoop Doggy Dogg.

Recorded in Death Row Studios in L.A., The Chronic album was created under the influence of some of the most powerful marijuana in the United States during that time, hence, the title. It was also fueled by Dre’s relentless passion to show his former crewmates from N.W.A. that he could make it on his own as well as prove to the world that he could do more than just make dope beats.

Timeless tracks where Dre shined on the lyrical side include “Let Me Ride”, “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” along with Snoop, and “The Day The Niggaz Took Over”, where Daz, Dre, and RBX went in about racial tensions during the 1992 L.A. riots.

Even with its conceptual perfection and trailblazing sound, which left an open market for artists like The Dogg Pound, 213, and Warren G., The Chronic is still Dre’s second best-selling album behind The Chronic: 2001, which went sextuple platinum.

Salute to everyone at Death Row Records who contributed to this gangsta rap classic! Cali love!!

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Death Row Records Released ‘Christmas On Death Row’ LP 28 Years Ago

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On this date in 1996, Death Row Records, led by then CEO Suge Knight, dropped an exclusive Christmas project for the holiday season. Sadly, this album was released just shy of three months after the tragic shooting death of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas.

The album featured all of Death Row’s favorite acts including Michel’le, who at the time was involved with Knight, Snoop Dogg and The Dogg Pound, Nate Dogg, Danny Boy and several other up and coming artists on the label. The star-studded line-up rehashed many Christmas soul classics and carols including “Silver Bells,” “Frosty Thee Snowman,” and “White Christmas.” With 200K in sales, the virtually unheard of album didn’t do too bad. The best part was that it was reportedly all for charity.

Salute to the entire Death Row for releasing this under the radar Hip-Hop classic!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Death Row Records Released ‘Christmas On Death Row’ LP 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Today In Hip Hop History: Snoop Dogg Dropped His Debut Album ‘Doggystyle’ 31 Years Ago

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On this date in 1993, Calvin Broadus Jr. aka Snoop Doggy Dogg released his highly anticipated first album Doggystyle on Death Row Records. This was the label’s first full-length project by a solo artist, which was piggybacking on the success of Death Row’s last release, The Chronic, the Dr. Dre album where many had just heard Snoop for the first time.

Doggystyle, which was produced exclusively by Snoop’s mentor, Dr. Dre, huddled around the concept of the “dogg”, with the animated cover and cartoon insert of a street-wise hound that wanted by the opps and the “bitches” for his “doggystyle”, which of course, is a famous sex position.

Some of the album’s leading tracks include the x-rated “It Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” featuring childhood friend Nate Dogg and then recently formed Dogg Pound, Daz and Kurupt, the Slick Rick ode “Lodi Dodi” and the world-famous alcoholic anthem “Gin And Juice”.

Even with a four mic rating, Source staff writer Reginald Dennis said that the album escaped the coveted Five Mic rating because he felt like it was “rushed”, but nonetheless, with the introduction of such a monumental artist coupled with the authenticity of the gang-ridden West Coast streets, this album is by far one of the most pivotal albums of the 90s, even before the East Coast/West Coast rivalry, which came at least two years later. Salute to Snoop, Dre, the Dogg Pound, The Lady Of Rage, RBX, Suge, and the rest of the legendary Death Row for putting together this classic album!

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Dr. Dre Is ‘So Happy’ That Snoop Dogg Purchased Death Row Records Despite All The ‘Bullsh*t Following It’

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Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s collaborative relationship goes way back. Next month, rap’s new generation will experience their musical magic on their forthcoming album, Missionary. But for the two hip-hop legends, it all dates back to Death Row Records days.

The legacy label is certainly making a comeback thanks to Snoop Dogg’s purchase of it back in 2022. During a live taping of Drink Champs, Dr. Dre praised his longtime friend’s business decision. While chatting in front of the ComplexCon 2024 Las Vegas Convention Center crowd, Dr. Dre shared his feelings on the acquisition (viewable here, courtesy of HipHopDX).

“Let me tell you something, man. I was so upset when I heard that Snoop was doing the Death Row sh*t at the beginning,” he said. “Like, ‘N****, that shit has so much bullsh*t following it.’”

He continued, saying: “But now, I’m so happy about it and so impressed at what my brother’s doing because he’s taken the thing that we created and brought it back to life. I see his vision now. I appreciate it, and I’m proud of it.”

Moved by Dr. Dre’s semintental comments, Snoop Dogg replied with a touching response. “That made me feel good,” she said. “Thank y’all. Y’all tryna make a n**** cry.”

Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur’s First Posthumous Album ‘Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory’ Was Released 28 Years Ago

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On this date in 1996, Tupac Amaru Shakur posthumously released the final album of his illustrious career.

26 years ago today, just two months after the untimely murder of Tupac on the Las Vegas strip alongside Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight, the fifth and final album, Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, was released. Recognized as ‘Pac’s most influential body of work, the Killuminati album was not only his most controversial, but its concept still has many of his fans believing that ‘Pac is still alive. Besides his beef with Nas, Jay-Z, B.I.G., and almost any relevant New York rapper you can think of, the album hinges on the life of Makaveli, a play on the name of Italian writer and philosopher Nicollo Machiavelli, who is believed to have staged his own death.

The album was originally set to be dropped in March of 1997, but after Shakur was killed, Death Row boss Suge Knight released the album four months later. Ironically, Brooklyn rap rival Notorious B.I.G. was shot down in Los Angeles, California on March 9, 1997.

The album, recorded in 12 days in August 1996, hosted a list of timeless, classic singles including “Hail Mary”, “Me And My Girlfriend” and “Against All Odds”; all of which were remade by premiere artists after Shakur’s death. The 5X platinum album has been listed as one of the top-selling Hip Hop albums of all time.

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Death Row’s Danny Boy Returns With “My Everything” Featuring Snoop Dogg

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Legendary R&B and soul singer Danny Boy makes his highly anticipated return with his latest single, “My Everything,” featuring Snoop Dogg. Released today via Death Row/gamma.

The new track showcases Danny Boy’s signature vocal prowess and emotional depth that fans have come to love over the years. Produced by Mike & Keys, the track brings back the nostalgic warmth of a classic ’90s R&B love song. Released just before his wife’s birthday, Snoop Dogg pens a heartfelt dedication to her, honoring their love and devotion while celebrating their lasting bond.

Danny Boy’s latest release marks a pivotal moment in his storied career, celebrating his return to Death Row Records, the iconic label where he first rose to fame at just 16. Renowned for his soulful vocals on Tupac’s platinum hits like “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” and “Picture Me Rollin’,” Danny Boy was a key figure during West Coast hip-hop’s golden contributing his powerful voice to classics by MC Hammer, Twista, and Crucial Conflict. In 2010, he dropped his long-awaited debut LP, It’s About Time, a 15-track album featuring contributions from Roger Troutman, Jodeci’s DeVante Swing and JoJo, and DJ Quik, who handled much of its production. Danny Boy’s journey is filled with resilience and triumph, solidifying his place as one of R&B’s most powerful and iconic voices.

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Today in Hip Hop History: Eazy-E Released ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’ 31 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Eazy-E released his second solo EP It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa. Released one year after his first EP and a long five years after his debut album Eazy-Duz-It, this album was a response to Dr. Dre’s prolific debut The Chronic. Tensions became high between the two NWA heavyweights and after the group’s 1991 split, the beef became public.

The West Coast was in a state of civil war. After NWA’s explosive breakup, its ex-members spared no time to air out their grievances on every other record they released. With Ice Cube attacking the Ruthless Records infrastructure and Dr. Dre siding with the enemy (Suge Knight and Death Row) to bring down all Eazy had built, there was no choice but for Eazy-E to respond as he did. He used the bulk of this album to state his opinion on Dr. Dre and his street authenticity, with each of the eight tracks on the EP attacking Dre’s image, originality, past, and current status in the rap game.

Aside from the disrespect that served as the core of this project, Eazy-E truly flexed his musical muscles with every track. Whether the inspiration surged from his emotional reaction to what was going with his ex-bandmates or simply from him being a seasoned veteran of gangsta rap is uncertain. What can be seen and heard however is that Eazy-E ate his Wheaties before hopping on the microphone to lay down this EP. With this project, we hear Eazy more comfortable with his own flow and who knows exactly where his lane is and how to be the fastest in it. As his final completed work in life, it is a great depiction of his growth and maturity as an artist.

Commercially, the album was a success. Peaking at #5 on the Billboard 200 and claiming the #1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart,  It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa sold 110,600 copies in it’s first week and was certified double platinum in 1994.

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Method Man Says Snoop Dogg Should Be The “Ambassador” Of Music

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Method Man shared an immense amount of praise for Snoop Dogg during an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, earlier this week. Speaking with Smith, the legendary rapper explained that Snoop has become bigger than just an artist and described him as a “franchise.”

“Snoop has transcended rapper. He has transcended artist,” he said. “Snoop is a franchise now. He should just be an ambassador for our music, period. Or hold classes on how to broaden your horizons, how to master different trades how to market yourself. Because Snoop is doing incredible things and we’re looking at more than 30 years, Stephen. 30 years and he doesn’t even have to drop music and that’s the beauty of it!”

Read More: Method Man & Snoop Dogg Flex OG Status On “Eastside”

Method Man & Snoop Dogg Pose Together At TBS’ Drop the Mic & The Joker’s Wild Premiere Party

HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 11: Hosts Method Man (L) and Snoop Dogg at TBS’ Drop the Mic and The Joker’s Wild Premiere Party at Dream Hotel on October 11, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Shoot ID 26854_010 (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for TBS)

It’s far from the first time Method Man has shared his love for Snoop Dogg. During an interview with Drink Champs, last month, he remarked that Snoop is his dream collaboration, despite already working with the Death Row Records owner. “I already did something with these guys but I’m gonna use it again: Snoop and Dre,” he said on the show. “Every time I work with Dre, I feel like I need a do-over. The first time I was in the studio with him physically there, that chronic [hits] different. I spit a verse but it wasn’t up to par for me, so Dre was gracious enough not to put it out. The second shot I got is for the Dre and Snoop joint coming up. Woo! He got a lot of fire sh*t on there, man.”

Method Man Discusses Snoop Dogg’s Success

Check out Method Man’s full interview with Stephen A. Smith below. In other news, he made headlines, earlier this year, for his performance at Summer Jam after which he remarked on social media that the audience was “not our crowd.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Method Man on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Shares “The Algorithm” Ft. Method Man, Redman, Mary J. Blige, Ice Cube, Fabolous & More

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