Death Row Records Archives - Page 3 of 11

Goodie Mob Reflects On Hearing Tupac’s “Hit Em Up” Before Its Release

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Goodie Mob, the iconic hip-hop group, recently took a trip down memory lane. They sat down in an interview with HipHopDX and shared stories. They reminisced about a pivotal moment in their past when they were privy to 2Pac’s now legendary diss track, “Hit ‘Em Up,” before its official release. During the interview with HipHopDX, Big Gipp shared insights into the atmosphere surrounding that time, shedding light on the tension within the industry and their connections to both camps involved. “I think the 2Pac song was just so incredible because of the time and the space that we heard it in,” Big Gipp expressed. He captured the essence of a moment that resonated deeply with the hip-hop community. The context, both within the industry and the relationships they held with both camps, added a layer of complexity to their experience. It was, as Gipp described, a very peculiar time.

Reflecting on the impact of “Hit ‘Em Up,” Gipp continued, “But to hear that record at the time, it was the smash that we thought it was when he played it. It was the rawest record that we heard at that time.” Gipp’s words paint a vivid picture of the raw energy and authenticity that emanated from 2Pac’s unreleased track, capturing the essence of a moment that would go down in hip-hop history. Acknowledging the skepticism that surrounded the track for years, Gipp asserted, “A lot of people, for 20 years, said that he was lyin’, but now we know he wasn’t lyin’.” This revelation adds a layer of vindication to 2Pac’s authenticity, affirming that the content of “Hit ‘Em Up” was, indeed, a raw and unfiltered expression of the truth.

Goodie Mob On Tupac’s “Hit Em Up”

“Everything about that record was true,” Gipp concluded, emphasizing the realness encapsulated in 2Pac’s words. The interview provides a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the hip-hop world during a time of intense rivalry and creative fervor. Gipp’s reflection on such moments highlights the respect and reverence these artists have for each other, even in the face of industry tension.

In essence, the interview dives into the impact of 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up.” Furthermore it also offers a poignant reminder of the power of music to encapsulate and express the complex emotions and realities of life, both within and beyond the studio. What are your thoughts on this topic? Let us know on
HNHH!

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped His Debut Solo LP ‘The Chronic’ 31 Years Ago

December 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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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!!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped His Debut Solo LP ‘The Chronic’ 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Treach & Scarface’s “Special Bond” With 2Pac Gets Big Love From Suge Knight

December 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Suge Knight recently spoke on the bond that Treach and Scarface shared with 2Pac during the 1990s. “I wanna say this about Pac, I wanna say this about Treach, I wanna say this about Scarface. These three young men, as artists and men, have a bond that we need to teach and people need to use their model. Treach and 2Pac was road dogs. Still today, you can count on Treach to represent Pac. You can count on Treach to live with Pac far as he still represent that man. Same thing with Scarface … Face is gonna fuck with Pac no matter what, that’s why I was joyful when we did that song with Face and Pac, “Smile”,” Suge said on his podcast.

Suge didn’t express the same love for Snoop Dogg. In a previous episode of the podcast, Suge “demanded” answers from Snoop over Pac’s death. “As far as the Puffy situation, I really, really, really gotta have a real conversation with Snoop. I knew that ‘Pac did everything right by him by putting him on All Eyez On Me, speaking about him and being real with him. And if it’s true what they say, face-to-face it’s gonna be a lot of explaining to do,” Suge said. Furthermore, he claimed that Snoop did not travel to Vegas with the rest of the Death Row crew because “something was going to happen”.

Deion Sanders Was Secretly Part Of Death Row Records, Suge Knight Claims

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Furthermore, last month, Suge made the claim that Deion Sanders was once part of Death Row Records. “Deion Sanders — when Prime wanted to be a rapper, he said: ‘I want to be a rapper. I spent over half a million dollars of my own money. I put guys in the studio, I paid Dallas Austin, I did all these songs — did everything. Then one day he came to me and said, ‘Well, y’know, Prime deal with Nike and Death Row is a Black-owned company, and we don’t really want to deal with a Black-owned company. Even though you paid for everything and we signed to you, put us on the Interscope brand’,” Suge told The Daily Cannon.

Sanders put out two albums – 1994’s Prime Time and 2005’s The Encore Remix. Prime Time even charted, reaching #70 on the Billboard Hip Hop chart and #14 on the US Heatseekers chart. However, it’s definitely brand-new information that the album could have originally come out under Suge’s iconic brand.

[via]

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The Game Reveals Why He Didn’t Sign To Death Row, Recalls Time With Suge Knight

December 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent interview with VladTV, The Game opened up about the time he spent with Suge Knight. He says he hung around him and other artists like Eastwood and Crooked I for a couple of months, but ultimately decided not to sign to Death Row. According to him, he simply concluded that the label just wasn’t the right fit.

He cited the competitive nature of West Coast hip hop, adding that he felt as though he “belonged on records.” Eventually, he got connected with Diddy who “pushed him over” to Dr. Dre. The Game also agreed that at that point, the label was only a “shell” of what it once was. 2Pac had already passed away and Snoop Dogg and other notable artists had moved on.

Diddy Speaks On Suge Knight, Death Row Records

He later spoke about meeting people like Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes. According to him, it was like being a “kid in an amusement park.” The Game also reflected on meeting Dr. Dre, calling it nothing short of “life-changing.” He went on to give Dr. Dre his flowers for the impact he’s had on West Coast hip-hop and his career. He wasn’t always so appreciative of Dr. Dre, however. During a precious appearance on Drink Champs, he claimed that Kanye West did more for him in two weeks than Dr. Dre ever did, though he later backpedaled.

“Having Dre do anything for your project, anything in your career, touch any part of anything you’re doing in life is such a blessing that I shall not ever s**t on that again,” he explained. “I should have actually gave him more grace for what he did do and that was actually mentoring me and doing things that nobody could have done for me in my career.” What do you think of The Game’s explanation for deciding not to sign to Death Row? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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How To Buy Mitchell & Ness’ Rap Label Throwback Jerseys

November 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As documentarians, networks, event organizers, award shows and more celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Mitchell & Ness revealed their unique way of paying homage to the genre. Hip-hop is a culture that extends far beyond its most popular pilar, namely rap music. Since its inception, everyone who emerged in the scene has curated a flavorful fashion sense.

Throughout the decades, several staple garments have entered the mainstream scene thanks to hip-hop influence. One of the early 2000s biggest trends include Mitchell & Ness throwback jerseys. To spotlight that, the brand has rolled out a new line to highlight some of the genre’s most impactful record labels including Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records, Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records, Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def, Ruff Ryders, and Top Dawg Entertainment.

How To Buy Mitchell & Ness’ Rap Label Throwback Jerseys

Mitchell & Ness’ rap label throwback jerseys, as part of their Hip-Hop Heritage Jersey Collection, will be made available to ComplexCon 2023 attendees first on November 17 and 18. After which the items will be made available on the company’s official website here. Each item will fall in the $275 to $325 price range.

In a statement, Mitchell & Ness CEO Eli Kumekpor spoke about the line. “We are thrilled this partnership presents fans a unique opportunity to celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary as well as their favorite artists and labels through this collection,” he said. “These jerseys represent an era that revolutionized music, fashion, and popular culture, and we’re proud to honor that legacy.”

View the jerseys including includes the re-release of JAY-Z’s 2003 Roc-A-Fella Records coveted piece below.

Mitchell & Ness Rap Jersey - Roc A Fella — Mitchell & Ness

Mitchell & Ness Rap Jersey - Ruff Ryders — Mitchell & Ness

Mitchell & Ness Rap Jersey - Death Row Records — Mitchell & Ness

Mitchell & Ness Rap Jersey - So So Def — Mitchell & Ness

Mitchell & Ness Rap Jersey - Top Dawg — Mitchell & Ness

Suge Knight Reveals The Woman Who Helped Him Get Tupac Out Of Jail

November 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Recently, Suge Knight started a new podcast called Collect Call With Suge Knight. Though the show has only had two episodes, Suge clearly has a lot to comment on and both episodes have come with tons of compelling revelations. He’s already refuted Warren G’s comments about his own role in getting Tupac free from jail. In fact, Suge went as far as to say Pac and Warren never liked each other in the first place.

Suge Knight also claimed that Deion Sanders was once secretly part of Death Row Records. The revelation comes at a time when a massive amount of news has followed Sanders for months following his hiring to coach the University of Colorado football team. He also recently revealed the role he played in Snoop Dogg’s notorious murder trial. He claimed to take a behind-the-scenes approach to helping free the rap legend. Suge even went as far as to claim that without him Snoop would have faced life in prison. Check out the newest episode of his podcast below.

Suge Knight Opens Up On Tupac Once Again

In the newest episode, Suge Knight discusses a woman who played a key role in reaching out to him to free Tupac from prison. “Only person [who] made it happen, to let me know to get ’Pac out of prison was a girl named Keisha. That is the baddest b*tch in the world. If it weren’t for Keisha, you guys wouldn’t have heard All Eyez On Me or all the other hits he did,” Suge explains.

He details Keisha calling his office almost every day trying to get the label exec’s help freeing Tupac. Eventually he caved and talked to her, which ultimately led to him visiting Tupac and beginning their legendary journey together. “Keisha made that happen,” Suge concluded at the end of the segment. What do you think of Suge Knight revealing information on the woman who helped free Tupac? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

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Suge Knight Reveals His Behind-The-Scenes Tactics In Snoop Dogg Murder Trial

November 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Snoop Dogg’s life might have taken a drastically different turn 24 years ago had he not been acquitted of murder charges. And Suge Knight is taking credit for the win. In the latest episode of “Collect Call With Suge Knight,” which aired on Thursday, November 9th, Suge Knight reflected on his role in the Snoop Dogg murder trial. The former Death Row Records mogul pulled back the curtain on a pivotal moment in hip-hop history. Moreover, during the episode, he unveiled the strategic moves that allegedly spared the “Gin & Juice” hitmaker from a potential life sentence.

According to Knight, he Snoop would be in jail if it weren’t for him. “If it weren’t for me, [Snoop would] still be in prison doing life,” he said. Suge Knight then proceeded to discuss how he played a crucial part in ensuring Snoop Dogg’s freedom. However, he says this was after the rapper and his former bodyguard, Malik, faced first and second-degree murder charges in connection to the 1993 death of Philip “Little Smooth” Woldemariam in Los Angeles. Suge detailed the legal intricacies that ultimately led to the acquittal of the defendants. He explained, “The lawyer said: ‘Well, the bodyguard has a 9mm. So we can’t say he protected Snoop and shot the guy. Snoop had a .380.’”

Suge Knight Reveals Snoop Would Be In Jail If It Weren’t For Him

However, Knight continued, revealing his intervention strategy. “I said: ‘We’ll be f***ked if the bodyguard had a .380 and Snoop had a 9mm., and he got shot with a .380, right? He got shot with a 9mm.’ But since Snoop had the .380 and the bodyguard had a 9mm, and he got shot with a .380, all the bodyguard gotta say is he was using .380 bullets in his 9mm.”

Furthermore, the narrative took an even more intriguing turn. When Knight disclosed spending a staggering $6 million to cover up loose ends. This involved settling with an individual from Snoop’s crew who was allegedly blackmailing the rapper. Knight claimed to have met with a private investigator and spilled the truth on record. Only for the tape to be destroyed after his intervention. Ultimately, Snoop Dogg and Malik were acquitted on all charges. They cited self-defense claims and negligence on the part of the Los Angeles Police Department. As Suge Knight revisits this pivotal chapter, the revelations provide a rare glimpse into the behind the scenes that shaped the outcome. Moreover, this was a big trial that could have forever altered the course of hip-hop history.

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Suge Knight Reveals His Behind-The-Scenes Tactics In Snoop Dogg Murder Trial

November 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Suge Knight Reveals Snoop Would Be In Jail If It Weren’t For Him

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What Is Tupac’s Best-Selling Album?

November 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Tupac Shakur, one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop history, left an indelible mark on the music industry beyond his lifetime. Hip-hop heads and music fans celebrate his catalog for its artistic depth. However, one in particular stands out as his best-selling album: All Eyez On Me. Released in 1996, All Eyez On Me was a double album that catapulted Tupac’s career to new heights. With over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone, it stands as his best-selling album. This landmark release showcased Tupac’s incredible storytelling abilities, raw emotion, and the duality of his artistry.

Sales And Impact

tupac albums — Rapper Tupac Shakur (Lesane Parish Crooks, name later changed to Tupac Amaru Shakur) poses for photos backstage after his performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois in March 1994. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

When it comes to sales, All Eyez On Me is a true heavyweight in Tupac’s catalog. It became certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying the album’s enduring popularity and commercial success. The fusion of hardcore gangsta rap and introspective, socially conscious tracks lent itself to the album’s widespread appeal. Tupac’s magnetic charisma and lyrical prowess were on full display throughout the album, drawing in a broad spectrum of listeners.

Singles And Hits

The album featured several iconic singles, including “California Love,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” and “How Do U Want It.” “California Love” featuring Dr. Dre, with its infectious melody and memorable music video, became a hip-hop anthem and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He and Snoop Dogg teamed up on “2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted. This single solidified Tupac’s status and further cementing Death Row Records’ presence. These singles not only showcased his musical prowess but also contributed significantly to the album’s commercial success.

Comparing All Eyez On Me To Other Releases

Tupac’s discography includes numerous critically acclaimed albums, but All Eyez On Me reigns supreme in terms of sales and cultural impact. His earlier albums, like Me Against The World and 2Pacalypse Now are highly regarded for their raw and socially conscious content, but they did not achieve the same commercial success. Similarly, his posthumous releases like The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory and R U Still Down? (Remember Me) received positive reviews but couldn’t match the sales figures of “All Eyez on Me.”

In conclusion, All Eyez On Me remains Tupac Shakur’s best-selling album, with over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone. It is a testament to Tupac’s artistic brilliance, his ability to straddle the line between hardcore gangsta rap and introspective social commentary, and his magnetic presence in the world of hip-hop. While his other albums have earned critical acclaim, All Eyez On Me stands as a commercial juggernaut that solidified Tupac’s place in the pantheon of rap legends. This album will forever be remembered as a game-changer in hip-hop, and its cultural impact endures to this day.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur’s First Posthumous Album ‘Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory’ Was Released 27 Years Ago

November 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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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.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur’s First Posthumous Album ‘Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory’ Was Released 27 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur’s First Posthumous Album ‘Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory’ Was Released 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.