Death Row Records

Daz Dillinger Had To “Strongarm” Suge Knight For $2.3Mil Check

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From the moment he stepped into the Rap game, Suge Knight was an intimidating force. Although he’s currently incarcerated and will be for several years, Suge’s presence is still felt within the culture. During the hailed Golden Era of Hip Hop, Death Row’s head honcho was putting pressure on the industry. Artists and executives have more than enough Suge Knight stories than they’d like to remember, but Daz Dillinger is laughing at a tense moment with his former label head.

Daz was instrumental in helping make Death Row the iconic label that it is today. Not only was he an artist, but he worked on production for several of the label’s classic hits. The Long Beach native visited Home Grown Radio and was asked about the biggest check he’d ever received. He answered it was a $2.3 million payout. “I had to go in there and strongarm Suge and them to get the money,” Daz added. “I had everybody in they office. N*gga, hemmed up against the wall, we on mushrooms. We in the motherf*cker lit. N*gga in the corner, laughing.”

Daz Dillinger Didn’t Let Suge Off Of The Hook

He further shared that he thought he felt someone touching him and screamed. Daz also said he had a “long Diesel screwdriver” to protect himself. Then, “Suge walked in the office, and the way his eyes was looking, he was gon’ do somethin’ to me.” Still, Dillinger was unfazed and threatened to “stick him.” It changed the music boss’s tune.

Knight was known for his intimidating tactics, but Daz said he wanted to calm the situation during this instance. Suge ushered his artist into a private office to take care of business. “I walked outta there with [$2.5 million],” said the rapper. It was noted that when Daz returned to his vehicle, his crew erupted with emotions. “N*ggas in they feelings, crying a sh*t,” he said amid laughter. “We get stopped by the police on Wilshire Blvd. By Fairfax and Wilshire.” Los Angeles natives know that neighborhood.

Sage Advice From The Police

NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 03: Kurupt (aka Ricardo Emmanuel Brown) and Daz (aka Daz Dillinger; Delmar Drew Arnaud) when the Death Row Records label assembles at The Source Awards, held at The Paramount Theater at Madison Square Garden, on August 3, 1995 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)

According to Daz, officers searched them enough to come across the check. They asked if it was real, and the rapper confirmed before receiving advice from the police officer. “Just stomp the weed out, cash that motherf*cker, go get your license,” the cop allegedly said. Thankfully, he was able to get out of both situations unscathed—and with a $2.5 million check in his pocket. Watch the clip of Daz revisiting the moment above.

Suge Knight Is Working On “BMF”-Like Biopic On Death Row: Report

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It looks like 50 Cent’s BMF inspired Suge Knight to tell his life story in the form of a biopic series on Death Row Records. Per TMZ, the Death Row founder is reportedly collaborating with his brother, Brian Brown, to develop a series based on the rise of the iconic West Coast label. Though there isn’t much information regarding the cast or the plot yet, the show is expected to begin filming this summer. Suge reportedly found inspiration in the tale of BMF, which recently concluded its second season. 

The upcoming series will dive into Suge Knight’s story, prior to becoming the music industry bully. The report states that the upcoming series explores the Death Row founder’s life. He became known as one of the leading and most imperative figures in the hip-hop industry throughout the 90s, though what we’ll see will provide a better sense of Knight’s rise. Not only will it explore the Death Row era but there will also be a large component focusing on his childhood and his aspirations to become a football coach. 

Suge Knight’s Death Row Biopic 

LAS VEGAS – FEBRUARY 17: Music producer Suge Knight attends the Belvedere Ultra Lounge Day 4 At Club OPM on February 17, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chad Buchanan/Getty Images for Moet USA)

Though he’s currently incarcerated for the 2015 death of Terry Carter, Suge reportedly has been incredibly involved in the process. As you could imagine, he isn’t willing to allow anyone to take on his role or those of others within his circle. TMZ reports that he’s been particular about the individual who plays the role of Tupac. Suge Knight reportedly hopes to find someone who could embody ‘Pac through their acting chops and not just their looks. Apparently, he’s been selective with the show’s personnel, specifically the actor who will ultimately take on the role of Tupac. 

The upcoming Suge Knight/Death Row biopic comes on the heels of Snoop Dogg’s re-release of the catalog. After acquiring the label ahead of the Super Bowl performance in Los Angeles, Snoop partnered with Larry Jackson’s company to redistribute their classic albums through streaming services. Though Snoop intended on bringing Death Row’s catalog to the Metaverse, he struck a deal that was well worth the return of their albums on DSPs. No word from Suge Knight on Snoop’s re-releases but people are clearly happy to have projects like Doggystyle and The Chronic in time for the summer. 

[Via]

Snoop Dogg Gifts Gillie Tha Kid & Wallo Death Row Records Chains

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Snoop Dogg just gifted Gillie Da Kid and Wallo two Death Row Records chains, and the former seemed quite excited about it. Moreover, he shared the occasion on social media, recording his jubilant reaction to getting the cosign. “I’m a part of the Row, baby!” he screamed while laughing with his crew. “Oh s**t! I did not know you sent us no f***ing Death Row pieces, man. I love you! I’m on Death Row, b***h! I ain’t even giving Lo his s**t, I’m doubling up. Two Death Row chains!” Furthermore, the two Million Dollaz Worth Of Game cohosts likely appreciate the gesture a lot.

Also, hopefully it makes them feel a bit better about the recent backlash they received on social media. Such criticism came after they had J. Prince on the podcast, who went on to instigate beef with Offset over Takeoff’s death.”This Offset dude,” the Rap-A-Lot Records mogul began, insinuating that ‘Set and Take fell out before. “I ain’t gon’ leave him out because I’m real like this, you now? N***as be throwin’ rocks and hidin’ their hand.

Snoop Dogg Gifts Wallo & Gillie Some Death Row Chains

“I don’t like them type of individuals,” he continued. “And the truth of the matter is, one can dance and different things in front of different cameras and all kinds of shit… In reality, the truth of the matter is you wasn’t really right there with Takeoff when he was alive, you know what I mean? So for you to be taking these positions that you’ve taken—and I’ve got people everywhere, so I hear all kinds of things—I’mma just say this to you. Don’t ever put me in no position where I have to defend myself. That wouldn’t be healthy for you. I have to say that.”

Despite that controversy, their show is still going strong, with their most recent guests being Jermaine Dupri and Curren$y as of writing this article. Also, given that Snoop’s appeared on the show often, it’s great to see that connection remain despite it being a while since his last appearance. Still, maybe this mega another conversation is due soon on the popular podcast. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest on Snoop Dogg, Gillie Da Kid, and Wallo.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Death Row Records’ ‘Above The Rim’ Soundtrack Dropped 29 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Death Row Records, in conglomeration with Interscope Records, released the soundtrack to the popular film, Above the Rim. Winning the 1995 Source Award for Soundtrack of the Year, this album featured so many hits that it could have stood alone from the movie as a compilation album.

Acting as executive producers of the project, Suge Knight and Dr. Dre curated one of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time. This album featured artists 2Pac, Warren G, SWV, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, The Lady of Rage, and more. Due to the popularity of the artists and the success of the movie, the soundtrack sold 2,000,000 copies in the year of its release and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Although it fell short on the mainstream chart, the album was able to grab hold of that #1 spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Here are some videos from the outstanding soundtrack to help jog your memory of its greatness.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Death Row Records’ ‘Above The Rim’ Soundtrack Dropped 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

The Source Magazine Remembers Nate Dogg 12 Years Later

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Sending a 21 gun soldier salute Rest In Peace one of Hip Hop’s favorite crooners

There were many who tried, but nobody put R&B into Hip Hop the way it was supposed to sound better than the late, great Nate Dogg of the legendary Dogg Pound. The Source Magazine would like to send him a posthumous shout in recognition of his contributions to the game.

Besides his obvious links to Snoop Dogg and the original Death Row Family, Nathaniel Hale, born on this date in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1969, Nate appeared alongside several iconic artists in the game including 2Pac, 50 Cent, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z. The world lost a talented singer, actor and musician when Nate succumbed to multiple strokes on March 15, 2011. He was 41 years old.

Condolences go out to Warren G, Dr. Dre, Snoop and the entire 213 on the day an entire community lost a Hip Hop legend.

The post The Source Magazine Remembers Nate Dogg 12 Years Later appeared first on The Source.

DJ Quik Says Death Row Artists Had To Be Hood: “It Became The Streets”

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As some who boasts being a former Death Row artist, DJ Quik knows the ins and outs of the infamous record label. During its heyday, Death Row was the collective to beat; several of its artists were floating at the top of the charts, and the demand was unending. It was easy to flip through radio stations and find songs by Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, and more. However, with the success came stories of Suge Knight’s intimating ways. Quik remembered those Golden Era days on the All the Smoke podcast.

Expectedly, being a member of one of the hottest labels in Hip Hop came with its perks, but everything that glitters isn’t always gold. Quik had a front-seat look at Death Row’s downfall and blamed the ‘keep it real’ mentality. “Sometimes it was cool, and then it just became the streets,” he said. “All the stuff that I got away from, all the gang-banging and all that, just met me right there head-on at the office.”

DJ Quik Wanted To Do Business, Not “Hood Sh*t”

Suge Knight during 2005 MTV VMA – Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Party in Association with Hennessy Paradis – Arrivals at Skybar at The Shoreclub in Miami Beach, Florida, United States. (Photo by Lawrence Lucier/FilmMagic)

For decades, people who knew Suge Knight during that time have shared frightening stories of their encounters. There are tales about him taking to music executives’ offices with threats and hanging artists over balconies. Knight’s presence would shake the room, and it didn’t benefit his artists. “It was hood sh*t,” Quik added. “You had to kind of be hood to deal with it because they were in there. Them n*ggas was detecting fear.”

“They just wanted to see if you were scared, make you feel some kind of way,” the rapper said. “It’s like, that energy doesn’t go with making the right songs. Songwriting is a beautiful process. You know what I mean? And it’s a lot of thought involved. You got guys in here gang-banging and sh*t and threatening you. Saying crazy sh*t.”

Things Could Have Been Different

Quik further noted that Death Row fostered a dangerous environment, but it didn’t have to be that way. “It was the greatest record company, at one point, in the world,” he said. “It was going to be the biggest thing in the game.”

[via]

Snoop Dogg Welcomes The Return Of Death Row Catalog To DSPs

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Snoop Dogg’s acquisition of Death Row Records has been filled with highs and lows since the beginning of 2022. Before he hit the stage for the Super Bowl, he announced that he became the new owner of the label. Part of his decision was to modernize the label and brand for the digital era. You’d assume that meant that would make it more easily accessible. However, he began to plot out its debut in the Metaverse. Unfortunately, those plans have been stagnant for a while, though it’s still a possibility in the future.

After Snoop Dogg acquired Death Row, fans noticed that the albums released under the label went missing DSPs. This was no coincidence as Snoop later explained that he was unhappy with how streaming services paid out artists. “First thing I did was snatch all the music off those platforms traditionally known to people, because those platforms don’t pay,” he said on Drink Champs. “And those platforms get millions of millions of streams, and nobody gets paid other than the record labels.”

Snoop Dogg Confirms Death Row’s Return

The catalog of Death Row Records is officially back on streaming services this week. Snoop confirmed the news following an announcement that he partnered with ex-Apple Executive Larry Jackson’s new company gamma. The partnership comes as no surprise as gamma helped reintroduce the Death Row catalog to TikTok last month. However, their partnership with Snoop will undoubtedly expand beyond social media and streaming services as gamma describes itself as a “one-stop-shop media company that creates, distributes, and markets content, from music to podcasts to films, offering resources and guidance to artists who want to build their brands and expand beyond music,” per Billboard.

Now, fans can enjoy some of their favorite records from Death Row including Snoop’s Doggystyle (sans “Gz Up, Hoes Down” and other skits), Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Tupac’s All Eyez On Me, and more. Additionally, the partnership with gamma will also include two future releases from Snoop Dogg (presumably Missionary with Dr. Dre and another project). Thankfully, Snoop delivered the series of iconic projects and soundtracks that will undoubtedly be perfect for 4/20 next month.