The influence of BMFis already taking shape in the television landscape. Though it only recently completed its second season, the 50 Cent-EP’d series has apparently inspired more biopics based on the life and times of the most infamous figures in American pop culture. Last week, news broke that Suge Knight’s producing a biopic series based on his life, from his aspirations to become a football coach to his demise as the leader of the Death Row camp. DJ Drama feels that it would be an incredible story, though he feels a story on Dr. Dre would be even more compelling.
TMZ recently caught up with Drama shortly after the release of his new album, I’m Really Like That. The Philadelphia DJ explained that Suge Knight’s story would undoubtedly make for great television, especially in context with that era in hip-hop. “That universe, that time and that period, who wouldn’t wanna watch that? That shit would be incredible,” he said. From there, he began to campaign for a biopic on Dr. Dre that would explore his illustrious career from the pre-NWA days to bringing Eminem and 50 Cent into the fold.
DJ Drama Wants A Role In Dr. Dre’s Biopic
The Gangsta Grillz creator said that Dre’s career alone would be able to produce seasons upon seasons of content. “With all due respect, you know what would be even crazier? If we did a Dr. Dre universe, and we did from [World Class] Wreckin’ Crew to like N.W.A to the Death Row era, to then Aftermath, and then him working with Em and then with 50 came along. That’s like 10 seasons right there,” he told TMZ.
It seems like DJ Drama also hopes to make his acting debut in the hypothetical series. He called on 50 Cent to bring him onto the cast. “I need a role too, Fif! You’ve seen my acting skills,” he said, referring to the Juice reenactments to promote his latest album. “C’mon, Dram Cruise. C’mon, Fif! I’m manifesting, I’m putting it into the universe.” If anyone were to bring Dr. Dre’s story to television, we’d assume it would be 50 Cent. Check out Drama’s interview above.
Suge Knight is on the verge of having his own biopic series called Welcome To Death Row which will be based around Knight’s life. SOHH, here’s a list of events fans are curious about and dying to see portrayed in the show. While still serving his 28-year prison sentence, Death Row’s former CEO Suge Knight […]
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.
According to a report from TMZ, former Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight and his brother Brian Brown are joining forces for. television project that is slated to begin shooting this summer.
It is being reported that the series will be similar to 50 Cent’s BMF series, with plot points about Suge’s early life before he began to terrorize the Hip Hop industry.
Knight is currently serving a 28-year sentence for taking Terry Carter’s life in 2015, but has been taking his time in handpicking the actors, especially when it comes to the role of Tupac Shakur, according to a source close to Suge. The source claims that Suge is looking for acting skills over resemblance for whoever plays Shakur, but contends that they must have his style and mannerisms.
Knight has yet to speak on the production detailing his life, but you can bet that when his team gets the green light, he will be “all up in the videos” this time around!
Suge Knight, The D.O.C., Dr. Dre, and Dick Griffey founded the hip-hop record label, Death Row Records. The label became massively successful in the ’90s with the release of classic albums like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and The Doggfather, and two albums from the late Tupac Shakur’s discography. Reports estimate that Death Row was making about $100 million a year at the peak of its success. The label was instrumental in the commercial success of gangsta rap and its eventual recognition by mainstream media.
Cracks on the massive music empire began to show when the then CEO, Suge Knight, was sentenced to nine years in prison for probation violations. This was the beginning of Suge’s tumultuous relationship with law enforcement. He was arrested for alleged acts of violence and affiliations with gang members on more than one occasion. Suge’s troubles were compounded when Tupac, who had released his triple-platinum album, All Eyez on Me, was fatally shot and killed after an alleged retaliatory attack in Las Vegas. Suge was also in the vehicle during the shooting and sustained non-threatening injuries. Dr. Dre left the label shortly before Tupac’s death, and Snoop Dogg exited two years later.
Suge filed for bankruptcy in 2006, officially marking the end of the West Coast label. Death Row Records was auctioned in a bankruptcy court in 2008. WIDEawake Entertainment eventually bought the catalog. It would change hands a few times, and former artist, Snoop Dogg, purchased the label in 2022 with aspirations of reviving it. Artists who had been signed to the label include:
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur and Marion Suge Knight (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Late rapper Tupac joined Death Row Records in a three-album deal after Suge Knight posted his $1.4 million bond and secured his freedom. Suge also gave Pac’s mother $15,000 to help her with house payments when the rapper was in prison. Death Row released All Eyez on Me from the deal, hip hop’s second double album, (Master P’s Down South Hustlers – Bouncin & Swingin was the first). This technically meant that Pac had submitted two of the three albums he had committed to at Death Row.
The album was released in February 1996 and by April of that year, had been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. The album was later certified diamond (10 million records sold) in 2014. All Eyez on Me won R&B/Soul or Rap Album of the Year at the 1997 Soul Train Music Awards and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the American Music Awards the same year.
In 1996, Tupac was shot and killed in Las Vegas. Reports have further suggested that the drive-by shooting was retaliatory and premeditated. He had, however, finished recording the recording of his third album at Death Row. The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, popularly shorted to Makaveli, was Pac’s first posthumous album and the last released with his creative input. The album was further certified 4x platinum in 1999 after its debut in August 1996.
There have been five other solo posthumous albums from the Tupac estate and one collaborative album with his rap group, Outlawz. Themes in Pac’s music primarily revolved around social injustices in African American communities. His discography has also influenced other hip-hop artists like Nas and T.I. Pac has sold 75 million records worldwide.
Dr. Dre
Dr. (Photo by Lester Cohen) Dre poses in studio for Helter Skelter circa 1996. (Photo by Lester Cohen)
Andre “Dr. Dre” Young has continuously been touted as the most significant hip-hop producer ever. Many people forget that he is also a rapper. Dr. Dre left Ruthless Records with The D.O.C. and joined Suge Knight to establish Death Row Records. He released the cultural juggernaut album, The Chronic, in 1992. The project gave us classic singles like “Fuck Wit Dre Day,” “Let Me Ride,” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”
The Chronicpeaked at number three on the Billboard album chart. It also went on to receive a 3x platinum certification from the RIAA. Dr. Dre had left Death Row Records just before the murder of Tupac and went on to establish Aftermath Records. All his solo pursuits have been released under Aftermath ever since. The doctor has three solo albums, two soundtrack albums, and six collaborative albums—two with World Class Wreckin’ Cru and four with N.W.A.
Daz Dillinger
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)
Daz Dillinger, or Daz, is a rapper and producer who signed with Death Row Records at 19. He is one half of the rap group, The Dogg Pound, together with label-mate Kurupt. Daz made production contributions to The Chronic and was featured in Doggystyle. The Dogg Pound would later release their debut, Dog Food, which received positive reviews and achieved platinum status.
Tupac’s murder led to the exodus of most artists from Death Row. The label released Daz’s debut solo album, Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back, years after he left the label. Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 8 on the 200 Albums chart. Dillinger has gone on to carve out a successful rapper/producer career. He released the A.T.L.A. project with Big Gripp in 2020. Daz also has a Grammy nomination with Kurupt for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song “What Would You Do.”
Kurupt
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 03: Snoop Dogg, Kurupt (aka Ricardo Emmanuel Brown) and Dr. Dre (aka Andre Romelle Young) appear backstage 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)
Kurupt, real name Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, would begin a third stint at Death Row Records after it was purchased by longtime friend Snoop Dogg in 2022. Kurupt first joined the label in 1992 when he was 19 years old. He left the label after the murder of Tupac, like many others. He released the Dog Food album as a part of the rap group, The Dogg Pound, with Daz Dillinger. This was under his first commitment with Death Row. Kurupt returned to the label in 2002, briefly becoming the vice president. He would release his oft-delayed Against The Grain album and leave the label again in 2005. Kurupt re-signed with Death Row Records in 2022 as part of Snoop’s plan to revamp the label.
The D.O.C.
ST. LOUIS- DECEMBER 1991: Rapper The D.O.C. (Tracy Lynn Curry) poses for photos backstage at The Arena in St. Louis, Missouri in December 1991. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
The D.O.C., born Tracy Lynn Curry, was regarded as the “master of the pen” during the rise and reign of gangsta rap in the ’90s. He was initially at Ruthless Records before departing to join the newly formed Death Row with Dr. Dre. The D.O.C. is credited to have co-written Eazy E’s classic album Eazy-Duz-It and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. His debut album, No One Can Do It Better, was released in 1989. The album was a critical and commercial success. It spawned two number-one records and went on to achieve platinum status in 1994.
The D.O.C. was also involved in a serious car crash just months after the release of his debut. He has confessed in interviews that he was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. The accident left him with serious facial injuries that required plastic surgery. It also permanently changed his voice. He continued to work at Death Row Records as a ghostwriter contributing to Dr. Dre’s and Snoop Dogg’s albums. He would later leave Death Row after a short feud over payments with Dr. Dre. The D.O.C. founded his own label, Silverback Records, in 1997.
The Lady of Rage
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 27: Rapper The Lady of Rage performs onstage during the Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock concert during 2015 BET Experience at Staples Center on June 27, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/FilmMagic)
Robin Yvette Allen, The Lady of Rage, is known for her feature contributions in Snopp Dogg’s Doggystyle and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic albums. Dr. Dre is credited for discovering the talented MC after hearing the vocals she recorded for the L.A. Posse’s album, They Come in All Colors, released in 1991. She released her solo debut, Necessary Roughness, in 1997 after several pushbacks. The record served as her only album on the label. Necessary Roughness peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard R&B Album chart and 32 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. She would sign with Boss Lady Entertainment in 2007.
Sam Sneed
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 03: K-Solo (aka Kevin Madison), Sam Sneed (aka Sam Anderson) and Daz (aka Delmar Drew Arnaud) appear backstage 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).
Sam signed with Death Row Records in 1993, releasing one single, Dr. Dre assisted “U Better Recognize.” He is also a producer. Sam co-produced the singles “Keep Their Heads Ringin” and “Natural Born Killaz” with Dr. Dre. Sneed’s brain tumor diagnosis in 1999 effectively halted his career. He, however, recovered and has had production credits on songs for G-Unit, Jay-Z, and Scarface.
Snoop Dogg
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Snoop Dogg performs at The O2 Arena on March 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)
Snoop, or Uncle Snoop, as he is also known these days, is officially the new owner of Death Row Records. Snoop’s history with the label started in 1992. He appeared on The Chronic and his performance fueled the anticipation for his debut, Doggystyle, which was released in 1993. The album shot up the charts to occupy the No. 1 spot with over 800,000 copies sold in the first week. The debut project has also been certified 11x platinum by the RIAA for 11 million copies sold worldwide.
Snoop first left Death Row Records amidst the murder of friend and label-mate Tupac, and the alleged involvement of the then CEO, Suge Knight. The “Drop It Like Its Hot” rapper has repeatedly criticized Suge for the untimely death of Tupac. Snoop now has ownership and executive control of the label after purchasing it from MNRK Music Group.
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.
Kurupt has recently spoken out about the 1996 murder of Tupac, and said that the fact that Pac got killed while on Suge Knight’s watch was his reason for leaving Death Row Records.
The legendary West Coast artist sat down with the Art Of Dialogue podcast where he spoke about his reasoning for leaving the infamous record label. Kurupt said that he felt as if his safety was compromised since the label’s premiere artist at the time was killed while with the head of the label.
“Everywhere we was going we had to keep our eyes open, 10 toes on the ground,” Kurupt said. “We had to stay heated and make sure that we protected ourselves. And then to go to Death Row and feel the same way as when we in the streets: we all kinda got burnt on that.”
He continued: “We all was a little tired of walking on eggshells, because if we gon be here and it feels the same way as being on the streets, then what’s the difference? If a nigga gotta come to the studio heated, what’s the difference?”
Kurupt concluded by saying that Dr. Dre, after his departure from the label, set it up so that Kurupt could leave too. “Dr. Dre set up the woo-wop, like, ‘It can be done, you can leave,’” he added. “When I saw Dr. Dre do that, then 2Pac died, that was the final straw for me. Niggas is getting shot even with Suge. Now THAT is it.”
In a separate clip from the podcast, Kurupt said that Snoop and Daz Dillinger tried to shield away the gang element of Death Row from 2Pac. Kurupt said that Pac wasn’t a gangsta, he was militant, and spoke about Pac’s revolutionary and Black Panther background.
“Crippin’ and Bloodin’ is real! This ain’t no joke. This shit ain’t to play with, this ain’t something you just kick around. Once you in, you in for life; you gotta ride it out homie. And 2Pac is militant! He’s not a gang member.”
Kurupt added: “He’s from a Black Panther background, a whole ‘nother background. It’s just not healthy for him. A lot of us gangbang ’cause we wanted to; and a lot of us gangbang ’cause we had to. We lived there; we had to protect our community, you know.”
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.”
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.”
Chris Rock’s Selective Outrage special featured a portion of jokes targeting Will Smith. One of which compared Smith to Death Row Records frontman Suge Knight, dubbing the Oscar-winning actor “Suge Smith.”
[NEW] Chris Rock Hits Back At Will Smith and Jada In Netflix Special
Clip 1 – Watch what you say; words hurt You never
Clip 2 – Now, I watch Emancipation, just to see him whooped
Speaking on TMZ, Suge’s son, Suge J. Knight, thinks it’s cool to hear his dad’s name remains in popular culture.
“We all know Suge Knight as that guy who’s all about that action. Whatever he does, he going to do that. It’s funny to see that Suge has been in jail for a minute but he still has this legendary status. It’s just dope.”
Knight’s son stated his dad would enjoy the joke but recognize they aren’t like him. Ultimately, he overall wasn’t thrilled by the special. You can hear it from him below.
Few characters in entertainment have the same imposing personality as Suge Knight. He was a formidable force in Hip Hop during those Golden Era years, and the stories that emerged from his intimidating tactics are plentiful. Currently, Knight is in prison, serving a 28-year sentence for the death of a Los Angeles man named Terry Carter. Although he hasn’t tasted freedom in some time, his impact on the industry hasn’t wavered.
TMZ caught up with the Death Row icon’s son, Marion, also known as Suge Knight Jr. He was questioned about Chris Rock’s Selective Outrage mention. Jr. quickly noted there wasn’t anyone like his father, nor had there been another with such a reputation. He also speculated about what Suge would think of the joke.
Suge Knight Jr. Was Bored With “Selective Outrage”
HOLLYWOOD – JUNE 26: CEO of Death Row Records Suge Knight attends the 2007 BET Awards after party hosted by 10 Cane Rum held at the Roosevelt Hotel on June 26, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for LMVH)
“Because, he’s like, who else—we all know Suge Knight is that guy that’s like, all about that action,” said the younger Knight. “Whatever he does, he’s gon’ do that. So, it’s just funny that, to see that Suge been in jail for a minute, but he still has this like, legendary status for who he is. It’s just dope.” He was then asked how he believes his father would have reacted to the joke.
“He woulda said, ‘These dudes is not like me.’ But he woulda laughed, though,” Jr. added with a chuckle. “‘These dudes ain’t like me.’ I was really bored with the special until that happened. I’mma be honest. I was like, okay Chris, cool, cool cool. ‘Suge Smith.” Oh, sh*t, oh damn! Okay! It woke me up. It’s a refresher.”
Chris Ethers Will Smith
After joking about “Suge Smith” in Selective Outrage, Rock unleashed on his former pal. “His wife was f*cking her son’s friend,” he said. “Now, I normally would not talk about this sh*t, but for some reason, these n*ggas put this sh*t on the internet. I have no idea why two talented people would do something that f*cking low down. We’ve all been cheated on, everybody in here’s been cheated on. None of us has ever been interviewed by the person that cheated on us on television.”
He further stated, ” She hurt him way more than he hurt me. … Everybody called him a b*tch, and who’s he hit? Me! A n*gga he knows he can beat. That is some b*tch ass sh*t.” Check out Suge Knight Jr. with TMZ above.
