Snoop Dogg released his first album with Death Row Records in 1993. Less than 30 years later, he now owns the entire company.
By Stacy M. Brown, Senior National Correspondent, NNPA Newswire
In true Snoop Dogg form, holding a blunt in one hand and dancing to the thumping and soulful music blaring in the background, the iconic hip-hop superstar announced that he was “Back on Death Row.”
Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, revealed that he had purchased the equally iconic label, Death Row Records.
Later, Blackstone, Inc., a private equity firm, confirmed the deal.
Snoop Dogg released his first album with Death Row Records in 1993.
Less than 30 years later, he now owns the entire company.
“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 Dogg said in a 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.”
Death Row’s former owner Marion “Suge” Knight had created a giant in the industry with Snoop, Dr. Dre, and later Tupac Shakur turning out hits for the label.
After Shakur’s death in 1996, Death Row declined amid controversy and infighting.
Hasbro Inc. purchased the label after Death Row went into bankruptcy in 2006, and Blackstone eventually bought out Hasbro.
“Back on Death Row,” Snoop Dogg has released the album “B.O.D.R.” this past Friday, February 11.
