Snoop Dogg Acquires Death Row Records

Snoop Dogg has acquired legendary hip-hop label Death Row Records, according to press materials released via Business Wire. Snoop procured Death Row—which released his 1993 debut album Doggystyle—from MNRK Music Group. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Death Row was launched in the early 1990s by co-founders Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, Dick Griffey, and the D.O.C. In addition to boosting Snoop’s early career, the label went on to release countless albums by rap icons like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, and others. “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 said of his new role as label head in a press release. He continued:

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. I would like to personally thank the teams at Blackstone, MNRK and especially David Kestnbaum, who worked collaboratively with me over several months to make this exciting homecoming a reality. I’m looking forward to building the next chapter of Death Row Records.

Chris Taylor, President and CEO of MNRK Music Group, added: “Snoop is clearly the executive to take Death Row into its next 30 years. MNRK has been honored to oversee this legendary brand over the last decade and enjoyed introducing it to millions of new fans in 2021 through our award-winning 30th anniversary marketing campaign.”

On Sunday (February 13), Snoop will release his next studio album B.O.D.R. (which stands for Bacc on Death Row). He will also perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar.