Can you dig it?
Snoop Dogg has acquired the legendary and former music label Death Row Records. The label was formerly owned by MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by private equity funds managed by the investment firm Blackstone, the firm announced on Wednesday (Feb. 9).
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed, however, Variety reports that the deal is the first part of a transaction that is expected to see the 50-year-old rapper also acquiring some of the label’s music rights including his own and other artists.
Death Row Records was founded in 1992 by Suge Knight and Dick Griffey along with rappers/producer Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. The Row became one of the most dominant and controversial record labels in history with artists Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, The D.O.C., Nate Dogg, Warren G, Daz, Kurupt, Michel’le and others.
Snoop’s deal comes ahead of his Super Bowl halftime performance with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar on February 13 and upcoming album, B.O.D.R. (Bacc On Death Row), on February 11. The album features guests DJ Battlecat, Hit-Boy, The Game, Nas, DaBaby, and more.
The new Death Row Records owner, who just last year was named Def Jam’s new executive creative and strategic consultant and released his last album, Algorithm said: “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. 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.”
Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, David Kestnbaum said: “We at Blackstone are strong supporters of the artist and creator community in our entertainment investments. We are excited to put the Death Row Records brand back in the hands of a legend like Snoop Dogg. We wish him success in the years ahead as the brand moves forward under his leadership and vision.”
Chris Taylor, MNRK Music Group’s, President & CEO 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.”