Snoop Dogg’s debut album with Death Row Records was released in 1993. He now owns the entire company, less than 30 years later, according to Market Watch.
Blackstone, Inc. BX, a private equity firm that possessed the record label’s relics as part of MNRK Music Group, made the announcement with the hip hop superstar. The deal’s terms were not disclosed publicly.
In a statement, Snoop Dogg 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.”
According to the LA Times, Death Row was founded in 1992 following the revolutionary but troubled achievements of rap group N.W.A on Eazy-E and Jerry Heller’s Ruthless Records. Death Row was a collaboration between Dr. Dre, infamous manager Suge Knight.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2006, Death Row Records was acquired by Hasbro Inc, which also acquired animated children’s shows as part of the same investment before being acquired by Blackstone.
