Dr. Dre once had doubts about Snoop Dogg taking over Death Row Records, but those worries have turned into admiration.
In a recent appearance on Drink Champs, Dr. Dre opened up about his initial concerns when he heard that Snoop Dogg was buying Death Row Records. “Let me tell you something, man. I was so upset when I heard that Snoop was doing the Death Row shit at the beginning,” Dre confessed. His apprehension was rooted in the label’s tumultuous history, which was marked by chaos and controversy.
However, during the same interview, Dr. Dre expressed how his perspective has shifted. “But now, I’m so happy about it and so impressed at what my brother’s doing because he’s taken the thing that we created and brought it back to life. I see his vision now. I appreciate it and I’m proud of it,” he said.
Snoop Dogg, who was alongside Dre, couldn’t hide his appreciation for the praise. “That made me feel good. Thank y’all,” Snoop responded humbly, adding a touch of humor: “Y’all tryna make a n-gga cry.”
Death Row Records has a storied past. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey, it quickly climbed to the top of the gangsta rap scene. The label not only defined a genre but also pulled in legendary artists like 2Pac and Tha Dogg Pound. Yet, it wasn’t without its share of drama as it played a major role in the infamous East Coast vs. West Coast beef, which turned tragic with the deaths of ‘Pac and Biggie.
After Dre parted ways with the label in 1996 due to creative differences with Suge Knight, Death Row floundered for years. That is until Snoop Dogg revived the label with a strategic purchase in February 2022. “I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand,” Snoop said.
Under Snoop’s leadership, the label has made a significant comeback. Old classics were returned to streaming services, and new artists like October London and D Smoke were signed. Snoop even released a new album, Bacc On Death Row, marking his return to the label.
Looking ahead, excitement is brewing for Snoop’s next project, a collaborative album with Dr. Dre titled Missionary, due to release soon. It promises appearances from top-tier artists like Eminem and 50 Cent, indicating that Death Row is not just reminiscing about the past but actively shaping the future.
Dr. Dre’s initial skepticism has turned to pride as he watches Snoop Dogg breathe new life into Death Row Records. The legendary label, once marred by controversy, is now a beacon of innovation and revival under Snoop’s care.
