Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg has acquired the Death Row Records brand from MNRK Music Group.
Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, Death Row Records has been home to a number of the most iconic names in Hip Hop including Dr. Dre and 2Pac, and was Snoop Dogg’s debut label.
The label was founded by Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., Suge Knight and Dick Griffey.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
MNRK is controlled by private equity funds managed by global investment firm Blackstone.
Blackstone has $881 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, and more.
MNRK Music Group changed its name from eOne Music in September, following Hasbro’s sale of its eOne music division to entities controlled by Blackstone for USD $385 million in early 2021.
The deal added to a portfolio of music companies under Blackstone that also include music rights org SESAC.
MNRK Music Group, described as one of the largest independent music companies in the world, is home to the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang.
Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple Grammy winners and platinum selling hits. To learn more visit mnrk.com.
Snoop Dogg has released 20 studio albums, sold over 40 million albums worldwide, and has received 20 Grammy nominations.
In addition to his work in music, Snoop Dogg currently has numerous partnership deals with major studios and networks, including TBS, Netflix, VH1 and more.
His accolades include an Emmy Award nomination for his role as Executive Producer and Co-host of VH1’s hit show, Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner, Executive Producer of MTV’s Mary + Jane, Executive Producer, Host of TNT’s game show, Joker’s Wild and Executive Producer of acclaimed Netflix’s show, Coach Snoop.
In June 2021 Snoop Dogg joined Def Jam as Executive Creative and Strategic Consultant.
Following the news of Snoop Dogg joining Def Jam as Executive Creative and Strategic Consultant, the superstar artist announced the appointment of Shante Broadus to his executive team as his official manager.
“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
Snoop Dogg, now Owner of Death Row Records, 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.”
“We are excited to put the Death Row Records brand back in the hands of a legend like Snoop Dogg.”
David Kestnbaum, Blackstone
David Kestnbaum, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, added: “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.”
“Snoop is clearly the executive to take Death Row into its next 30 years.”
Chris Taylor, MNRK Music Group
Chris Taylor, MNRK Music Group’s, President & CEO, said: “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.”Music Business Worldwide
