Death Row’s STYLE OF MUSIC
SHOW DISCIPLINE
Death Row Records is known most for things that happen outside of music. The legendary record label was home for superstars like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, The Dogg Pound, and of course Tupac. Led by their CEO Suge Knight Death Row had a dominant reign over the music industry. But stories of violence have seemed to be the first thing that you think of when you think about Death Row Records. I want to take a closer look at the sound that they pioneered and created.
Death Row Records released The Chronic. This was an album that inspired West Coast artists as well as East Coast artists. The production at the time was repurposing records from Parliament-Funkadelic and adding a new feel to it. The project goes on to have commercial success but also directly inspires artists like The Notorious B.I.G. The Chronic also introduced us to the most famous rapper in the world Snoop Dogg.
Snoop goes on to release Doggystyle which continues the G-Funk era. Snoop is the first of his kind. As a rapper, he spoke about weed, women and told amazing stories over Dr.Dre’s production. Tha Dogg Pound releases Dogg Food an underrated classic West Coast album that goes on to build the foundation of the West Coast sound like all of these records do.
Everyone knows Tupac’s story. When he got released, he signed to Death Row Records. His name was attached to a lot of drama. The music from him, while he was on Death Row, was always quality and top tier. Yes All Eyez on Me sold millions of records but it’s also a classic double disc album. But just like all the artist on the Death Row Records the contracts weren’t right and the artist didn’t seem happy.
Recently Snoop Dogg Acquired Death Row Records. It’s amazing to see him make a full-circle move like that. Snoop Dogg never seems to disrespect or disregard his time on Death Row. Somethings just didn’t go right now that he’s in charge, I’m sure he will be very protective of the brand. He has the ability to continue the legacy of the legendary record label and maximize all of the good things that came out of it and I hope he does.