Popular American rapper, Snoop Dogg, has recently agreed to a deal to officially take on the position as Death Row Records newest brand owner. Occurring earlier this February, the 50-year-old artist made the executive agreement directly with the previous owners of the label MNRK Music Group, a Blackstone powered private equity fund. The record label was initially founded back in 1991 by Suge Knight, Dick Griffey, The D.O.C., and Dr. Dre, before most previously being known to be worth over approximately $18 million back in 2009.
“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,” the Young, Wild & Free artist stated in relation to his new company. “It feels good to have ownership of the label that I was a part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me.” Death Row Records is the first ever platform that Snoop Dogg’s debut project, Doggystyle, was released under, the rest is history.
Senior managing director for Blackstone. David Kestnbaum, shared his thoughts on putting the future of the company in the hands of Snoop Dogg. “We are excited to put the Death Row Records brand back in the hands of a legend like Snoop Dogg,” he announced. “We wish him success in the years ahead as the brand moves forward under his leadership and vision.” CEO and president of MNRK Music Group, Chris Taylor, also recently claimed that he believes “Snoop is clearly the executive to take Death Row Records into its next 30 years.”