Who Owns Death Row Records?

Death Row Records stands as one of hip-hop’s most legendary labels, having shaped West Coast rap culture throughout the 1990s. As of 2025, rapper Snoop Dogg owns Death Row Records, acquiring the brand in February 2022 from MNRK Music Group under private equity control similar to major retail investments. The acquisition marked a homecoming for Snoop Dogg, who launched his career with the label three decades earlier, positioning him to revitalize the historic legacy.

The record label has expanded operations beyond traditional music distribution. Following the acquisition, Death Row entered strategic partnerships with digital platforms, including a 2023 collaboration with TikTok and SoundOn. In September 2024, Death Row secured a publishing agreement with Reservoir Media covering the extensive music library. The brand launched TryDeathRow.com in June 2025, expanding into direct-to-consumer cannabis products.

Largest Shareholders of Death Row Records

Snoop Dogg – Majority Owner

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., professionally recognized as Snoop Dogg, holds majority ownership following his February 2022 acquisition. The Long Beach native secured brand rights from MNRK Music Group in a transaction whose financial terms remained undisclosed. His ownership encompasses the trademark, brand identity, and intellectual property rights.

The acquisition represented more than a business transaction. Snoop Dogg originally joined the label in 1992, releasing his debut album the following year. His return as owner allowed him to control his artistic legacy while steering future direction. His business portfolio spans cannabis brands, media ventures, and technology investments contributing to his estimated $160 million net worth.

MNRK Music Group – Former Owner

MNRK Music Group controlled Death Row Records until transferring ownership to Snoop Dogg. The company managed catalog and brand assets during its ownership period under Blackstone’s oversight, which acquired the parent company in April 2021 when Hasbro divested music operations. President Chris Taylor endorsed the acquisition, stating Snoop Dogg represented the ideal executive to guide the label’s future.

Blackstone Group – Previous Stakeholder

Blackstone Group maintained indirect ownership through MNRK Music Group until the 2022 sale. David Kestnbaum, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, facilitated negotiations over several months. The firm’s involvement demonstrated institutional investor interest in valuable music intellectual property assets before exiting to reallocate capital toward other entertainment investments.

Who Owns Death Row Records?

Death Row Records is owned by Snoop Dogg, who acquired the hip-hop label in February 2022. The rapper secured ownership through a purchase agreement with MNRK Music Group, which previously controlled the brand under Blackstone’s management. The acquisition price remained confidential, though analysts noted the transaction represented significant value given the catalog’s historical importance.

The ownership transfer granted control over the Death Row trademark and brand identity. His acquisition initially focused on brand rights, with subsequent negotiations addressing music catalog ownership. The deal positioned him to manage the label’s legacy while implementing modern distribution strategies including merchandise, digital content, and brand partnerships.

Snoop Dogg’s ownership structure remains private, typical for independently held music labels. Unlike major platform acquisitions by technology conglomerates, the transaction involved direct purchase by an individual artist rather than corporate consolidation, providing operational flexibility while maintaining artistic authenticity.

History of Death Row Records Co-founders

Dr. Dre – Visionary Producer

Andre Young, known as Dr. Dre, co-established the label after departing Ruthless Records in 1991. His production shaped Death Row’s signature sound through The Chronic, establishing G-funk as the dominant West Coast style. Dre left in 1996 to establish Aftermath Entertainment, continuing to influence hip-hop through artist development.

Suge Knight – Business Executive

Marion Knight brought business acumen from providing security at Los Angeles concerts. His aggressive tactics secured favorable Interscope distribution deals. Knight’s controversial management led to legal troubles, culminating in the label’s 2006 bankruptcy. He currently serves time for voluntary manslaughter convictions unrelated to music operations.

The D.O.C. – Creative Consultant

Tracy Curry contributed songwriting expertise and artist development during formation. His collaboration with Dr. Dre proved instrumental in crafting early artistic direction, though performing faced challenges following a 1989 automobile accident damaging his vocal cords.

Dick Griffey – Financial Partner

Entertainment veteran Dick Griffey provided financial backing and business knowledge through Solar Records experience. His involvement helped secure initial funding and negotiate distribution agreements, establishing commercial viability for the startup.

Who is on the Board of Directors for Death Row Records?

Executive Leadership

Snoop Dogg serves as owner and primary decision-maker, overseeing strategic initiatives and brand direction. His involvement extends beyond ceremonial ownership, with active participation in artist signings, catalog management, and partnership negotiations. The leadership team includes publishing executives managing songwriter relationships and catalog monetization, working with partners like Reservoir Media on administration strategies.

Strategic Advisors

The label maintains relationships with advisors from entertainment and technology sectors providing guidance on digital distribution and market positioning. These consultants navigate the evolving industry landscape where traditional media companies face streaming platform disruption. Legal counsel manages intellectual property protection and contract negotiations across multiple jurisdictions.

Creative Direction

October London and Charlie Bereal represent current signed artists contributing to contemporary creative output. Their involvement maintains artistic relevance while honoring legacy. Production teams remaster classic catalog material for modern formats and streaming optimization, ensuring historic recordings meet contemporary standards while preserving original artistic intent.

Distribution and Marketing

Partnership managers coordinate relationships with streaming services and social platforms. The team negotiates placement, coordinates campaigns, and analyzes consumption data beyond major search and video platforms. Brand extension specialists develop merchandise, licensing agreements, and partnerships leveraging Death Row’s iconic imagery across apparel, cannabis products, and entertainment content.

FAQs

Who currently owns Death Row Records in 2025?

Snoop Dogg owns Death Row Records. He acquired the legendary hip-hop label in February 2022 from MNRK Music Group, returning to the brand that launched his career thirty years earlier.

How much did Snoop Dogg pay for Death Row Records?

The purchase price remains undisclosed. Snoop Dogg and MNRK Music Group kept financial terms confidential, though the transaction involved acquiring brand rights and catalog assets from Blackstone-controlled entities.

What happened to the original Death Row Records founders?

Dr. Dre departed in 1996 to establish Aftermath Entertainment. Suge Knight lost control through bankruptcy and currently serves prison time. The D.O.C. and Dick Griffey left earlier, with Griffey passing in 2010.

Does Snoop Dogg own the Death Row music catalog?

Snoop Dogg acquired brand rights initially, with subsequent agreements addressing catalog ownership. He secured publishing deals through Reservoir Media for his works and other Death Row recordings from the 1990s.

Is Death Row Records still releasing new music?

Death Row Records actively releases new music. Current roster artists include October London and Charlie Bereal, with the label maintaining both legacy catalog management and contemporary production operations.