Blackstone-controlled MNRK Music Group has sold the Death Row Records brand to hip hop legend Snoop Dogg, whose first album was released on the label.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the transaction comes as Snoop Dogg’s latest album is being released on Feb. 11. Death Row Records was the label for hip hop artists such as Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur in the 1990s.
“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,” said Snoop Dogg in a statement. “This is an extremely meaningful moment for me. I would like to personally than the teams at Blackstone MNRK and especially David Kestnbaum, who worked collaboratively with me over several months to make this exciting homecoming a reality.”
Since that first Death Row Records album, Doggystyle (1993), Snoop Dogg has released 20 studio albums, sold over 40 million albums worldwide, and topped Billboard charts internationally and received numerous Grammy nominations.
Younger generations are likely familiar with Snoop Dogg the TV and film career on streaming platforms including various appearances with Martha Stewart, including on VH1’s Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner.
“We at Blackstone are strong supporters of the artist and creator community in our entertainment investments,” said Kestnbaum, senior managing director at Blackstone. “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.”
