Death Row Records is an independently owned, African-American record company
founded five years ago by Suge Knight chief executive officer and former president Andre
"Dr. Dre" Young. The label's artists are among the most popular in the music industry.
Its success as an independent record company is virtually unparalleled. Since its
inception, Death Row Records has sold approximately 26 million records (This statistic
does not include "Tha Doggfather", "The Don Killuminati", "Christmas On Death Row", "Greatest Hits", "Gridlock'd", "Necessary Roughness", or "Gang Related") accounting for gross receipts in excess of $170 million. Although Death
Row Records' artist roster includes significant talent in the rap genre, it also releases
rhythm and blues music.
Rap is a style wherein a combination of talking, as well as singing, is set to hip-hop
music. Death Row Records' principal artists, most notably Snoop Doggy Dogg, 2Pac, and
M.C. Hammer have "crossed over" from appearing regularly on the rap charts to
noticeable appearances on the rhythm and blues charts as well. The charts are an
expression of the sales and popularity of various forms of recorded music.
Much of Death Row Records' music chronicles the observations and experiences of
young African-America, often describing situations which occur in the urban ghettos of this
country. These observations and experiences represent a part of life in America that is
non-mainstream and that the government, prior to the popularity of rap, was able to
control, limit and keep from the middle class. The current appeal of this music to suburban
America has caused great concern to the government, politicians, and others, looking to
benefit from and capitalize on these events.
Just over five years ago, Death Row amidst curiosity, suspicion, and even
resentment. We were looked at as outcasts by the music business establishment. What we
brought to the table was a dream, and an insatiable entrepreneurship that the ghettos of
America all have. Death Row Records is more than simply a label, it is a family and a way
of life. With this first greatest hits album we share with you the ingredients that made us
successful. We hope that you share our enthusiasm for what is yet to come. Good listening
and good looking out!
Suge Knight
