Suge Knight
Suge Knight is an American music executive who co-founded Death Row Records and helped shape West Coast hip-hop during the 1990s.
Dr. Dre: Dr. Dre is an American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur who helped define West Coast hip-hop. He co-founded Death Row Records with Knight and produced many of its defining releases.
Death Row Records: Death Row Records is an American record label founded in 1991 and known for influential West Coast hip-hop releases. It was Knight’s central vehicle for signing artists, releasing records, and exerting industry power.
The Chronic: The Chronic is Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut solo album, released by Death Row Records. Its success established Death Row as a dominant commercial force.
1996 MTV Video Music Awards altercation: The 1996 MTV Video Music Awards altercation was an onstage incident in which Knight criticized Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Records. Knight used the ceremony to publicly escalate Death Row’s rivalry with its East Coast competitor.
The D.O.C.: The D.O.C. is an American rapper and songwriter whose work influenced West Coast hip-hop. His writing and early business role helped establish Death Row before its major commercial success.
Priority Records: Priority Records was an American record label and distributor known for hip-hop releases. Its distribution deal helped Death Row reach a national audience without relying on a major-label parent.
Doggystyle: Doggystyle is Snoop Dogg’s 1993 debut album, produced by Dr. Dre and released by Death Row Records. Its record-setting debut extended the label’s influence beyond Dr. Dre’s breakthrough.
Murder of Tupac Shakur: Tupac Shakur was shot in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later. Knight was driving the car in which Shakur was shot, an event that marked a turning point for Death Row.
Tupac Shakur: Tupac Shakur was an American rapper and actor whose work became central to 1990s hip-hop. Knight signed Shakur to Death Row, where he recorded some of his best-known music.
Interscope Records: Interscope Records is an American record label founded in 1990. Its partnership with Death Row brought the label major-market distribution and later became a point of conflict.