Back in June of 2021, rapper Snoop Dogg’s New Album Reaches No. 1 on Top Gospel Albums Chart was appointed the role of executive creative consultant at Def Jam Records. Although we don’t quite fully understand what the role entails, we know the veteran emcee must have some say as to which artists will get the preferential treatment from the label.
Wasting No Time
He definitely has signing power up at Def Jam as NME reported it was indeed Snoop who signed blossoming Buffalo, NY artist Benny The Butcher to the label. As a result, Benny followed up with an IG post of his own thanking Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Westside Gunn amongst others for the huge opportunity. With that being said, power to sign an artist, and power to sign an entire label are two different things.
Last week, NPR reported that Snoop Dogg had acquired the infamous Death Row records; which is also the same label which launched his stellar career. However, the label was previously owned by MNRK Music Group before this latest transaction.
What’s next for Snoop Dogg and Death Row
In 1992, Death Row records was formed by producer Dr. Dre, alongside former bodyguard Marion “Suge” Knight. Moreover, the label would go on to control much of the early 90’s Hip Hop scene by dropping back to back classic albums. The first being Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic”, followed by Snoop Dogg’s 1993 debut, “Doggystyle”.
But now that Snoop has this new position at Def Jam, one has to wonder if he has any plans on releasing newly signed artists on Death Row through that system. Def Jam has been home to a lot of thriving Hip Hop labels in the past. Jay Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records as well as Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc. are just 2 of many labels which have had successful runs with Def Jam being at the helm.
I can almost certainly hear Snoop Dogg’s voice saying, “Def Row is now stranded on Def Jam”. I guess we will have to wait and see!
Stay tuned for more Hip Hop news!
