Snoop Dogg’s purchase of Death Row Records in 2022 was a defining moment in his career, but it wasn’t universally celebrated. Dr. Dre, his longtime collaborator and mentor, was initially against the move. Snoop Dogg revealed Dre’s concerns during a recent interview, saying, “Oh, he didn’t like it. He was vocal about it. He didn’t know what I was doing. Nobody did.”
A Controversial Decision for Snoop Dogg
The hesitation stemmed from Death Row’s complicated history. Once a powerhouse in hip-hop, the label had been plagued by financial struggles and legal controversies, including bankruptcy in 2006. Dre questioned why Snoop would take on such a burden. “Why the f**k is he buying a bag of problems when he’s already living a successful life?” Snoop recalled Dre asking.
For Snoop, however, the decision was personal. “I saw my legacy. I saw unfinished business that needed to be handled,” he explained. “I wanted to put life into Death Row—some beautiful music and happy moments to redefine what it stood for.”
Over time, Dre’s perspective shifted. Snoop shared that Dre, who initially saw the acquisition as unnecessary drama, now fully supports the revival. “He loves it now,” Snoop said, smiling. “He represents it, he’s down with it. He even asked for a Death Row jacket.”
Snoop’s vision for Death Row wasn’t just about reclaiming its legacy. He has actively worked to modernize the label by bringing back iconic artists and signing fresh talent. New signees like October London and projects such as Snoop’s latest album, Missionary—produced entirely by Dre—underscore the label’s renewed vitality.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Snoop emphasized how their dynamic has evolved. “Back in the day, it was me writing for him, trying to paint a picture. Now, it’s him writing for me, shaping what I should be.”