Death Row Records is an American record label that was founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight, Andre "Dr. Dre" Young, Tracy "The D.O.C." Curry, and Richard "Dick" Griffey. The label became a sensation by releasing multi-platinum hip-hop albums by West Coast-based artists such as Dr. Dre (The Chronic), Snoop Dogg (Doggystyle, Tha Doggfather), Tha Dogg Pound (Dogg Food), and 2Pac (All Eyez on Me, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory) during the 1990s. The label's first release was Dr. Dre's The Chronic, which was a massive success and helped to define the sound of West Coast hip-hop.
Death Row Records was also known for its lavish lifestyle and its association with gangs. The label's headquarters were located in Compton, California, which was a hotbed of gang violence at the time. Some of the label's artists were also involved in gangs, and this contributed to the label's image as being dangerous and edgy.
Death Row Records has had a major impact on hip-hop music. The label has signed some of the biggest names in the genre, and its albums have sold millions of copies. The label has also been credited with helping to popularize West Coast hip-hop.
