In a seismic shift that’s set to reverberate through the music industry, Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records have joined forces with Reservoir Media in a landmark publishing agreement. The deal represents a pivotal moment for the legendary rapper and his iconic label, encompassing domestic publishing rights for both Snoop’s extensive discography and the storied Death Row Records catalog.
The deal of the decade
The groundbreaking partnership grants Reservoir Media stewardship over the domestic publishing rights to Snoop Dogg’s entire body of work. This treasure trove includes chart-toppers like the infectious “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” the gin-soaked anthem “Gin and Juice,” and the identity-defining “What’s My Name?” But the deal doesn’t stop there – it also extends its reach to the publishing catalog of Death Row Records, home to seminal albums from hip-hop luminaries such as Dr. Dre and 2Pac.
Snoop Dogg, ever the wordsmith, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm: “I’m so honored to have them as a partner and excited for all the great things to come with the catalog as well as new music ventures. 2024 and beyond 🔥🙏🏾🐾”
Snoop’s full-circle journey
This alliance comes on the heels of Snoop Dogg’s acquisition of Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group two years prior. For the artist who played an instrumental role in cementing the label’s reputation in the early ’90s, this partnership represents more than just a business transaction – it’s a triumphant return to his roots.
The deal not only solidifies Snoop’s status as a music industry mogul but also ensures that the legacy of Death Row Records – a cornerstone of West Coast hip-hop – remains in capable hands.
Reservoir Media: The new power player
Founded in 2007 by Iranian-Canadian entrepreneur Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir Media has quickly risen to prominence in the music publishing sphere. The company boasts an impressive arsenal of over 150,000 copyrights and more than 36,000 master recordings, with works spanning from the early 1900s to contemporary chart-toppers.
Reservoir’s catalog reads like a who’s who of modern music, featuring tracks from pop titans like Lady Gaga, Latin sensation Camila Cabello, hitmaker Bruno Mars and rap queen Cardi B. This diversity and depth have positioned Reservoir as a formidable force in the ever-evolving landscape of music publishing.
Preserving a legacy, shaping the future
Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s visionary CEO, couldn’t hide her excitement about the partnership. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Death Row Records legacy, noting that Snoop’s unwavering commitment to the brand aligns perfectly with Reservoir’s core values. This shared vision promises to not only preserve the label’s historic contributions but also propel it into a new era of innovation and success.
The road ahead: Innovation and expansion
This collaboration signifies more than just a new chapter for Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records – it’s a launchpad for groundbreaking music ventures and opportunities to reach broader, more diverse audiences. As Snoop continues to evolve as both an artist and entrepreneur, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating the exciting developments that lie ahead.
The partnership opens up a world of possibilities, from innovative marketing strategies to potential collaborations that could bridge generations of hip-hop artists. With Reservoir’s industry expertise and Snoop’s creative vision, the sky’s the limit for what this dynamic duo can achieve.
A new era for hip-hop and music ownership
The alliance between Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records and Reservoir Media stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of hip-hop and the critical importance of ownership in the music industry. As Snoop embarks on this new journey, he remains steadfast in his commitment to honoring the rich history of Death Row while blazing trails for future generations of artists.
As the music industry continues to evolve in the digital age, partnerships like this one between Snoop Dogg and Reservoir Media may well become the new gold standard. They offer a blueprint for how artists can maintain artistic integrity while also securing their financial futures and the longevity of their work.
As he steps into this new role, the industry watches with bated breath, eager to see how the Doggfather will continue to shape the future of music. The beat goes on, and it’s louder and more impactful than ever.
