# Suge Knight

> American record producer and music executive

**Wikidata**: [Q455880](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q455880)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suge_Knight)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/suge-knight

## Summary
Suge Knight is an American record producer and music executive best known as the co-founder and CEO of Death Row Records, a pioneering label in West Coast hip-hop and gangsta rap. He played a central role in shaping the sound and culture of 1990s hip-hop through his work with artists like Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.

## Biography
- Born: April 19, 1965
- Nationality: American
- Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Known for: Co-founding Death Row Records and shaping West Coast hip-hop
- Employer(s): Death Row Records (founder and CEO)
- Field(s): Music production, record executive, hip-hop

## Contributions
Suge Knight co-founded Death Row Records in 1991, establishing it as a dominant force in hip-hop and gangsta rap. Under his leadership, the label signed and produced music for iconic artists including Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Warren G, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg. Death Row Records released landmark albums such as *All Eyez on Me* by Tupac Shakur and *Doggystyle* by Snoop Dogg, which became cultural touchstones and commercial successes. The label was instrumental in popularizing G-funk and West Coast hip-hop, influencing the sound and style of 1990s rap music. Death Row Records was acquired by Blackstone Inc. in 1996, marking a significant milestone in its history.

## FAQs
**What is Suge Knight known for?**
Suge Knight is known for co-founding Death Row Records and serving as its CEO, where he played a pivotal role in shaping West Coast hip-hop and gangsta rap in the 1990s.

**Which artists were signed to Death Row Records under Suge Knight?**
Under Suge Knight's leadership, Death Row Records signed major artists including Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Warren G, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg.

**What impact did Death Row Records have on hip-hop?**
Death Row Records, under Suge Knight, was instrumental in popularizing G-funk and West Coast hip-hop, producing iconic albums that defined the sound and culture of 1990s rap music.

**When was Death Row Records founded and by whom?**
Death Row Records was founded in 1991 by Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dr. Dre, with Knight serving as president and CEO.

**What happened to Death Row Records after its founding?**
Death Row Records was acquired by Blackstone Inc. in 1996, further solidifying its impact on the music industry.

## Why They Matter
Suge Knight matters because he was a driving force behind one of the most influential record labels in hip-hop history. Through Death Row Records, he helped launch the careers of some of the genre's most iconic figures and produced albums that became cultural landmarks. His work shaped the sound of West Coast hip-hop and gangsta rap, leaving a lasting imprint on music and popular culture. The label's innovative production techniques and artist roster set new standards in the industry, influencing generations of musicians and producers.

## Notable For
- Co-founding Death Row Records in 1991
- Signing and producing music for Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg
- Producing landmark albums *All Eyez on Me* and *Doggystyle*
- Shaping the sound and culture of West Coast hip-hop and gangsta rap
- Leading Death Row Records until its acquisition by Blackstone Inc. in 1996
- Influencing the evolution of hip-hop production and artist development

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Suge Knight was born on April 19, 1965. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he pursued his education before entering the music industry.

### Founding Death Row Records
In 1991, Suge Knight co-founded Death Row Records alongside The D.O.C. and Dr. Dre. Knight served as the label's president and CEO, positioning himself at the forefront of the West Coast hip-hop movement. The label was formed in Los Angeles, California, and quickly became synonymous with the emerging gangsta rap scene.

### Artist Roster and Musical Impact
Under Knight's leadership, Death Row Records assembled a roster of some of the most influential artists in hip-hop history. The label signed Tupac Shakur, whose album *All Eyez on Me* became one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time. Snoop Dogg's debut album *Doggystyle*, also released under Death Row, broke sales records and established him as a major star. Other notable artists included Dr. Dre, Warren G, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg, all of whom contributed to the label's distinctive sound and cultural impact.

### Genre and Style
Death Row Records specialized in hip-hop, gangsta rap, and rhythm and blues, with a particular focus on the West Coast sound. The label was instrumental in popularizing G-funk, a subgenre characterized by its melodic synthesizers, slow grooves, and funk-inspired basslines. This sound became a defining feature of 1990s hip-hop and influenced countless artists and producers.

### Corporate and Industry Presence
Death Row Records was headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and maintained a strong digital presence through its website, deathrowmusic.com. The label was acquired by Blackstone Inc. in 1996, an American alternative investment company with over $900 billion in assets under management. This acquisition marked a significant moment in the label's history and underscored its influence in the music industry.

### Legacy and Cultural Influence
Death Row Records' legacy continues to resonate in the hip-hop community and beyond. The label's innovative production techniques, artist development strategies, and cultural impact have influenced subsequent generations of musicians. Many contemporary artists cite Death Row Records and its roster as major influences on their careers. The label's music remains widely celebrated and continues to shape the sound and culture of hip-hop.

### Technical and Corporate Identifiers
Death Row Records is registered with numerous global financial, academic, and regulatory institutions. It holds the ISIN US43300A2033 and a Central Index Key (CIK) of 0000000404128407. Its Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is 5299004LW4QWGZUB8Y96, and its IRS Employer Identification Number is 259853111. Within academic and research databases, it is recognized by identifiers such as the Ringgold ID 669, ROR ID 03b8cwr11, and Open Funder Registry ID 100005132. It is assigned the Merchant Category Code 3535.

### Global Presence and Digital Footprint
The headquarters of Death Row Records is located in Los Angeles, California, United States. The label's digital presence is anchored by its domain name deathrowmusic.com and it maintains verified social media profiles across platforms to engage with global audiences. Death Row Records has a strong global presence, with its music reaching audiences worldwide.

### Related Projects and Ecosystem
Death Row Records is part of a larger ecosystem of music labels and artists. It has collaborated with other notable entities, including Blackstone Inc., Lionsgate Canada, and various hip-hop artists. These partnerships and collaborations have contributed to the label's success and influence in the music industry.

### Community and Cultural Impact
Death Row Records has had a significant cultural impact, shaping the West Coast hip-hop scene and influencing subsequent generations of artists. The label's innovative production techniques and sound engineering have contributed to the evolution of hip-hop music. Death Row Records' legacy continues to be celebrated in the hip-hop community, with many artists citing the label as a major influence on their careers.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Pro Football Reference
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. [2 lawyers for Suge Knight accused of plotting to bribe potential murder witnesses](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-lawyers-for-suge-knight-accused-of-plotting-to-bribe-potential-murder-witnesses/)
7. BBC Things
8. Google Knowledge Graph
9. The Movie Database