Watch The Death Row Chronicles

The Death Row Chronicles is a gripping and intense docuseries that tells the story of one of the most controversial and notorious record labels in music history. The series is a collaboration between BET Networks and acclaimed music producer and former Death Row CEO, Marion "Suge" Knight, who provides exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from his personal archive. The series explores the rise and fall of Death Row Records, which was founded in 1991 by music mogul Dr. Dre, Knight, and producer The D.O.C. The label quickly made a name for itself with a string of iconic and groundbreaking albums that helped define the sound of West Coast hip-hop in the 1990s, including The Chronic by Dr. Dre and Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg. However, the label was also plagued by controversy, including allegations of gang ties, financial mismanagement, and violent altercations. The Death Row Chronicles takes a deep dive into these issues, painting a complex portrait of a label that was both a cultural force and a ticking time bomb. The series is broken up into six episodes, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the Death Row story. Episode one, "The Rise," chronicles the early days of the label and introduces key players like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur, who would later become one of the label's biggest stars. Episode two, "The Takeover," delves into the height of Death Row's success, culminating in the label's acquisition by media conglomerate Interscope Records. This episode features interviews with former Death Row executives like David Kenner and Cheryl Harris, who provide valuable insight into the inner workings of the label. Episode three, "The Hitmen," focuses on Death Row's production team, which included some of the most talented and innovative producers and engineers in the industry, such as Daz Dillinger, DJ Pooh, and Cold 187um. This episode explores how their unique talents helped define the Death Row sound and make the label a powerhouse in the industry. Episode four, "The Gang" takes a closer look at the alleged connections between Death Row and the notorious Los Angeles gang, the Bloods. This episode features interviews with former gang members, music industry insiders, and law enforcement officials, who shed light on the complicated and often dangerous relationships between the label and the streets. Episode five, "The Fall," is perhaps the most dramatic and emotional episode of the series. It explores the downfall of Death Row, which began with the loss of Dr. Dre to rival label, Aftermath Entertainment, and culminated with the murder of Tupac Shakur in 1996. This episode features interviews with Knight himself, who speaks candidly about his own involvement in the label's decline. Finally, episode six, "The Legacy," reflects on Death Row's lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture as a whole. The episode features interviews with artists and industry experts, who discuss the label's influence on hip-hop and its enduring legacy, despite its tumultuous history. Overall, The Death Row Chronicles is a fascinating and well-crafted series that offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in music history. With its mix of archival footage, exclusive interviews, and expert analysis, the series is essential viewing for anyone interested in the history of hip-hop and the cultural landscape of the 1990s.