In a recent episode of the Nation of Poweration daily podcast, hip-hop producer Daz Dillinger opened up about the circumstances surrounding his ousting from Death Row Records, revealing that the decision was made by none other than his cousin, Snoop Dogg. This marks the second time Daz has been removed from the iconic label, which was once a powerhouse in the music industry during the 1990s.
Snoop Dogg, who recently acquired Death Row Records, made the purchase primarily to regain control over his master recordings, including those from his acclaimed debut album “Doggystyle.” As he attempts to revitalize the label, he has brought in new talent, such as October London, while also reaching out to some of the original artists in a bid to recapture the magic of the past. However, Daz’s return to Death Row was short-lived due to disagreements over music rights and publishing deals.
In the podcast, Daz explained the friction between him and Snoop, highlighting a dispute regarding the rights to his music catalog. Snoop reportedly wanted Daz to sign over his catalog, a proposal Daz firmly rejected, valuing his work and its potential income. “You ain’t signing your catalog over to me,” Snoop told Daz, to which the latter responded, “I’m keeping it. You know what I’m saying? It’s worth a lot.” This disagreement ultimately led to Daz being kicked off the label once again.
Daz elaborated on the financial intricacies of the situation, noting that while Snoop owns the label, Daz retains the publishing rights to his music, which he believes are more valuable than mere ownership. He mentioned that he had filed for copyright reversion, allowing him to reclaim rights to his work after 35 years—an important legal strategy for many artists in the industry.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of their fallout, with Daz expressing disappointment over the rift while acknowledging the complicated nature of family dynamics in the music business. Despite their familial ties, the financial stakes seem to overshadow personal relationships, a theme that often recurs in the industry. “It’s always over two things: cash or creative,” Daz stated, emphasizing how money often complicates artistic endeavors.
Commentators have weighed in on Snoop’s efforts to resurrect Death Row Records, expressing skepticism about the feasibility of recreating the magic of the label’s heyday. While some believe that nostalgia acts could work, others argue that Snoop should focus on nurturing new talent rather than trying to reassemble the past.
The fallout between Daz and Snoop raises questions about whether reconciliation is possible and if Daz might ever return to Death Row Records. As both artists have significant legacies and financial stability, the dispute serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships in the music industry, where creative visions and financial interests often collide.
As fans and followers of hip-hop digest this latest chapter in the ongoing saga of Death Row Records, many are left wondering what the future holds for both Daz Dillinger and Snoop Dogg. The comments section is abuzz with speculation about potential reconciliation and the evolving landscape of the legendary label.
