In 2022, Snoop Dogg acquired Death Row from MNRK Music Group, securing the label’s catalog of recordings. Over the weekend, the label announced a new publishing deal with Reservoir Media.
Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me are among Death Row Records’ legendary albums. Snoop established a new publishing arm under the Death Row umbrella in 2023, representing songwriters from the label. A partnership between Reservoir Media and Death Row’s publishing division recently secured the rights to several iconic hits, including “Hail Mary” by Makaveli, “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” by 2Pac, and “Picture Me Rollin” by 2Pac.
Snoop expressed his excitement for the future, saying, “I’m 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 in 2024 and beyond.”
Donna Caseine, Reservoir’s Executive Vice President and Global Creative Director, praised Snoop’s enduring influence:
“Legendary artists only need one name. Snoop is part of that echelon. From music to brands, television, and film, his acumen represents excellence. For the last three decades, he’s been a pillar of hip-hop and popular culture, and his contributions to Death Row are woven into the fabric of music history. It’s an honor to support his vision.”
Reservoir’s Founder and CEO, Golnar Khosrowshahi, echoed this sentiment, calling the partnership with Snoop “an exciting opportunity to support his legendary catalog and further embed his music in mainstream media.” Khosrowshahi added, “This deal also allows us to help further the legacy of a valuable brand like Death Row. Snoop has come full circle with the label, showcasing his dedication to preserving its rich history — a core value that aligns with our own expertise in catalog management.”
Snoop Dogg has been a defining figure in hip-hop since 1992, when he made his debut on Dr. Dre’s single “Deep Cover.” The following year, he released his groundbreaking album Doggystyle under Death Row, which featured the hits “What’s My Name?” and “Gin and Juice,” earning a 4x-Platinum certification in 1994. Since then, Snoop has released 19 solo albums, with his 20th, Missionary — produced by Dr. Dre — currently in production.
Reservoir’s partnership with Snoop Dogg and Death Row is the latest in a series of high-profile deals for the company. Recently, Reservoir acquired the publishing catalog of the late songwriter and guitarist Billy Strange. Over the past year, they’ve also secured rights to the works of 2Pac producer Big D Evans, Latin hitmaker Rudy Perez, and Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer Mannie Fresh, among others.
These acquisitions have fueled Reservoir’s growth. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company reported an 8% year-over-year increase in revenue, totaling $34.3 million. Publishing revenue accounted for $24 million, marking a 15% increase driven by catalog acquisitions and rising streaming revenue. Since its inception in 2007, Reservoir has invested nearly $1 billion in music catalogs, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry’s evolving landscape.
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