Interscope Records
The label that helped bring *Dogg Food* to the top of the charts.
Interscope Records was one of the three labels that released Tha Dogg Pound's debut studio album, *Dogg Food*, on October 31, 1995, alongside Death Row Records and Priority Records. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the week ending November 5, 1995, selling 278,000 copies in its first week. While Dr. Dre was Death Row's top producer, the album was mostly produced by Daz Dillinger, with Dre mixing the album. The first single, "New York, New York," caused controversy when Snoop Doggy Dogg appeared in the video kicking down buildings throughout New York.
- Type
- Major Record Label
- Key Artist
- Snoop Dogg (Early Career)
- Notable Era
- 1990s Golden Age
Lore & Background
Interscope Records, as part of the trio of labels releasing *Dogg Food*, played a key role in the album's commercial success. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling 278,000 copies in its first week (the week ending on November 5, 1995). It was certified 2× platinum on January 5, 1996. The album's controversial lyrics were the subject of shareholder protest, and its release was delayed by two months from August 1995 due to controversy from Time Warner. The video for "New York, New York" caused controversy when Snoop appeared kicking down buildings throughout New York.
In Their Own Story
In 1995, Interscope Records, alongside Death Row and Priority, released *Dogg Food*, the debut studio album by Tha Dogg Pound. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 on November 18, 1995, selling 278,000 copies in its first week. The album's first single, "New York, New York," sparked controversy when Snoop Doggy Dogg appeared in the video kicking down buildings throughout New York. During the making of that video, the trailer of Tha Dogg Pound was shot at, though no one was injured. The album was certified 2× platinum on January 5, 1996.
Reader's Guide
Interscope Records operates as a major record label that, in partnership with Death Row Records and Priority Records, released *Dogg Food* on October 31, 1995. Its primary goal is to distribute and promote music, as seen with *Dogg Food*'s debut at number one on the Billboard 200 and its 2× platinum certification. Key members associated with the album include guest artists Snoop Doggy Dogg, Nate Dogg, Michel'le, The Lady of Rage, Tray Deee, and Mr. Malik, as well as producer Daz Dillinger and mixer Dr. Dre. In the broader conflict between artistic expression and corporate scrutiny, Interscope navigated the controversy surrounding *Dogg Food*'s lyrics, which were the subject of shareholder protest and led to a two-month release delay from August 1995 due to Time Warner controversy.
Did You Know?
- Interscope Records was one of three labels that released Tha Dogg Pound's debut album *Dogg Food* on October 31, 1995, alongside Death Row Records and Priority Records.
- The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in the week ending November 5, 1995, selling 278,000 copies in its first week.
- The video for the first single, "New York, New York," caused controversy when Snoop Doggy Dogg appeared kicking down buildings throughout New York.
- The album was certified 2× platinum on January 5, 1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interscope Records' connection to Snoop Dogg?
Interscope acted as a major distribution partner that worked alongside Death Row Records during the rapper's formative years. They were instrumental in releasing projects like Tha Dogg Pound's debut, ensuring these records reached national audiences effectively.
How did Interscope contribute to Dogg Food?
Alongside Death Row and Priority, this company helped distribute the group's first full-length project in late October of 1995. Their support was key to achieving a top chart position immediately following the drop.
Who actually produced the music distributed by Interscope?
Creative work came mainly from Daz Dillinger, while Dr. Dre oversaw the final mixing process. The record label itself managed the business side rather than crafting the musical content directly.
Why do fans care about this label in Snoop's history?
This collaboration represents a peak moment of commercial success during the 1990s Golden Age of hip-hop. It highlights how major industry backing amplified West Coast gangsta rap to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Did Interscope handle all of Snoop's early work?
They were one of three labels involved in specific releases like Dogg Food, sharing duties with Death Row and Priority Records. This multi-label structure was common at the time to maximize sales potential for high-profile artists.
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