Before we get started, I have to say congratulations to Run-DMC for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That is a great honor and it is a great thing that they received that induction. I'm sure that it was bitter sweet being up there without Jam Master Jay and I really respect them not performing without him. I know that a lot of people would have wanted them to perform, and they may have wanted to perform themselves, but everybody is honored in a different way and they have vowed to not perform without him, which is very comendable. So, once again, congratulations! It is very much diserved.  Here is the video of Eminiem officially ushering them in.

Now, if you haven't heard the news, E1 Music (once known as Koch Records) has bought Death Row Records and is planning on ressurecting it very soon. What I'm wondering is if Death Row can ever make a full recovery? After Pac died and Snoop and Dre left, it never was the same. Artists came and went without major success from any of them. Even Suge Knight as of late has been getting dropped in front of clubs more than successful albums were dropped while the label was under his control the last 5 to 10 years. 

However, E1 has been the nubmer independent record label in the country. It has been known to produce many quality artists and bodies of work. Under this new management, Death Row might be able something, but I think the history behind it really hurts it. Of course it is one of the most historical labels in hip hop history, but it has also been known to damage and/or ruin many artists careers after its "golden years," which I think may turn artists off. Yet, it will not be under the control of Suge Knight any more, which could have been the biggest issue surrounding the label. Suge was more focused on a tv show and regaining his street credibility, of which he failed at both. 

I think that there is both good and bad in bringing it back but the history behind the label may be a double-edge sword. Some may be turned off by all that has gone on since the label kind of "fell apart," but if persuaded by a nice deal, some may be proud to sign to the same label as the great Tupac, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Dogg Pound. I just don't see a great deal of good coming from the resurrection, though. I would like to see people signed to the label and for them to have success, but I think that it might just be too little too late. But, maybe, just maybe, there is some artist that is able to bring it back. In the mean time, here are a couple videos that came out at the peak of Death Row's success. 

That's it for me. Any thoughts on Death Row being brought back? Should the first artist signed be a West Coast artist? What's your favorite joint from the Death Row era? Let me hear it. Comment or email at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.


Peace.