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The Evolution of Death Row Records: From 90s Dominance to Web3 Revival

The Evolution of Death Row Records: From 90s Dominance to Web3 Revival

Death Row Record: Rap Icon

Death Row Records is an iconic name in the history of hip-hop, particularly within the West Coast rap scene. Founded in ‘91 by Marion “Suge” Knight and Dr. Dre, this label quickly rose to prominence, thanks to its unique blend of gritty beats, hard-hitting rhymes and vivid depictions of street life. With artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur leading the charge, Death Row became synonymous with the explosive sound of 90s gangsta rap.

Yet, the story of Death Row Records is not just one of success but also of controversy and turmoil. Despite producing a string of platinum hits and making household names of its artists, the label was embroiled in legal battles, internal strife, and tragically, the deaths of several of its key figures. By the late 90s, Death Row’s industry influence waned and it seemed destined to become a relic of the past.

Fast forward to 2008, when Snoop Dogg, one of Death Row’s most famous protégés, acquired the rights to the label’s name. With this move, Snoop sought not just to revive a brand but to breathe new life into its legacy. By blending Death Row’s storied past with the cutting-edge possibilities of web3 technology, Snoop Dogg has reimagined the label for a new era.

Death Row Records website

Web3 on Death Row

Along the way as Snoop Dogg continued to gain acclaim as a successful entrepreneur and renaissance man, he discovered the empowering potential of web3 and shared Gala’s vision of how it could rejuvenate a hurting music industry.

Today, Death Row Records is making waves again, and Gala Music is happy to play even a small part in that success. By entering the decentralized world of web3, Death Row is once again pushing boundaries, this time by leveraging blockchain technology and NFTs to revolutionize music distribution and artist empowerment. 

With the release of NFT tracks and the introduction of new artists to the platform, Snoop Dogg is ensuring that Death Row’s legacy not only endures but thrives in this new digital landscape.

Gala Music is proud to be part of DRR’s journey, which will certainly be remembered by the history books. This partnership is about more than just technology—it tells a story of redemption, empowerment and taking control back from the old-school record execs to real artists and the fans who make their success possible.

Just as Death Row Records once transformed the music industry with its bold vision and unapologetic style, Gala Music is here to disrupt the status quo again, providing artists and fans with a platform that truly puts them first. Who better to join us in this mission than Death Row Records?

The collaboration between Death Row Records and Gala Music is a perfect harmony of history and innovation, a blending of the old and the new that promises to reshape the music industry. We’re thrilled to host artists like Jane Handcock, Tha Dogg Pound, and October London… Even Snoop Dogg himself has dropped the Bacc on Death Row album and more. Each of these artists is a testament to the enduring spirit of Death Row and its capacity to adapt, evolve, and stay relevant in a constantly changing industry.

Currently Available from Death Row Records

Jane Handcock’s A Few Sappy Songs EP

Listen to A Few Sappy Songs

Tha Dogg Pound’s WAWG Record (We All We Got)

Listen to WAWG Here

We look forward to sharing even more exciting news from the Death Row Records world, coming very soon.

 If you haven’t already, check out our curated DRR Playlist, and remember, NFT tracks from Jane Handcock and Tha Dogg Pound are still available for purchase while supplies last! By owning an NFT track with Gala Music, you’re unlocking daily $MUSIC rewards.

Join us as we continue to celebrate this remarkable story of music, legacy, and the future of sound.

Explore the DRR Playlist and become a part of music history today!

Jane Handcock is Dropping a New EP on Gala Music

Jane Handcock is Dropping a New EP on Gala Music

Gala Music and Death Row Records’ iconic fan favorite R&B Hip-hop queen is back with a very special release, dropping tomorrow, August 23rd at 1pm PT.

Jane Handcock’s new EP is entitled “A Few Sappy Songs,” containing 5 new NFT tracks that can be yours only while supplies last.

Jane Handcock is part of the original Gala Music artist crew, boasting a nice collection of 100% sold out tracks. Listen to each of them on Gala Music. 🎧

While previous Legacy Edition NFT tracks from Ms. Hancock were available in supplies ranging from 100 to 480 digital copies, you’ll only have access to 100 of each track from the new EP.

Early Access Sale

As with all returning Gala Music artist releases, users with Early Access will have the ability to purchase an hour before the public sale opens, starting at 12pm PT. To unlock Early Access, you must reach level 2 in Jane Handcock’s Loyalty Pool by locking your $MUSIC in support of the artist.

Please note that to ensure you meet eligibility requirements for the daily snapshot, you must unlock the benefit by 5pm PT on August 22nd.

“A Few Sappy Songs”

Track 1 “Melancholy Shit”

“A song about melancholy shit. I wrote it when I was sad.”

Listen Now on Gala Music

Track 2 “Whatever You On”

“A song about decisions. I wrote it when I needed an answer from my lover at the time.” 

Listen Now on Gala Music

Track 3 “You Hurt My Feelings”

“A song about my feelings being hurt. I wrote it when my lover (at the time) hurt my feelings.”

Listen Now on Gala Music

Track 4 “Gimme a Vibe”

“A song about wanting a vibe. I wrote it when I needed a ‘pick me up’ after my feeling were extremely hurt.”

Listen Now on Gala Music

Track 5 “Fly Me Away”

“A song about wanting to get away. I wrote it with my friend Ian Kelly after sitting in our retrospective thoughts. We wanted to fly away. We still do.”

Listen Now on Gala Music

Unlock $MUSIC Rewards

This is yet another awesome opportunity to jump in and support the decentralized world of music and unlock regular rewards for yourself at the same time.
As an NFT owner, you’ll get $MUSIC rewards daily based on the platform and app plays of your hosted tracks. If you also own and operate a Gala Music Jukebox Node, you can enhance the rewards even more by powering the Gala Music DePIN. 😎

Legendary Hip-Hop Drop | Rakim’s Latest

Legendary Hip-Hop Drop | Rakim’s Latest

Today’s the day! Rakim is breaking new ground, back with his first studio album in over a decade. To celebrate the occasion, Rakim is releasing “Love is the Message” as a limited supply reward-enabled NFT on Gala Music!

G.O.D.S. Network Reb7rth features an incredible lineup of well-known artists, including Gala Music favorites and stars from the hip-hop world.

  • Kurupt
  • Masta Killa
  • Louis King
  • Snoop Dogg
  • Nipsey Hussle
  • 38 Spesh
  • Fred the Godson
  • KXNG Crooked
  • Method Man
  • Prodigy
  • …and more 

Learn more about the album at RakimPresents.com

On Gala Music

In the finale of our record release partnership with Rakim, Gala Music just dropped another track from the album as a limited and reward-enabled NFT. This is your chance to pick up “Love is the Message” and unlock $MUSIC rewards based on its platform success. But the Rakim NFT action on Gala Music doesn’t stop there…

Listen to “Love is the Message now” on Gala Music

Exclusive Instrumental EP

Last week, Gala Music dropped an exclusive Instrumental EP version of each of G.O.D.S. Network’s 7 tracks. With only 100 of each instrumental NFT available, this set will prove a stellar addition to any hip-hop fan’s Gala Music NFT collection, unlocking $MUSIC rewards for owners.

The best part? You won’t find these instrumental tracks anywhere but Gala Music, so check them out today.

Learn more about the Instrumental EP

$MUSIC, Powering Music

We’re changing things up in the professional music world, giving power and control back to the artists, bringing them closer to their fans than ever before. At the core of this revolution is the $MUSIC token, fueling the ecosystem.

Jukebox Node operators power the decentralized network for $MUSIC rewards, making it possible for track owners and artists to generate $MUSIC every time a track plays on the platform.

Gala Music is a streaming service where it’s absolutely free to listen to and experience music you’ve never heard before, whether from new emerging artists primed for discovery or superstars who wanted to elevate their game with the power of web3. You’ll find live concerts, a streamlined app, and money-can’t buy experiences from some of your favorite artists.
Come discover your next favorite song now on Gala Music.

Welcoming TARELA to Gala Music with his New Track “Oh Mama”

Welcoming TARELA to Gala Music with his New Track “Oh Mama”

We’re pleased to announce that TARELA, the multifaceted singer, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur, is joining the Gala Music family. Known for his distinctive blend of Afrobeats, Dancehall and Hip-Hop, TARELA brings a unique sound that resonates with his fans across the globe.

“Oh Mama”

Tomorrow, July 23rd, TARELA drops his latest single “Oh Mama” as an NFT on Gala Music. This soulful Afrobeats tune is set to captivate your hearts and playlists. Featuring melodic guitar by SUCKARIE and co-produced by TARELA and MARPHY JAY, “Oh Mama” is crafted to be a top contender on your summer playlist.

Listen to “Oh Mama” now on Gala Music

About TARELA

TARELA, formerly known as Squeeze Tarela, has made a significant impact in the music industry with hits like “Hottest Thing,” “Better,” “Cocoa Butter,” “Bend,” and “Showers of Blessings.” His music is a testament to his audacious sound and emotive storytelling, often exploring themes of love, resilience, and the celebration of life. TARELA’s ability to fuse genres seamlessly creates a distinctive sound that sets him apart as an artist.

Reward-Enabled NFT

“Oh Mama” will be available as a reward-enabled NFT with only 100 digital copies. By owning this exclusive NFT track, fans can stack $MUSIC daily, providing an excellent alternative to purchasing on exchanges. This not only supports TARELA but also allows listeners to share in his success with regular $MUSIC rewards based on the track’s popularity on the platform.

$MUSIC has lots of uses in the Gala Music ecosystem, from unlocking ALl Access Experiences and special edition merch to buying Mystery Boxes with huge chances to win, from locking $MUSIC in support or your favorite artists to direct $MUSIC tipping… $MUSIC is bringing artists and fans closer together than ever before.

Join the Revolution

Owning NFT tracks is one of the best ways to support our incredibly talented and professionally curated artist lineup. By purchasing and hosting these tracks on a Jukebox Node, fans can directly contribute to the artist’s growth while enjoying daily $MUSIC rewards.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to own a piece of TARELA’s musical journey and support his rise within the Gala Music ecosystem. Be sure to grab your copy of “Oh Mama” on July 23rd and experience the future of music with Gala Music.

Join us in welcoming TARELA to the Gala Music ecosystem. Together, let’s put the power back into the artists’ hands!

Join the decentralized music revolution!

Rakim Presents – An Exclusive “REB7RTH” Instrumental EP – Out Now

Rakim Presents – An Exclusive “REB7RTH” Instrumental EP – Out Now

Hip-hop has been buzzing about The God MC’s first solo studio album in 15 years. It’s finally here, with G.O.D.S. NETWORK REB7RTH landing on Friday, July 26th. To celebrate the release, Rakim has kicked off a partnership with Gala Music.

First, he dropped the “PENDULUM SWING” NFT on Gala Music a full three weeks before you could hear the song anywhere else. Digital reward enabled copies from the limited NFT run are still available while supplies last. Pick one up to access daily $MUSIC rewards.

Listen to “PENDULUM SWING” on Gala Music

Next, on July 12th, we dropped “GOD’S PLAYGROUND,” also exclusive to Gala Music for a limited time leading up to the album release.

Listen to “GOD’S PLAYGROUND”

The Instrumental EP

Today the Hot Gala Summer continues with a special and indefinitely exclusive instrumental EP with choice tracks from the record. These 7 instrumental tracks won’t be found anywhere but Gala Music, and they’ve all just dropped as limited-supply NFTs.

This instrumental EP is sure to be a hit for hip-hop connoisseurs all over the world.

Included Tracks

1. CELESTE (“BE ILL”)

The 1st beat created for “GODS NETWORK REB7RTH” that went on to become the song “BE ILL” features Masta Killa of the Wu-Tang Clan nd Kurupt Young Gotti of Tha Dogg Pound. Official video for “BE ILL” is available worldwide online now.

2. ARC  (“Now is the Time”)

This track takes the listener through a range of emotion highlighting everything GREAT about Hip-Hop culture and how a simple instrumental can guide our moods in a positive way. This instrumental ultimately became ”Now is the Time” where Rakim keeps his sword sharp amongst the likes of B.G, Hus Kingpin and Compton Menance. Welcome Home B.G.

3. EFFECT MODE (“Love is the Message”)

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created, “Effect Mode” is truly a blessing to the culture. As it appears on “GODS NETWORK”, Rakim carefully crafted a masterpiece alongside a full orchestral choir and violin quartet to truly bring his production ideals to light. The late great Nipsey Hussle alongside Rakim, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg and more handle vocal duties herein thus providing for an unforgettable musical experience. “Love is the Message”

4. PLA MI MUZIK (“GOD’S PLAYGROUND”)

A fun, club-like anthem showcasing the versatile production chops of Rakim.  In true unorthodox fashion, Rakim turned an otherwise club inspired anthem into a beautiful composition honoring our fallen comrades and the trials and tribulations that accompany all aspects of life from the perspective of the emcee.  Rest in Peace DMX and Fred the Godson. “Gods Playground”

5. EARLY (“Pendulum Swing”)

This 90’s inspired boom bap classic rendition was utilized to provide Rakim with his 1st ever full posse cut over the course of his 30+ year career.  With an infectious loop reminiscent of the golden era 90’s sound, any Hip-Hop hear across the globe is sure to nod their heads to this absolute monster banger.  Album wise, Rakim who handled rhymes, production and cuts is joined by Kxng Crooked, LA the Darkman, Canibus and Chino XL for “Pendulum Swing”.

6. REDHARPS (“International”)

This melodic banger utilizes keys, harps, drums, bass and more to take the listener on an electrifying ride through the psyche of Rakim’s illustrious Golden Era revival.  Longtime “Who’s the Best Emcee?”, Kool G Rap joins Rakim in the duo’s 1st appearance together on the mic in over 20 years for the hit record “International”. 

7. SES (“Sign of Se7en”)

The infectious beat embodies everything great about Hip-Hop Culture. Driven by pulsating Drums and Bass, the listener is instantly taken back to the classic feel of early Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, Nas and more. Known as “Sign of Se7en”, the eerie rhymes of the late great Prodigy kick off the track backed by Method Man, Big Twins and X-Raided for a perfect ending to an otherwise flawless album dedicated to everything we have grown to love once again via Hip-Hop culture.

Unlock Rewards

When you collect Gala Music track NFTs, you’re also opening the door to daily rewards in the form of $MUSIC tokens. To start the flow, just host your tracks by pairing them with an active Jukebox Node at no additional cost.

You can unhost and trade NFT tracks any time you want– they’re yours. If you’re interested in leveling up your involvement in the future of music for even more daily $MUSIC rewards, consider running a Jukebox Node of your own. Each Node starts with room for 10 hosted NFT tracks, and running a node is easy in the background of your computer.

Learn more about Jukebox Nodes

In the empowering future of music, the majority of rewards go to:

  1. Artists – for making the music
  2. Track Owners – for elevating the artists
  3. Node operators – for making the rewards possible

Don’t Miss “G.O.D.S. NETWORK REB7RTH” July 26, 2024

Listen to Rakim on Gala Music