Welcome to Death Row
Welcome to Death Row
| 25 September 2001 (USA)
Welcome to Death Row Trailers

The record label Death Row Records has, since its creation in 1993, been synonymous with the American hip-hop climate. Formed by ex-bodyguard Suge Knight, the label has released seminal rap albums from luminaries including Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and the famous hip-hop martyr Tupac Shakur. WELCOME TO DEATH ROW is a fascinating, well-researched documentary which explores the history of this intriguing and incredibly significant company.

Reviews
bradtheman18

I am a big fan of hip hop documentaries. If you've seen any Tupac Shakur, Jam Master Jay, or Notorious B.I.G. documentaries, then you'd like this one. It touches on everything from N.W.A. to Tupac's Death. Explain's the role of: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Ice Cube, Vanilla Ice, Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and more. It cleared up a lot of questions for me about Tupac's Death. You see interviews from Tupac, his security guards, Biggie Smalls, most producers from Death Row, their lawyers, detectives, witnesses, and even Suge Knight. If you are into West Coast Hip Hop or just the story of Tupac, then you will love this. I gave it an 8, because it starts off well, but then it gets a little dull in the middle, but it ends up to be an exciting and interesting story and I loved it. I learned a lot from it and you really see the stages Tupac went through in his life, from a child, to a back up dance, to being featured on a song, to gangsta rap, to getting shot, to smooth hip hop, to his passing, and why their are over 250 songs that came out after he died. I really appreciate the west coast style a lot more now

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craigto

This is a true documentary (no frills, no filler) depicting the reasons behind the rise and fall of one of the most influential record labels in music history. Death Row Records started out as the brainchild of a few players in the local LA Rap Scene, and at its peak, it was a legitimate force in business, politics, media and entertainment on a national scale. The documentary is captivating because it only focuses on the footage, accounts, memories and thoughts of those who were central figures in the company and industry at the time. In the early and mid-90's, gangsta rap, east coast/west coast feuds, Biggie and 2Pac, drugs, rap music videos, and multi-platinum hip-hop records became extremely profitable and recognizable byproducts of pop culture -- and Death Row Records was at the center of it all. Kudos to the director and producers for never getting sidetracked as they allow those who were involved (from Dre to Snoop to 2Pac to Suge to writers to security guards) to tell it like it was.

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pred1

I thought this was a very well done documentary. It keeps the viewer interested from start to finish. I even wanted to see more when it was done! The movie explains all of the different relationships and characters involved in Death Row records. It's very interesting to see how some of these guys started out with nothing, and grew into an empire. Im not even a rap fan, but i found it to be a great documentary. Well worth your time.

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scottgrib

This documentary surprised me. At first I saw it because I am a rap fan especially of the old Death Row. I was blown away by the style and production of this movie. Two huge things make this documentary worth wild. First off the film is completely impartial. You just get the facts and opinions of those directly involved and few from those outside. The other factor is that other people who aren't rap fans will find this interesting. After my viewing I showed this to many friends and all were deeply interested despite any real interest in rap music. Great topic because of it's controversy and it's impact over the nation. If you give it an honest shot you'll find it interesting and very well done.

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