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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Music Box • Music Executive

Suge Knight

Marion Hugh “Suge” Knight Jr.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Suge Knight is an American music executive best known as a co-founder of Death Row Records, a label that defined West Coast hip-hop in the 1990s. His career has been overshadowed by legal troubles and a 28-year prison sentence.

What it is

Suge Knight co-founded Death Row Records with Dr. Dre in the early 1990s. The label became a powerhouse in West Coast rap, launching artists like Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. Knight's nickname "Suge" comes from "Sugar Bear," a childhood moniker.

Why it matters

Knight's influence on 1990s hip-hop is widely recognized, but his legacy is also tied to violence and legal issues. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in a 2015 hit-and-run death, and is eligible for parole in October 2034.

Key details

Born in Compton, California in 1965, Knight was active in the music industry from 1987 to 2015. His legal troubles include repeated run-ins with the law, and his career is often discussed alongside the East Coast–West Coast rivalry.

In short

  • Co-founded Death Row Records with Dr. Dre
  • Key figure in West Coast hip-hop's rise
  • Sentenced to 28 years for 2015 hit-and-run death
  • Eligible for parole in 2034

Quick questions

Who is Suge Knight?
Suge Knight is an American music executive best known as a co-founder of Death Row Records.
Why is Suge Knight in prison?
He was sentenced to 28 years after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter connected to a 2015 hit-and-run death.
What artists were linked to Death Row Records?
The label is closely associated with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suge_Knight
    Supports: Birth name, birth date and place, nickname, occupations, years active, and prison sentence/parole eligibility.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/a45875880/suge-knight
    Supports: Birth details, role in founding Death Row Records, and overview of his career and controversies.
  3. Los Angeles Times — https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-suge-knight-timeline-20180920-story.html
    Supports: No contest plea to voluntary manslaughter and 28-year sentence in connection with the 2015 hit-and-run case.
  4. People — https://people.com/where-is-suge-knight-now-11861062
    Supports: Current imprisonment and parole eligibility in October 2034.
  5. TIME — https://time.com/3827121/suge-knight/
    Supports: Nickname origin, birth details, and historical significance of Death Row Records in 1990s hip-hop.
  6. Andscape — https://www.andscape.com/features/life-before-death-row-brief-football-career-suge-knight-espn-30-for-30-year-of-the-scab/
    Supports: Early career, bodyguard work, and partnership with Dr. Dre to create Death Row Records.