It pains me as I’m sure it does every long-time Hip-Hop fan to see remnants of a crumbled dynasty. When you have the world in the palm of your hands (and the universe is your stomping grounds), it’s mind boggling on how supposed impenetrable unions can have their empire crumble from the inside out. Looking back on the powerhouse that once was Death Row, even the subordinates of the roster such as Tha Dogg Pound and Nate Dogg were superstars in their own right.

Then of course there was 2Pac (later), Snoop “Doggy” Dogg and the diggy-Dr. Dre — whose genius made the whole mission possible. Even Rage was in effect, she had just begun to rock.

Then it all stopped.

You can’t have too much of a good thing but nothing lasts forever is what the adages say, so it was inevitable Suge Knight & Tha Row to eventually shut down operations. But the legacy they left behind, a bevy of leftovers that still trump a good chunk of so-called new-gen Gangsta Rap, will forever blare from a speaker whether it be on the streets of Compton or Connecticut.

For six (previously unseen) minutes, Death Row is back in the muthafuckin’ house.

Spotted @ TRU

Download – Dr. Dre Feat. The Lady Of Rage & Tha Dogg Pound – “Puffin’ On Blunts & Drankin’ Tanqueray (Extended Mix)