Interscope Records

Interscope Records, a major US record label, is a subsidiary of the Universal Music Group. Founded in 1990 by Jimmy Iovin and Ted Field, Interscope began as a hip-hop label, which would lead to its role in the founding of Death Row Records. Later in the 90’s Interscope would begin branching out to other genres, which would lead to the label’s success today.

Later after Warner Music Group was bought out by Universal Music Group who in return in 1998, bought PolyGram, which would lead to the merging of Geffen Records and A&M Records into Interscope. All three labels focus on rap, R&B, rock, and commercial pop. http://www.addressinterscoperecords.com/

Artists signed to Interscope Records include: Lady GaGa, Weezer, AFI, Eminem, M.I.A, Quincy Jones, LMFAO, Pussycat Dolls, The Police, Sting, Gwen Stefani, Snow Patrol, The All-American Rejects, Timbaland, Robin Thicke, will.i.am, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, U2, TV on the Radio, Semi Precious Weapons, Marilyn Manson, Robyn, No Doubt, Fergie, Fiest, Dr. Dre, Dashboard Confessional, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Common, Sheryl Crow and Angels and Airwaves. http://www.interscope.com/artists/default.aspx

Today Interscope Records strives to be relevant. They have iPhone and Ipod touch apps which have artist produced video content, custom branding, mobile advertising, links for purchasing artist catalogues and merchandise, and the ability to chat with other fans, comment and rate shows, and share content with friends. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=829601

Founded in 1990 as a small alternative label, Interscope Records began as a hip-hop urban label. In 1991 the label had a string of successful releases, which led to Warner Music Group purchasing a 50% stake. During the same year, Interscope signed such influential acts as No Doubt, 2Pac and Nine Inch Nails. However, the label, despite the varying range of genres, would become inextricably linked with hip-hop. The label first as releasing "cookie-cutter" mainstream hip-hop and later on the label was a key force in the rise of Death Row Records.

In 1992, Jimmy Iovin provided Suge Knight and Dr Dre financial assistance and arranged and a distribution deal through Interscope so that they might form Death Row Records. With the hugely successful debut releases of Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dog, Death Row quickly became a major force in the Gangsta Rap genre. Being attached to Death Row, Interscope power and influence rose.

During this time Gangsta rap become more controversial which lead to Warner, who owned a 50% share of Interscope, to want to disassociate itself from the Gangsta rap image. To accomplish this, Warner vetoed the next Death Row record by the Tha Dogg Pound. Finally, in 1995 Warner sold all its shares to MCA Music Entertainment label. MCA would later become the Universal Music Group or UMG. The new owners refused to distribute many of Death Row’s releases. Alternative labels such as Island then released these records.

In 1996, following the death of Tupac Shakur and boss Suge Knight going to prison, Death Row began to break apart. Finally, in 1997, Interscope, under pressure from UMG sold off its holdings in Death Row Records.

The following year, in 1998, UMG bought PolyGram and merged Geffen Records and A&M Records together into Interscope. Today the three brands focus on rap, R&B, rock, and commercial pop. http://www.addressinterscoperecords.com/ http://www.answers.com/topic/interscope-geffen-a-m-records