Andre Manuel Def Row Hip Hop documents

Collection — manuscript box: 89 - folder 1

Identifier: 8131

Scope and content

Four original documents and two photocopied documents relating to the formation of Death Row Records: original copyright document for the "Def Row" name; original handwritten contract outlining the terms of the music production agreement and copyright assignment between Suge Knight, Dr. Dre, and Andre Manuel; final typewritten signed and initialed version of that contract; and the original invitation to the coming out party for Death Row records at Chasen's restaurant in Beverly Hills on February 25, 1992. Also included are copies of a drawing of the draft logo designed for the Def Row label, and a check from Dr. Dre (Andre Young) representing a cash advance payment for the production deal and copyright assignment deal signed with Andre Manuel.

Dates

1991-1992.

Creator

Unknown, (Musician). (Person)

Language of Material

In English.

Biographical / Historical

Andre Manuel, aka The Unknown DJ, is a DJ and producer of Hip Hop and electro music, influential in early West Coast hip-hop. In 1984 he founded the independent record label Techno Hop Records, releasing recordings that fused elctro-funk with hip-hop. He has produced tracks for Ice-T including "6 in the Mornin'", for MC Eiht's crew Compton's Most Wanted, and for other artists such as A.L.T., Brownside, N.W.A, Bobby Jimmy, and King Tee. In July 1991 he sold his naming rights for "Def Row" to Dr. Dre and his partners, paving the way for the creation of "Death Row Records.".