Hasbro, the toymaker behind childhood favorites including products are Transformers, Power Rangers, Furby, Nerf, Twister, and My Little Pony, are now the legal owners of Death Row Records. The change in ownership of the label famed for being home to Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac, comes as part of a $3.8 billion merger deal with Canadian studio Entertainment One.
The Hollywood Reporter confirms that the merger, first mooted in August 2019, was signed on December 30. Entertainment One, who produce Peppa Pig among other TV titles, purchased Death Row in 2013. In addition to Death Row, Hasbro also now eOne music subsidiary Dualtone as part of the deal.
Established in 1991, Death Row Records was founded by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight. The latter is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter. In October 2019 Knight announced that R&B singer and entrepeneur Ray J will oversee the label going forward.