Death Row Records Enters Its Cinematic Era as Snoop Dogg Readies New Album and True-Crime Thriller

Snoop Dogg appears in a scene from his newly released short film, "Ten Til Midnight." The West Coast rap mogul dropped the visual project on Friday as a precursor to his April 10 studio album, signaling Death Row Records' aggressive expansion into a full-fledged Hollywood production studio. (Screengrab/Death Row Records)

There was a time when Calvin Broadus Jr. was public enemy number one, a lanky, silky-voiced gangsta rapper who sent shockwaves through the American political establishment with a drawl smoother than a fresh set of Daytons. Three decades later, the artist universally known as Snoop Dogg isn't just surviving the culture — he is actively architecting its future from the Hollywood executive suite.

The West Coast icon is currently orchestrating a multimedia expansion that proves the Doggfather's bite is still as potent as his bark. Juggling a massive double-drop for his new "Ten Til Midnight" project with a high-profile acting and producing gig alongside cinema royalty, Snoop is effectively transforming the notorious Death Row Records banner into a full-fledged Hollywood studio.

This week, it was announced that the 54-year-old mogul will star in and produce the upcoming true-crime thriller "God of the Rodeo." Partnering with Ridley Scott's Scott Free Productions, the film adapts journalist Daniel Bergner's gritty reporting from inside Louisiana's infamous Angola Prison in 1967.

Directed by Rosalind Ross, the plot follows an inmate serving a life sentence (Shia LaBeouf) who enters the facility's brutal, gladiatorial inmate rodeo. But Snoop’s involvement is not limited to trading dialogue with LaBeouf. Through his Death Row Pictures banner, he and partner Sara Ramaker are co-producing the film, while Death Row Records is handling the entire soundtrack.

“Linking up with Scott Free Productions and working with Ridley Scott and Giannina Scott on 'God of the Rodeo' is life-changing and an honor,” Snoop said in a statement to Deadline. “Rosalind Ross brought a story with heart and grit, and that's what I'm about. Me and the team at Death Row Pictures stepping in as producers, I'm acting in it, and Death Row Records is building the soundtrack — and this one got soul.”

For a label that once terrorized the industry with raw, unfiltered G-funk, producing a Ridley Scott thriller is a staggering pivot. Yet, it fits perfectly into Snoop's 2026 playbook.

Simultaneously, the rapper is ushering in his next musical era. On Friday, Snoop dropped the short film "Ten Til Midnight," starring a new generation of West Coast heavyweights including Ray Vaughn, G Perico, BLK ODYSSY, and Hitta J3. The cinematic release serves as the visual appetizer for his full-length studio album of the same name, slated to hit streaming platforms on April 10.

By merging cinematic storytelling with his musical output — a strategy he honed with 2024's "Missionary" and 2025's "Iz It a Crime?" — Snoop is refusing to coast on nostalgia.

From 187 on an undercover cop to executive producing with the director of "Gladiator," Snoop's evolution is one of the most compelling character arcs in hip-hop history. Death Row Records is no longer just a label; it is a cinematic universe in its infancy. And right now, the Dogg is writing a script that could see it grow into an entertainment powerhouse.

50 Cent Donates $500,000 to Nine Shreveport Nonprofits Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors

A PROMISE KEPT: 50 Cent stands alongside Shreveport community leaders and city officials during a check presentation on Monday. The G-Unit mogul directed a $500,000 donation to nine local nonprofits supporting domestic violence survivors, families, and youth development, fulfilling a philanthropic pledge tied to his recent documentary projects. (Screengrab/KSLA News 12)

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is officially putting his money where his mouth is.

On Monday, Jackson arrived in Shreveport, Louisiana, to personally deliver a sweeping donation to nine different local nonprofits. The financial injection specifically targets organizations that assist families, foster youth development, and help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault rebuild their lives.

The contribution fulfills a highly publicized pledge Jackson made while producing his recent documentary for Netflix, which examined the abuse allegations surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs.

"I said I would donate proceeds to domestic violence and sexual assault victims," Jackson told the crowd of community leaders and residents at the check presentation. "I keep my word."

While Jackson purposefully did not announce the exact dollar amount while speaking at the podium, representatives and industry outlets — including HOT 97 and local radio station 710 KEEL — confirmed shortly after the event that the massive financial injection totaled $500,000.

For Jackson, keeping the focus on the ground-level impact was the priority.

"The dollars that we're giving to these particular nonprofits will go directly to people," Jackson said. "That's how impactful this is."

The $500,000 will be split among nine distinct organizations: the Gingerbread House, The Fountain's Community Development Corporation, Families Helping Families Region 7, the Elle Foundation, Moms on a Mission, Best 13, the MLK Community Development Corporation, the MLK Neighborhood Association, and the Northwest Louisiana Youth Golf and Education Foundation.

The G-Unit mogul, who recently established his sprawling G-Unit Studios production hub in the city, emphasized that his commitment to the region extends far beyond the entertainment business.

"I didn't say where [I would] make the donations, and I like Shreveport," he noted, adding that he hopes the city can be proud of him deciding to participate in the community in a different way.

Local leaders praised the mogul for his financial commitment, noting that the funds arrive at a critical time as local agencies battle high operating costs while domestic violence cases continue to rise across the parish.

"It is a commitment he made when he chose Shreveport, Louisiana," City Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor said of Jackson. "Economic development matters, but people must also feel supported and whole."

Benny Dotie, representing the MLK Neighborhood Association, expressed profound gratitude for the unexpected financial relief. "I feel like it was God-sent," Dotie said. "When he says all roads lead to Shreveport, this shows why those roads matter."

Jay-Z Questions the Future of Rap Battles and Social Media Toxicity in New GQ Interview

THE ELDER STATESMAN: In this screengrab from his recent sit-down interview with GQ, Jay-Z reflects on the current state of hip-hop and the 30th anniversary of his seminal 1996 debut, "Reasonable Doubt." The 56-year-old mogul, who famously penned some of the most lethal diss tracks in rap history, called out the toxicity of modern internet "stan culture," warning that the genre's elite are too busy tearing each other apart to recognize the real political threats aimed at the culture. (Screengrab/GQ)

It is one of the great ironies of hip-hop history: the man who arguably perfected the modern diss track is now questioning whether the culture still needs the bloodsport.

As he prepares to celebrate three decades of his seminal 1996 debut, "Reasonable Doubt," Jay-Z is taking a hard, critical look at the current state of hip-hop warfare. In a sprawling, deeply candid cover story with GQ's Frazier Tharpe published this week, the Roc Nation founder addressed the toxic fallout of modern rap beefs — specifically referencing the historic, scorched-earth clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

While Hov is intimately familiar with monumental hip-hop battles — his 2001 feud with Nas via tracks like "Takeover" and "Supa Ugly" remains the gold standard for lyrical warfare — he expressed deep reservations about how the internet era and rabid fanbases have weaponized the culture.

"We love the excitement, and I love the sparring, but in this day and age, there's so much negative stuff that comes with it that you almost wish it didn't happen," he told the magazine.

The 56-year-old billionaire mogul noted that the modern ecosystem of "stan culture" transforms competitive sparring into permanent character assassination.

"Now, people that like Kendrick hate Drake, no matter what he makes. It's like an attack on his character," he explained. "I don't know if I love that. I don't know if it's helpful to our growth where the fallout lands, especially on social media."

During the height of the Lamar and Drake feud, fans repeatedly attempted to drag Jay-Z into the fray, particularly after Lamar was selected to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show — a decision brokered by Roc Nation. Hov found the internet's conspiracy theories absurd.

"What do I care about them two guys battling? What's that got to do with me? Have at it," he said. "They drag everybody in it, like everyone's part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess. But, it's like, what the f---? I'm f---ing Jay-Z! [Laughs.] All due respect to him. I'm f---ing Hov. Respectfully. It doesn't make any sense."

Beyond the sheer pettiness of social media, Jay-Z warned that the genre's elite are currently distracted by tearing each other apart while a larger, systemic threat looms.

"There is clearly an agenda to silence voices in our community, a heavy rightwing agenda," he stated. "And the culture is happily playing along in the name of this insane thirst of Stan culture to have something on the other side. We are in a strange time."

With his Yankee Stadium 30th-anniversary shows completely sold out for this summer, fans are naturally questioning if he will release a new studio project to accompany the run. While he admitted to having "a lot of scratch ideas," he refuses to drop music just to feed the algorithm or match the current fiery climate.

"I don't know what I need to create currently that's going to fulfill me and make me happy because that's most important. I know I just got to be honest about what I feel and where I am," he told GQ. "Trying to create something that people like is where I think a lot of artists get jammed up. And people can feel that because it's not authentic. I just got to make something timeless that I really love and that's really honest and true to who I am."

Watch Jay-Z reflect on three decades of dominance, the toxicity of modern rap beefs, and the 30th anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt" in the full video below.

50 Cent and Planet Hollywood Ink $100 Million Deal for Times Square Venue

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson performs in front of a massive hundred-dollar bill stage graphic during his 2023 "The Final Lap Tour." Expanding his empire far beyond his South Jamaica, Queens, roots, the G-Unit mogul announced a $100 million partnership on Tuesday to launch PH Live, a next-generation entertainment venue set to take over Planet Hollywood's flagship location in Times Square. (Photo/Curtis Jackson via X)

If you had told the music industry in 1999 that the hungry kid from South Jamaica, Queens, who wrote "How to Rob" would eventually own a $100 million piece of Times Square real estate, they would have called you crazy. Yet, nearly three decades later, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has done exactly that.

On Tuesday, the G-Unit mogul and Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl announced a massive nine-figure partnership to launch PH Live, a next-generation entertainment venue set to take over the brand's flagship Times Square location.

When I get quiet I’m working, I’m working on it 😆💰PH live baby • https://t.co/WtNREs32V0 pic.twitter.com/ORWHnkjzkX

— 50cent (@50cent) March 23, 2026

The joint venture is a masterclass in modern mogul behavior, seamlessly merging Planet Hollywood's global hospitality infrastructure with Jackson's sprawling influence across music, premium television, and spirits. Pitched as an immersive, celebrity-driven hub, the revamped Times Square space is designed to host pop-up concerts, film premieres, live sporting event simulcasts, and exclusive album launch celebrations.

"Planet Hollywood has always been connected to pop culture, and PH Live takes that energy to the next level — a place where music, film, sports and nightlife collide," Jackson said in a statement released Tuesday.

To accommodate the rotating slate of high-profile events, the venue is being gutted and refitted with state-of-the-art LED technology and dynamic digital stage lighting capable of completely transforming the room's atmosphere. The move represents a strategic shift away from the tourist-heavy model Times Square is traditionally known for, aiming instead to establish an exclusive, high-stakes destination for artists, athletes, and entertainment insiders.

"Curtis has an incredible ability to bring culture, entertainment and audiences together," Earl stated. "With his global influence and creative vision, PH Live will usher Planet Hollywood into a new era of immersive entertainment."

The Times Square venue will be heavily infused with Jackson's personal branding, operating almost like a physical extension of his G-Unit Film & Television empire. The space will feature a curated display of memorabilia from his extensive on-screen career. Furthermore, the upscale dining menu will introduce a selection of his personal favorite dishes, including sweet chili shrimp, sliced steak paired with macaroni and cheese, and a signature burger topped with a closely guarded secret sauce.

This multi-million-dollar power play serves as a natural progression of Jackson's relationship with the Planet Hollywood brand, building off his successful "In Da Club" Las Vegas residency from earlier this year. Organizers have already indicated that the PH Live concept is expected to scale globally, with the next location earmarked for Shreveport, Louisiana — the exact city where Jackson is currently building his sprawling G-Unit Studios production hub.

Never one to miss a promotional opportunity, Jackson immediately took to social media following the announcement, telling his followers: "When I get quiet, I'm working, I'm working on it. PH live baby!"

Jury Sides With Afroman, Clearing Rapper in Defamation Lawsuit Over ‘Lemon Pound Cake’ Video

The jury has officially spoken, and the lemon pound cake is safe. On Wednesday afternoon, an Adams County, Ohio, jury delivered a monumental free speech victory for rapper Afroman, completely rejecting a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit filed by the seven sheriff's deputies who raided his home in 2022.

The sweeping verdict concludes one of the most bizarre, viral and highly entertaining First Amendment trials in recent hip-hop history.

The deputies had sought a staggering $3.9 million in total damages. They claimed the 51-year-old artist — born Joseph Foreman — subjected them to intentional infliction of emotional distress, public ridicule and invasion of privacy after he utilized his home surveillance footage of their botched raid to create a series of mocking music videos, most notably the hit "Lemon Pound Cake."

@wcpo9news Afroman took the stand Tuesday, defending his videos and social media posts about the Adams County sheriff's deputies who accuse him of using their likeness without permission after they executed a search warrant at his home. #afroman #trial #cincinnati ♬ original sound - WCPO9News

After brief deliberations following Wednesday's closing arguments, the eight-person jury sided entirely with the rapper.

"In all circumstances, the jury finds in favor of the defendant. No plaintiff verdict prevailed," the judge stated while reading the decision, officially concluding the matter with defense verdicts across the board.

The trial itself produced a string of viral, internet-breaking moments. Foreman attended the proceedings dressed in a full red, white and blue American flag suit. Conversely, the plaintiffs' testimony routinely devolved into absurdity. On Monday, Deputy Lisa Phillips — who had sought $1.5 million individually — broke down in tears on the witness stand while watching the music video. During cross-examinations, defense attorneys grilled officers on the stand, forcing them to answer questions regarding whether they resembled the Hunchback of Notre Dame and addressing rumors from the rapper's lyrics about infidelity.

Foreman maintained throughout the trial that he only created the videos to recoup the costs of the property damage caused by the raid — which famously turned up zero evidence of criminal activity and resulted in no charges. He also pointed out that the deputies disconnected his security cameras during the search and claimed that roughly $400 in cash was missing when his seized property was returned.

The verdict serves as a massive validation for constitutional watchdogs. Both the ACLU and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) publicly supported Foreman, arguing that the deputies' lawsuit was a blatant attempt to stifle the protected free speech of a private citizen criticizing government officials.

Ultimately, the jury agreed: If law enforcement tears through a citizen's home and finds nothing, that citizen has every constitutional right to write a rap song about it.

Jay-Z and the Roots Will Share the Stage for the First Time in a Decade

Jay-Z and The Roots will headline the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia at the Belmont Plateau on May 30. The performance, confirmed Tuesday, marks the first time the Roc Nation founder and the legendary live band will share a stage in over a decade. The unique "JAŸ-Z" styling on the poster has sparked widespread speculation among fans regarding a potential dedicated 30th-anniversary celebration of his 1996 debut album, "Reasonable Doubt." (Photo/Courtesy of Live Nation Urban)

A bucket-list moment for hip-hop purists is officially happening this spring. On Tuesday, Live Nation Urban announced that Jay-Z will headline the 2026 Roots Picnic, sharing the stage with The Roots for the first time in over a decade.

The massive homecoming event will take place on May 30 at Philadelphia's Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park. The performance holds heavy historical significance, as it aligns with the upcoming 30th anniversary of Jay-Z’s universally acclaimed 1996 debut album, "Reasonable Doubt."

​Backed by the legendary live instrumentation of The Roots — who are moving the festival to the Belmont Plateau after years at the Mann Music Center — the Roc Nation founder is expected to deliver a career-spanning set.

​"Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing Jay-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us," Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban and manager for The Roots, stated. General admission tickets officially went on sale Wednesday morning.

Mystikal to Be Sentenced in June After Pleading Guilty to Third-Degree Rape

Michael Tyler, also known as the rapper Mystikal, is shown in a booking photo following a previous arrest in Shreveport, La. Tyler pleaded guilty to third-degree rape on Tuesday in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, in connection with a separate 2022 assault. The former No Limit Records star — who is already a registered sex offender — accepted a plea agreement to avoid a potential life sentence and now faces up to 20 years in prison. (Photo/Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, File)

The turbulent legal saga of a former Southern hip-hop heavyweight has reached a grim conclusion.

On Tuesday, Mystikal — the energetic Louisiana rapper known for a massive run of late-90s and early-2000s anthems under Master P's No Limit Records — officially pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in connection with a violent 2022 assault.

Appearing in an Ascension Parish courtroom, the 51-year-old artist, born Michael Tyler, accepted a plea agreement that reduced his original charge of first-degree rape. That initial charge carried an automatic life sentence in the state of Louisiana. By pleading guilty to the lesser third-degree charge, Tyler's sentence will be capped at 20 years.

Tuesday's conviction adds a sobering and definitive chapter to Tyler's extensive criminal record. He is already a registered sex offender, having previously served six years in state prison after pleading guilty in 2003 to sexual battery and extortion in an unrelated case involving his hairstylist. Years later, in 2017, he was charged with rape and kidnapping in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, spending roughly 18 months behind bars before a grand jury ultimately declined to indict him and the charges were dropped.

Before his career was permanently eclipsed by his repeated arrests and abuse allegations, Mystikal was a foundational voice in millennial hip-hop. Emerging from the New Orleans underground, his rapid-fire, James Brown-esque delivery became the frantic heartbeat of Master P's No Limit Records. His intense, aggressive flow was deeply rooted in personal tragedy, profoundly shaped by the 1994 murder of his sister, Michelle Tyler. Channeling that raw, frantic grief into his music, he eventually secured multiple Grammy Award nominations and found massive mainstream crossover success with undeniable hits like "Danger (Been So Long)" and the Pharrell Williams-assisted "Shake Ya Ass" off his multi-platinum 2000 album, "Let's Get Ready."

His conviction also serves as another dark chapter in the broader legacy of the No Limit empire. The iconic label has seen several of its defining stars completely derailed by the justice system — most notably Master P's own brother, C-Murder (Corey Miller), who is currently serving a life sentence in Louisiana for a 2002 nightclub shooting.

Tyler will remain in custody at the Ascension Parish Jail as he awaits his official sentencing hearing, which the judge has scheduled for June.

Ryan Coogler Wins Best Original Screenplay, Michael B. Jordan Takes Best Actor for ‘Sinners'

HISTORY MADE: Actor Michael B. Jordan smiles during a Q&A session for his film "Sinners" in Los Angeles on Nov. 22, 2025. Jordan cemented his Hollywood legacy at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, becoming only the sixth Black man to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his ambitious dual role in the Ryan Coogler-directed vampire thriller. (Photo/Kevin Paul)

Hollywood's biggest night proved to be a monumental milestone for Black cinema. On Sunday, the 98th Academy Awards heavily honored Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller "Sinners," highlighted by a historic Best Actor victory for Michael B. Jordan.

Michael B. Jordan receives a massive round of applause from the entire room as he wins the #Oscar for Best Actor.

(via ABC/AMPAS) pic.twitter.com/TpPrBBU3OB

— Variety (@Variety) March 16, 2026

Jordan took home the gold for his ambitious, double-duty performance as twins Elijah "Smoke" Moore and Elias "Stack" Moore. With the victory, Jordan cements his Hollywood legacy, becoming only the sixth Black man in the 98-year history of the Academy Awards to win Best Actor — joining the elite, history-making ranks of Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.

The win represents a triumphant peak for the actor, whose ascent to superstardom began with Coogler's 2013 feature debut, "Fruitvale Station."

Coogler also had his name called to the podium, winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for "Sinners." The visionary director's concept entered the ceremony with a record-breaking 16 nominations — surpassing the previous all-time high of 14 shared by "All About Eve," "Titanic" and "La La Land."

"Sinners" also broke major ground behind the camera. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made Oscar history by taking home the award for Best Cinematography, becoming the first female director of photography to ever win the category. The film's composer, Ludwig Göransson, also captured the award for Best Original Score.

Misty Copeland comes out of retirement to put Timothée Chalamet in his place during a live ‘Sinners’ performance at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/EhUIOEw8jg

— New York Magazine (@NYMag) March 15, 2026

Beyond the trophies, the telecast itself served as a massive platform for Black music and culture. The ceremony featured a highly anticipated, cinematic musical tribute to "Sinners" that celebrated the film's singular visual style and its deep roots in Black dance and musical traditions.

R&B legend Raphael Saadiq and breakout star Miles Caton took the stage to perform the Best Original Song nominee, "I Lied to You." The performance expanded into a larger celebration of Black musical excellence, featuring an all-star lineup that included Shaboozey, blues pioneer Buddy Guy, Eric Gales, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Bobby Rush.

"These show moments are more than just performances — they expand into cinematic tributes that celebrate the relationship between music and storytelling and why these films resonated so deeply with audiences around the world," Oscars producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan stated prior to the broadcast.

While Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another" ultimately took home the night's top prize for Best Picture — which also featured a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Teyana Taylor — the cultural footprint of the 2026 Oscars belongs undeniably to Coogler, Jordan and the entire "Sinners" ensemble.

To see the entire list of winners click here.