Interscope Records

Interscope Records is a record label currently owned by the Universal Music Group, in 2005 it is one of the largest players in the music business. The company was started in 1989 by Jimmy Iovine and Ted Fields. In 1991, Warner Music Group/Atlanta purchased a 50% stake in Interscope Records to release, market and distribute their musical products.

In 1992 Jimmy Iovine assisted Death Row Records financially and reached a distribution deal with them through Interscope. In 1993 Death Row released Snoop Doggy Dogg's debut album "Doggystyle", which sold millions of copies in just a few months. Under pressure from activist groups hostile to gangsta rap music, Warner Music/Atlanta sold its stake in 1995.

Interscope linked itself then with Polygram; in 1996, Polygram purchased Interscope Records to distribute most of its future releases. In August of 1997, Interscope and Death Row Records were completely separated companies. In 1998, Polygram was renamed to Universal Music Group. A & M Records and Geffen Records merged into Interscope in 1999.