The History Of Aftermath Entertainment

Aftermath Entertainment is an American record label founded by hip hop producer and rapper Dr. Dre1. It was established on March 22, 1996, following Dre’s departure from Death Row Records1. The label operates as a subsidiary of, and is distributed through, Interscope Records1.

Aftermath was founded as a “boutique label” that prides itself on “quality over quantity”, focusing on small numbers of high-profile releases1. The label’s first release was “Dr. Dre Presents: The Aftermath” on November 26, 19961. Despite the highly anticipated album featuring production and cameo appearances by Dr. Dre himself, it sold below commercial expectation1.

A significant turning point for Aftermath came when Eminem was signed to the label on March 9, 19981. Eminem’s major-label debut album, “The Slim Shady LP”, was released on February 23, 19991. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, went on to be certified quadruple platinum, and arguably became the label’s first successful album release1.

In 1999, Aftermath released “2001”, Dr. Dre’s follow-up to his 1992 album, “The Chronic”. The album went on to be certified sextuple platinum1. Over the years, Aftermath has signed numerous artists including Eminem, Marsha Ambrosius, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, and Ez Mil, with former acts including 50 Cent, The Game, Busta Rhymes, and many others1.