Challenges in the Life of Suge Knight in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Suge Knight's life and career.

Marion 'Suge' Knight Jr. is the co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records, a key label in the rise of gangsta rap in the 1990s, with albums like Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' and Snoop Dogg's 'Doggystyle.' Formerly an NFL player, his career shifted to the music industry. In 2015, Knight was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident and is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1992: Assault on Rappers

In the summer of 1992, Suge Knight assaulted two rappers at a Hollywood recording studio, which led to a federal case.

1995: Assault Case Sentence

In 1995, Knight pleaded no contest in a federal case and received five years' probation for assaulting two rappers in 1992.

March 1996: Dr. Dre Leaves Death Row Records

In March 1996, Dr. Dre, frustrated with Death Row's reputation and Suge Knight's behavior, left the label and formed Aftermath Entertainment.

October 22, 1996: Jail Pending Probation Violation Hearing

On October 22, 1996, Knight was jailed pending a hearing for violating his probation on September 7, 1996, during an attack on Orlando Anderson.

February 28, 1997: Sentenced to Prison for Probation Violation

On February 28, 1997, Knight was sentenced to nine years in prison for violating his probation.

2002: Gang Affiliation

In 2002, Knight had reoccurring gang affiliation. Death Row's income rapidly declined during Knight's recurrent incarceration.

2003: Prison for Parole Violation

In 2003, Knight was sent to prison for ten months for violating parole when he struck a parking lot attendant, and reoccurring gang affiliation in 2002.

August 2005: Shooting at Kanye West's Party

In August 2005, Knight was wounded by a gunshot to the upper leg at Kanye West's pre-Video Music Awards party.

April 4, 2006: Bankruptcy Filing

On April 4, 2006, Suge Knight filed for bankruptcy due to civil litigation, with claims of being cheated out of a 50% stake in Death Row Records. His financial records revealed minimal assets and income.

July 7, 2006: Bankruptcy Trustee Takeover of Death Row Records

On July 7, 2006, federal judge Ellen Carroll ordered a bankruptcy trustee takeover of Suge Knight's Death Row Records, citing gross mismanagement.

June 2007: Listing Malibu Home for Sale

In June 2007, Suge Knight listed his Malibu home for $6.2 million as part of his "financial makeover".

January 2008: Identified as Mob Piru Gang Member

In January 2008, police stated that Knight was a member of the Mob Piru street gang during a crackdown in Compton.

May 10, 2008: Altercation Outside Nightclub

On May 10, 2008, Knight was involved in a monetary dispute outside of a nightclub in Hollywood and was unconscious for three minutes. He did not cooperate with the LAPD at the hospital.

June 2008: Death Row Records Auction

In June 2008, Death Row Records was put up for auction in Bankruptcy Court. Global Music Group won the bid, but failed to secure funding, and Wideawake Entertainment acquired the catalog.

October 30, 2008: Lawsuit Against Kanye West

On October 30, 2008, Knight filed a lawsuit against Kanye West and his associates regarding an August 2005 shooting at West's pre-Video Music Awards party, where Knight was shot in the leg.

December 2008: Sale of Malibu Mansion

In December 2008, Suge Knight's Malibu mansion was sold in bankruptcy court for $4.56 million.

February 2009: Facial Injuries at Private Party

In February 2009, Knight was treated for facial injuries at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn after an altercation at a private party in the W Scottsdale Hotel, where he was punched.

February 8, 2012: Arrested in Las Vegas

On February 8, 2012, Knight was arrested in Las Vegas after police found cannabis in his car and several warrants for prior traffic violations.

August 8, 2014: Threatening Text Messages Sent

Around August 8, 2014, Knight sent threatening text messages to F. Gary Gray, the director of Straight Outta Compton, leading to an indictment in February 2017.

August 24, 2014: Shooting at Pre-VMA Party

On August 24, 2014, Knight was shot six times at a pre-Video Music Awards party hosted by Chris Brown at a West Hollywood nightclub and required surgery. CCTV footage indicated Knight was the intended target.

October 29, 2014: Arrested for Robbery with Katt Williams

On October 29, 2014, Knight and comedian Katt Williams were arrested and charged with second-degree robbery for allegedly stealing a camera from a paparazzi photographer.

January 29, 2015: Fatal Car Crash in Compton

On January 29, 2015, Knight crashed his car into two men in Compton, California, killing Terry Carter and injuring Cle Sloan. Knight claimed self-defense.

March 2015: Hospitalization and Bail Setting

In March 2015, Knight was hospitalized, citing blindness and other complications. He fired his attorneys and claimed inadequate medical treatment. A court initially set bail at US$25 million, then he collapsed in court.

April 16, 2015: Bail Reduced

On April 16, 2015, Knight's bail was reduced to US$10 million.

July 2015: Brain Tumor Concerns and Bail Refusal

In July 2015, Knight's lawyer suggested he might have a brain tumor, and his request for lower bail was refused.

2015: Voluntary Manslaughter Hit-and-Run

In 2015, Suge Knight was involved in a fatal hit and run incident.

2015: Fatal hit-and-run

In 2015, Suge Knight was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident, for which he is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence.

January 2016: Changed Counsel in Murder Trial

In January 2016, Knight changed counsel for a fourth time in his murder trial.

May 2016: New Attorneys Hired

In May 2016, three attorneys replaced the two hired earlier in the year in Knight's legal team.

July 2016: Witness Identities Motion Denied

In July 2016, the judge denied Knight's motion to reveal the identities of key prosecution witnesses, citing his history of violence. Knight became emotional, fearing he would die in jail.

2016: Robbery Trial Delayed

In 2016, the robbery trial was delayed until the resolution of the unrelated murder trial.

February 2017: Indictment for Threatening Text Messages

In February 2017, Knight was indicted for sending threatening text messages to F. Gary Gray, the director of Straight Outta Compton, around August 8, 2014. The charge was later dropped.

March 2017: Hospitalized Due to Blood Clots

In March 2017, Knight was hospitalized due to blood clots, a condition he had been experiencing for two and a half years. His hospitalization delayed the trial.

September 2018: Trial Delayed

In September 2018, Knight's trial was delayed due to his hospitalization in March 2017.

September 2018: No Contest Plea and Sentencing

In September 2018, Suge Knight pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter in the 2015 hit-and-run case. Due to California's three-strikes law, he was sentenced to 28 years in prison.