History of Suge Knight in Timeline

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

April 19, 1965: Suge Knight's Birth

On April 19, 1965, Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr. was born. He later became a record executive and co-founder of Death Row Records.

Others born on this day/year

1983: El Camino College enrollment

From 1983 to 1985, Knight attended and played football at El Camino College.

1983: High School Graduation

In 1983, Suge Knight graduated from Lynwood High School, where he was a football and track star.

1985: Transfer to University of Nevada, Las Vegas

In 1985, Suge Knight transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he played football for two years.

1987: Brief NFL Career

In 1987, Suge Knight briefly played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams as a replacement player during the NFL players' strike.

1987: NFL Draft and Replacement Player

In 1987, Suge Knight went undrafted in the NFL draft but was invited to the Los Angeles Rams training camp. He was later cut but became a replacement player during the 1987 NFL Players Strike, playing two games for the Rams.

1988: Relationship with M.C. Hammer

M.C. Hammer's relationship with Suge Knight dates back to 1988.

November 3, 1989: Marriage to Sharitha Lee Golden

On November 3, 1989, Suge Knight married Sharitha Lee Golden in Las Vegas.

1989: Formation of Music Publishing Company

In 1989, Suge Knight formed his own music publishing company and profited when Vanilla Ice signed over royalties from "Ice Ice Baby".

Loading Video...

April 1991: Threats to Release Dre, The D.O.C., and Michel'le and Founding of Death Row Records

In April 1991, Suge Knight and his henchmen allegedly threatened Jerry Heller and Eazy-E to release Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., and Michel'le from their contracts. Subsequently, Dre, D.O.C. and Knight co-founded Death Row Records.

1992: Dr. Dre's The Chronic release

In 1992, Death Row Records released Dr. Dre's album The Chronic, which greatly contributed to gangsta rap's commercial success.

1992: The Chronic's Success

In 1992, Dr. Dre's solo debut album, The Chronic, released under Death Row Records, achieved triple platinum status in the United States by the end of 1993.

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.

1993: Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle release

In 1993, Death Row Records released Snoop Dogg's album Doggystyle, which also contributed to gangsta rap's commercial success.

1993: Triple platinum status of The Chronic

In 1993, Dr. Dre's solo debut album, The Chronic, released under Death Row Records in 1992 achieved triple platinum status in the United States

1994: The Funky Headhunter Release

In 1994, M.C. Hammer's album The Funky Headhunter released.

1994: Doggystyle's Success

In 1994, Snoop Dogg's debut album Doggystyle, released under Death Row Records, obtained a quadruple platinum certification in the United States.

August 1995: Insulting Sean Combs at the Source Awards

In August 1995, Suge Knight insulted Sean Combs (Puff Daddy) on air at the Source Awards, criticizing his involvement in his artists' songs and videos.

1995: Feud with Luther Campbell and opening of Club 662

In 1995, Death Row Records began a public feud with 2 Live Crew's Luther Campbell. That same year, Suge Knight opened a private nightclub in Las Vegas called Club 662 and faced criticism from C. Delores Tucker.

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.

1995: Tupac Shakur's Prison Sentence and Deal with Knight

In 1995, Tupac Shakur was serving a prison sentence, and that October, Suge Knight struck a deal with Shakur. Knight posted his $1.4 million bail to free him from prison pending an appeal and signed him to Death Row Records.

1995: Hammer signs with Death Row Records

In 1995, with the success of The Funky Headhunter released in 1994, M.C. Hammer signed with Death Row Records along with Snoop Dogg and Tupac.

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.

September 7, 1996: Shooting of Tupac Shakur

On September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot four times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

1996: Release of All Eyez on Me and Assault in Las Vegas

In 1996, Death Row Records released Tupac Shakur's album All Eyez on Me, which became a commercial success. Later that year, after a Mike Tyson boxing match in Las Vegas, a group including Knight and Shakur assaulted Orlando Anderson. Hours later, someone shot into the car Knight was driving, injuring Knight and fatally wounding Shakur.

1996: Signing Tupac Shakur to Death Row Records

In 1996, Suge Knight offered to post bail for Tupac Shakur in exchange for signing with Death Row Records, leading to the release of albums All Eyez on Me and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.

1996: Hammer Leaves Death Row Records after Tupac's Death

In 1996, after Tupac Shakur's death, M.C. Hammer left Death Row Records.

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.

March 9, 1997: Murder of The Notorious B.I.G.

On March 9, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, leading to speculation about Suge Knight's involvement.

1998: Hammer releases 2Pac's Unconditional Love

In 1998, M.C. Hammer released 2Pac's "Unconditional Love" on his Family Affair album.

1998: Snoop Dogg Leaves Death Row Records

In 1998, Snoop Dogg openly criticized Suge Knight for the murder of Tupac Shakur and left Death Row Records, signing with No Limit Records.

2000: Murder Attempt on Poochie

In 2000, Wardell "Poochie" Fouse, who Kading alleged was hired by Knight to kill Biggie, survived a murder attempt.

August 6, 2001: Early Release from Prison

On August 6, 2001, Knight was granted early release and let out of FCI Sheridan.

2001: Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story film

In 2001, the television film Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story, depicting the friendships between Hammer, Tupac, and Suge, aired on VH1.

2002: Gang Affiliation

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

2002: Release of "Pimp Slapp'd"

In 2002, Snoop Dogg released the song "Pimp Slapp'd", in which he repudiated Suge Knight and Death Row Records.

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.

2003: Death of Poochie

In 2003, Wardell "Poochie" Fouse, who Kading alleged was hired by Knight to kill Biggie, was killed.

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.

2005: Report on Biggie's Murder

In 2005, Chuck Philips of the Los Angeles Times reported that a source for the theory of Biggie's murder implicating Amir Muhammad, David Mack, Suge Knight and the LAPD was a schizophrenic man known as "Psycho Mike" who later confessed to hearsay and memory lapses and falsely identifying Muhammad.

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.

2006: Dispute with Snoop Dogg

In 2006, Knight was engaged in a dispute with Snoop Dogg after Snoop insulted him in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

2006: Verbal Attack and Response

In 2006, Snoop Dogg verbally attacked Suge Knight again, leading Knight to respond by calling Snoop a "police informer".

2006: Law-Enforcement Task Force Probe

In 2006, a law-enforcement task force probe into Biggie's murder, included the murder of Tupac Shakur.

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.

January 25, 2009: Death Row Records Office Auction

On January 25, 2009, an auction was held for items found in the Death Row Records office after the company's bankruptcy. The electric chair sold for $2,500, and some items appeared on A&E's Storage Wars, where Barry Weiss purchased a vault full of items.

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.

2010: Dismissal of Wallace Family Lawsuit

In 2010, the lawsuit brought by the Wallace family against the city of Los Angeles, based on the Russell Poole theory regarding Biggie's death, was dismissed.

2011: Publication of Murder Rap

In 2011, Greg Kading self-published his book, Murder Rap, where he wrote about Duane "Keefe D" Davis' confession regarding the shooting of Tupac Shakur and alleged Sean Combs' involvement.

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.