Death Row Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album and second double album released by Death Row Records. Released on November 26, 1996, the thirty-three song compilation contains hits by former and then-current Death Row artists as well as previously unreleased tracks and remixes.[2] The album peaked at number 35 on the Billboard 200[3] and was certified platinum on August 12, 1999.[4]
Background
2Pac's inclusion
To counter cannibalising sales of other 1996 Death Row releases, no songs from 2Pac'sAll Eyez on Me, The 7 Day Theory and Snoop Dogg'sTha Doggfather are included on the compilation.[5] From the seven tracks on the compilation that features 2Pac, only two were recorded during his time spent at Death Row Records; "Hit 'Em Up" and "Smile For Me Now", which are both non-album tracks.[6] Four of the other five tracks were songs previously released under Interscope Records before his signing with Death Row. And one track, "Pour Out a Little Liquor", was recorded before 2Pac's time at Death Row, however, was originally released on the 1994 Death Row soundtrack, Above the Rim.[7][8] The four tracks not affiliated with Death Row were able to be included as Interscope, at that time, was the parent company of Death Row and distributor. In 2003, tracks from the 1996 Death Row albums were featured on the compilation's follow-up, Death Row Greatest Hits, Volume 2.[9]
Rare and exclusive music
"Dear Mama"—found on disc one of the compilation—although not listed as a remix, is a completely different mix than what is found on the single or original album release.[10][11]
Disc two of the compilation is mostly made up of remixes and new tracks, notable inclusions being:
"I Get Around (RMX)", a remix featuring a chilled jazz beat and an extra verse by 2Pac.[14] This version could previously be found on the B-side of the original song's single release.[15]
"Me in Your World", a new song by Tha Dogg Pound. This song was later remixed and included on the 2012 Dogg Pound compilation, Doggy Bag.[17]
"Smile For Me Now", a new song by 2Pac and Scarface which was released as a single in remix form three months later, retitled, "Smile".[18][19]
Diss tracks aimed at Dr. Dre
Following suit with 2Pac's The 7 Day Theory,[20] Death Row continues to show animosity towards former signee and co-founder, Dr. Dre, by including a diss track directed towards the rapper/producer on each disc of the release. The diss tracks included were:
"No Vaseline" by Ice Cube; a 1991 diss track aimed at Dr. Dre and fellow N.W.A group members. Although the song had no association with Death Row Records before the release of the compilation, the song was able to be included as Priority Records, the song distributor, and Interscope Records, the album's distributor, are both divisions of Universal Music Group.[21][22][23]
"Who Been There, Who Done That?", written and performed by one of Dr. Dre's former ghostwriters, J-Flexx, is an album exclusive and parody of Dr. Dre's post-Death Row single, "Been There, Done That"—which was also written by J-Flexx.[24] The diss track, which takes shots at Dr. Dre for allegedly stealing songwriting and production credits as well as taking the royalties,[25] was released as a single in promotion for the album.[26][27] In the song's music video, Dr. Dre, clearly depicted as a closeted homosexual, grasp with the reality that the truth has been uncovered—the truth being that he has been receiving undeserved credit for the writing of several hit songs. As the music video progresses, the fictionalised Dr. Dre has to deal with bailiffs entering his home and taking away his possessions.[28]
Although it's heavily rumoured, one can also presume Suge Knight is responsible for casting the inklings of disdain, as he, CEO of Death Row Records and known instigator, served as executive producer on the album.
Artwork
Death Row Greatest Hits insert art by Ronald "Riskie" Brent.
The album's front cover centres on the Death Row Records logo—a death row inmate sat in an electric chair—which was created by Henry "Hen Dog" Smith.[29] However, this version of the Death Row symbol—not by Smith—does away with the bag over the inmates head and displays an electric current running through the inmate's body. The album's cover and insert artwork was designed by California based artist, Ronald "Riskie" Brent. Brent, a recurrent Death Row collaborator, was commissioned to create numerous covers and inserts for albums such as All Eyez on Me, The 7 Day Theory, Tha Doggfather, Christmas on Death Row and Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back.[30]
Track 1 contains samples from "I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You" as recorded by Leon Haywood and interpolations from "Uphill Peace of Mind" written by Frederick Knight
Track 2 contains samples from "I Get Lifted" as recorded by George McCrae and interpolations from "Watching You" written by Slave
Track 3 contains samples from "Love That Will Not Die" as recorded by Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Track 14 contains samples from "If It Don't Turn You On" as recorded by B. T. Express and "Do Your Thang" as recorded by Isaac Hayes
Track 16 contains samples from "In My Wildest Dreams" as recorded by Joe Sample and interpolations from "Sadie" written by Joseph B. Jefferson, Bruce Hawes & Charles Simmons
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