Interscope Records
The home of The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP.
Interscope Records is an American record label based in Santa Monica, California, wholly owned by Universal Music Group and operating as a division of the Interscope Capitol Labels Group. Founded in 1990 by Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field as a $20 million joint venture between Tommy Mottola and Jimmy Iovine, later acquired by Time Warner (Warner Music Group), it distinguished itself by allowing artists full creative control. In February 1999, Interscope and Aftermath released The Slim Shady LP, which entered the charts at number two and won two Grammy Awards at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in February 2000. Later that year, Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg founded Shady Records as a joint venture with the label. By May 23, 2000, Interscope/Shady released The Marshall Mathers LP, the fastest-selling rap album in history, moving 1.76 million copies in its first week.
- Affiliation
- Universal Music Group
- Primary artist
- Marshall Mathers / Eminem
- Key role
- Record Label & Distributor
- Status
- Active
- Notable subsidiary label
- Shady Records
Lore & Background
Interscope began in 1990 when Ted Field built it as a division of Interscope Communications, hiring John McClain and Tom Whalley. Jimmy Iovine joined after being introduced by U2 manager Paul McGuinness, agreeing that the label should sign new artists who could "move on a dime." Their first release was Gerardo's "Rico Suave" in November 1990, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 by April 1991. The label quickly signed Tupac Shakur after Whalley heard his demo just two days prior; 2Pacalypse Now followed in November 1991. By 1992, Interscope faced controversy when Vice President Dan Quayle criticized the lyrics of 2Pacalypse Now in relation to a Texas state trooper's death. Despite this, and a $10 million deal to distribute Death Row Records' The Chronic in December 1992, the label achieved profitability by 1993 with an estimated gross of $90 million.
Reader's Guide
Interscope operates under a founding tenet granting artists complete creative control, differing from industry norms where lawyers often held senior roles. The label's structure allows A&R staff to drive decisions while maintaining full oversight over recordings. In 1996, MCA Inc. (later Universal Music Group) acquired 50% of the label for $200 million, retaining Interscope's creative autonomy. Following Seagram's acquisition of PolyGram in 1998, Geffen and A&M records were merged into Interscope, operating under the umbrella of Interscope Geffen A&M Records by early 1999 with Iovine and Field as co-chairmen. The label's success relies on signing new talent like Eminem and distributing through partners while navigating controversies, such as the mid-1990s gangsta rap debates that led Time Warner to sell its stake in 1995.
Did You Know?
- Tom Whalley signed Tupac Shakur just two days after hearing his demo for the first time.
- In November 1996, Death Row Records (distributed by Interscope) became the first label in 20 years to hold the top four positions on the Billboard charts simultaneously.
- Interscope achieved profitability in 1993, just three years after its founding, with an estimated gross of $90 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Interscope Records?
Interscope Records is an American record label based in Santa Monica, California, that operates as a division of the Universal Music Group. Founded in 1990 by Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field, it became famous for granting artists significant creative freedom over their music.
What role does Interscope Records play in Eminem's career?
The label serves as the primary distributor and home for Marshall Mathers' major albums, including The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP. It acts as the corporate parent to his own subsidiary, Shady Records, handling the business side of his global releases.
Why is Interscope Records important in hip-hop history?
It distinguished itself by allowing artists full creative control, a policy that helped launch Eminem's controversial yet groundbreaking career. This approach allowed him to release The Slim Shady LP without censorship, leading to massive commercial success and Grammy wins.
How did the relationship between Interscope and Aftermath begin?
In February 1999, Interscope partnered with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment to release Eminem's debut studio album, The Slim Shady LP. This collaboration propelled the record to number two on the charts and secured two Grammy Awards for the project.
Is Interscope Records still active today?
Yes, the label remains fully active under the ownership of Universal Music Group as part of the Interscope Capitol Labels Group. It continues to release music for its roster while maintaining its status as a major force in the industry.
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