Aftermath Entertainment

Aftermath Entertainment is an American record label founded by Dr. Dre in 1996. It operates as a subsidiary of, and is distributed through, Universal Music Group's Interscope Records.

History
Upon his departure from Death Row Records in March 1996, Dr. Dre quickly launched Aftermath Entertainment, through Interscope Records (which at the time was Death Row's distributing label.) A compilation album, Dr. Dre Presents…The Aftermath was released toward years end, featuring artists who were amongst the labels first signees (most of the acts featured, however, quickly became disassociated with the company.)  In 1997, Dawn Robinson announced her departure from the R&B group En Vogue and that she had signed with Aftermath. Before years end, however, she abruptly left the label; claiming that Dre had been too slow to get the ball rolling on her project.

In fall 1997, Aftermath released the first—and only—collaborative project by hip hop super group, The Firm (comprised of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, among others). Despite the highly anticipated album featuring production and cameo appearances by Dr. Dre himself, debuting atop Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart and being certified platinum, it sold below commercial expectation. The group subsequently disbanded. Aftermath's next release was by rapper King Tee. His album, however, poorly performed, resulting in his leaving the label. Veteran rapper Rakim signed with the label Legal troubles forced Truth Hurts to leave the label, and Rakim's highly anticipated comeback album, shelved due to production conflict, also forced his departure.

Upon recommendation from Interscope label head, Jimmy Iovine, Aftermath signed Detroit-based rapper Eminem in 1998. The following year, Eminem's major label debut, The Slim Shady LP was released. The album topped Billboard's albums chart, went on to be certified quadruple plantinum, and argubly became the labels first successful release. Also in 1999, Aftermath released 2001, Dr. Dre's follow-up to his 1992 album, The Chronic. The album went on to be certified 6x platinum.

Several more artists were signed to, and later dropped from, Aftermath—including: Hittman, Truth Hurts, The Last Emperor, and veteran rapper Rakim—whose album was ultimately shelved, due to production conflict. Aftermath, through a joint venture with Shady Records, released Get Rich or Die Tryin'; the multi-platinum major label debut album from 50 Cent in 2003. Rapper The Game signed with the label in 2004, through a joint venture with 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. Shortly after the release of his The Game's album, tension between he and 50 Cent ignited, resulting in The Game to depart the company.

Below is an extensive list of artists currently signed to Aftermath Entertainment.