Suge Knight is a well-known figure in the hip hop industry, having founded Death Row Records in the 1990s. The label signed prominent artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. However, Knight built a reputation for intimidation and violence. Over the years, he has been imprisoned multiple times for assaults, probation violations and more. This article will examine Suge Knight’s extensive criminal history and the reasons for his stints behind bars.
Background on Suge Knight and Death Row Records
Marion “Suge” Knight co-founded Death Row Records alongside Dr. Dre in 1991. The West Coast-based label went on to dominate hip hop in the 1990s. Some key details about Death Row and Suge Knight:
- Signed major artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur and more
- Pioneered West Coast “G-Funk” sound
- Sold millions of albums, reached peak success in mid-1990s
- Controversial tactics and violence surrounded the label
- Knight built a reputation as an intimidating figure
While hugely successful for a time, Death Row Records went bankrupt in 2006 following years of controversy and imprisoned artists and executives. But long before the label collapsed, Knight himself had many brushes with the law.
Early Prison Time in the 1990s
Even in the early days of Death Row Records, Suge Knight had run-ins with the law that led to incarceration:
- 1993 – Knight sentenced to 5 years probation for assaulting two rappers in 1992.
- 1996 – Sent back to prison for violating probation by taking part in a fight in Las Vegas.
- Served 9 months in prison from 1996-1997 for the probation violation.
- 1997 – After early release Knight was sent back to jail for a parole violation.
- Released in 2001 after serving additional time for the parole violation.
So while Death Row was dominating musically in the mid-90s, Knight was imprisoned for much of the era. But his trouble with the law was far from over.
Assault Convictions and Prison Time in the 2000s
Suge Knight continued to get involved in violent confrontations in the 2000s, leading to additional prison sentences:
- 2003 – Convicted of punching a parking lot attendant and sentenced to probation.
- 2006 – Attacked a man at a Hollywood nightclub and was sentenced to probation.
- 2008 – Involved in a scuffle that left two injured at a hotel in Las Vegas. Sentenced to 3 years in prison.
- 2009 – Released early for good behavior after serving less than a year.
- 2012 – Arrested for outstanding traffic warrants leading to short jail stay.
Knight was implicated and investigated for other crimes in the 2000s but avoided further convictions at the time. Again though, his legal troubles were not over.
Murder Trial and Sentencing in the 2010s
In 2015, Suge Knight was charged for murder following a fatal hit-and-run incident:
- January 2015 – Knight ran over two men with his truck in the parking lot of a burger restaurant in Compton. One man died.
- Witnesses claimed it was intentional following a fight over the filming of Straight Outta Compton.
- Originally charged with murder and attempted murder but claimed self-defense.
- Took plea deal in 2018 for voluntary manslaughter.
In 2018, Knight was sentenced to 28 years in prison after accepting a plea bargain:
- Avoided life sentence under the plea deal.
- Sentenced to 22 years for voluntary manslaughter and additional 6 years because it was deemed a “third-strike.”
- Will be eligible for parole in 2037 after serving minimum of 20 years.
Conclusion: History of Violence Led to Repeated Incarceration
In summary, Suge Knight’s extensive history of violence and intimidation tactics, both before and during his time running Death Row Records, repeatedly landed him in legal trouble that resulted in years of accumulated prison time. From assaults and probation violations in the 90s, to further attacks in the 2000s, Knight seemed unable to avoid confrontations that led to convictions and incarceration. His involvement in the 2015 fatal hit-and-run demonstrated Knight’s behavior had not changed, and resulted in his stiffest prison sentence yet at 28 years. Knight’s reputation as an aggressive bully prone to physical altercations was clearly established by his repeated stints behind bars.
Timeline of Suge Knight’s Legal Issues and Incarceration
| Year | Charge/Incident | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Assaulted 2 rappers | 5 years probation |
| 1996 | Fight in Las Vegas | Probation violation, 9 months prison |
| 1997 | Parole violation | Back to prison |
| 2003 | Assaulted parking attendant | Probation |
| 2006 | Nightclub assault | Probation |
| 2008 | Vegas scuffle | 3 years in prison |
| 2015 | Fatal hit-and-run | Voluntary manslaughter, 28 years prison |
| Decade | Notable Legal Issue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Probation violation after fight | 9 months prison |
| 2000s | Assault conviction in 2003 | Probation |
| 2000s | Las Vegas scuffle in 2008 | 3 years prison |
| 2010s | Fatal 2015 hit-and-run | 28 years prison |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Suge Knight’s co-founding of Death Row Records and signing major rap stars made him a high-profile figure, but also ushered in a period plagued by legal troubles, violence and prison sentences. Knight was unable to avoid confrontations and criminal behavior that repeatedly violated parole and probation terms and led to incarceration. With a reputation as an intimidating bully, Knight’s actions continued to land him in legal trouble even after Death Row’s peak. His 2015 deadly hit-and-run altercation demonstrated Knight’s violent tendencies had not changed, resulting in a lengthy 28-year prison sentence he continues to serve today.