Does Interscope Records deliberately sign Artists who are going to get in trouble with the law?

Anyone who knows Interscope Records will know some of the Artists signed to them. It’s a who’s who of the biggest names in the business – Lady Gaga, U2, Eminem, and over a hundred more. But they are also renowned for some of the biggest rap artists on the planet. They certainly know their business and they sure do attract the big names.

But you may also have noticed a recurring theme. Some of their biggest acts do seem to have a habit of becoming Public Enemy Number One. Not all of them, not by far, but enough that it got me thinking. Could they be up to something we don’t know about? Let’s take a look at three of their artists

Tupac – one of the most famous rappers in history, whose record sales are still huge today, over 16 years after his death. But he definitely had a bad reputation. He very famously ignited the East Coast/ West Coast Beef, was involved with conflicts with the likes of The Notorious B.I.G, tore up record stores and shot at police. And his death in a drive-by shooting was certainly not natural causes!

50 Cent – another global phenomenon but again, he has been shot many times, had alleged links to the Grandmaster Jay shooting and has ongoing beefs with a number of other high profile artists

And more recently of course…

Chief Keef – Only young still, this teenage star has already famously pointed a gun at the police, been arrested for reckless driving, narcotics possession and possession of a handgun. He was also investigated by police over the fatal shooting of another rapper in his neighborhood.

What’s going on here? Now, of course I am aware that many of their artists are clean living and trouble free, with impeccable reputations but why so many of their high profile rap signings make the news for less than savory incidents is another story. Maybe it’s just a coincidence – the rap world after all, thrives on conflict amongst artists – and record sales. 

 

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