View source for Interscope Records

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{{BaseArticle
 | shortdesc = American record label
 | content =
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox record label
| bgcolor     = #000000
| name        = {{color|white|Interscope Records Inc.}} {{Verified}}
| image       = [[File:Interscope Records.svg|frameless|upright=0.46|class=skin-invert]]
| image_alt   = 
| caption     = 
| parent      = [[Universal Music Group]]
| founded     = {{start date and age|1990}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Interscope|website=[[Complex Networks]]|url=https://www.complex.com/tag/interscope|access-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref>
| founder     = {{ubl|[[Jimmy Iovine]]|[[Ted Field]]}}
| fate        = 
| defunct     = 
| status      = Active
| distributor = {{ubl|[[Interscope Capitol Labels Group]]|(United States)|[[Polydor Records|Polydor]]|(United Kingdom and France)|[[Universal Music Group]]|(International)}}
| genre       = Various
| country     = United States
| location    = [[Santa Monica, California]], U.S.
| url         = {{official website|name=interscope.com}}
}}
'''Interscope Records''' is an American [[record label]] based in [[Santa Monica, California]], owned by [[Universal Music Group]] through its [[Interscope Geffen A&M Records|Interscope Geffen A&M]] imprint. Founded in late 1990 by [[Jimmy Iovine]] and [[Ted Field]] as a $20&nbsp;million [[joint venture]] with [[Atlantic Records]] of [[Warner Music Group]] and [[Interscope Communications]],<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Interscope: Inside the Hit Factory|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=April 3, 1997|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/interscope-records-inside-the-hit-factory-118720/|access-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref> it differed from most record labels by letting [[Artists and repertoire|A&R staff]] control decisions and allowing artists and producers full creative control.<ref name="NYT Shunned 1995">{{cite news|last1=Foege|first1=Alec|title=Shunned, Scorned, and Doing Quite Nicely|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/03/arts/pop-music-scorned-shunned-and-doing-quite-nicely.html|access-date=September 19, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=December 3, 1995}}</ref> Interscope's first hit records arrived in under a year, and it achieved profitability in 1993.<ref name="1993 Hilburn LA Times">{{cite news|last1=Hilburn, Robert and|first1=Phillips, Chuck|title=They Sure Figured Something Out : Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field have broken all the rules at Interscope|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-24-ca-49148-story.html|access-date=August 1, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 24, 1993}}</ref> Chair and [[CEO]] until May 2014, Iovine was succeeded by [[John Janick]].<ref name="Janick HR">{{cite news|last1=Christman|first1=Ed|title=John Janick Replaces Jimmy Iovine Atop Interscope Geffen A&M|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/john-janick-replaces-jimmy-iovine-707662|access-date=September 23, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 28, 2014}}</ref>

In 1992, Interscope acquired the exclusive rights to market and distribute releases from [[hardcore hip hop]] label [[Death Row Records]], a decision that ultimately put the label at the center of the mid-1990s [[Gangsta rap#Criticism and debate|gangsta rap controversy]]. As a result, [[Time Warner]], then the parent of Warner Music Group, severed ties with Interscope by selling its 50 percent stake back to Field and Iovine for $115&nbsp;million in 1995. In 1996, 50% of the label was acquired for a reported $200&nbsp;million by [[MCA Inc.]],<ref name="1993 Hilburn LA Times"/><ref name="NY Times MCA buys 50%">{{cite news|last1=Fabrikant|first1=Geraldine|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS;MCA Agrees to Buy Stake in Interscope Record Label|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/22/business/the-media-business-mca-agrees-to-buy-stake-in-interscope-record-label.html|access-date=August 1, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=February 22, 1996}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-19-fi-26268-story.html|title=MCA Offers $200 Million to Acquire a 50% Stake in Interscope Records|last=PHILIPS|first=CHUCK|date=January 19, 1996|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=June 20, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref> later known as Universal Music Group.

==History==
===1990–1995: Origins, early success, and joint ventures===
In 1989, Ted Field began to build Interscope Records as a division of his film company, [[Interscope Communications]]. To run it, he hired John McClain, who had played a central role in [[Janet Jackson]]'s success at [[A&M Records]], and Tom Whalley, who had been the head of [[A&R]] at [[Capitol Records]]. Separately, Iovine, who had produced records for [[U2]], [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Stevie Nicks]], and [[John Lennon]], among others, was trying to raise money to start a label. "I thought, 'Music is going to change,'" Iovine said in 1997. "'Young bands aren't going to be asking for me.' But I love working with the new thing. I always liked the part of the business that's the first time you hear something, and I knew I wasn't in that business anymore."<ref name="Rolling Stone Wild" />

Iovine and Field were introduced by [[Paul McGuinness]], then [[U2]]'s manager.  After a series of negotiations led by [[David Geffen]], they came to an agreement, and in 1990, Interscope Records was founded as a joint venture with [[Atlantic Records]]. In a 1997 article in ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', [[David Wild]] wrote: "Interscope's start-up coincided with a period of incredible change in the music world. Nirvana had ushered in the alternative revolution... While the major labels were packed with rosters full of expensive veteran artists who had to redefine themselves for a new rock era, Interscope was in the business of signing new artists and could – as Iovine puts it – 'move on a dime.'"<ref name="Rolling Stone Wild">{{cite magazine|last1=Wild|first1=David|title=Interscope Records: Inside the Hit Factory|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/interscope-records-inside-the-hit-factory-19970403|access-date=September 15, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 3, 1997|archive-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929073114/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/interscope-records-inside-the-hit-factory-19970403|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Phillips McClain">{{cite news|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|title=Back in the Club|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-26-fi-32786-story.html|access-date=September 15, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 26, 1998}}</ref><ref name="Interscope book">{{cite book|last1=Bailey|first1=Diane|title=The Story of Interscope Records|date=January 1, 2013|publisher=Mason Crest|location=New York|isbn=978-1422221150|pages=64|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qYfTBAAAQBAJ&q=why+did+ted+field+start+interscope&pg=PT11|access-date=September 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapid=829601 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206171313/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=829601 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |title=Interscope Records, Inc.: Private Company Information |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |access-date=March 18, 2014}}</ref>

Based in [[Los Angeles]], California in the [[Westwood, Los Angeles|Westwood]] neighborhood at an office building on 10900 [[Wilshire Boulevard]], Interscope was run by "music men". It was a departure from the music industry practices of the 1970s and 1980s, when labels traditionally appointed lawyers and promotion executives to senior positions.  A founding tenet of the label was that artists would have complete creative control.<ref name="1993 Hilburn LA Times" />

Interscope's first release was "[[Rico Suave (song)|Rico Suave]]" by Ecuadorian rapper [[Gerardo Mejía|Gerardo]] in December 1990; the single reached number seven on the ''[[Billboard Hot 100]]'' charts in April 1991. [[Primus (band)|Primus]]' Interscope debut, ''[[Sailing the Seas of Cheese]]'', was released in May, followed by [[Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch]]'s ''[[Music for the People (Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch album)|Music for the People]]'' in July.  It included the number-one single "[[Good Vibrations (Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch song)|Good Vibrations]]". Two days after first hearing his demo, Whalley signed [[Tupac Shakur]] in August 1991, and by November, Interscope released ''[[2Pacalypse Now]]'', Shakur's studio debut.<ref name="Becker & Meyer">{{cite book|last1=Monjauze, Molly and|first1=Robinson, Staci|title=Tupac Remembered: Bearing Witness to a Life and Legacy|date=February 1, 2008|publisher=Becker & Meyer|isbn=978-1932855760|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LwIexeXLKecC&q=tom+whalley+tupac&pg=PT37|access-date=September 16, 2015}}</ref>

Interscope began to develop a significant presence in the genre of [[alternative rock]] in 1992. In addition to a second Primus album, the label released [[No Doubt]]'s [[No Doubt (No Doubt album)|self-titled debut]], [[Helmet (band)|Helmet]]'s ''[[Meantime (album)|Meantime]]'', [[4 Non Blondes]]' ''[[Bigger, Better, Faster, More!]],'' acquired and re-released [[Rocket from the Crypt]]'s ''[[Circa: Now!]]'', and, through a joint venture with [[TVT Records|TVT]]/[[Nothing Records]], the [[Nine Inch Nails]] EP ''[[Broken (Nine Inch Nails EP)|Broken]].'' However, Interscope's success with alternative and rock music was eclipsed by controversy which began in September 1992, when Vice President [[Dan Quayle]] called on Interscope to withdraw ''2Pacalypse Now,'' stating that it was responsible for the death of a Texas state trooper, who was shot to death in April by a suspect who allegedly was listening to the album on the tape deck of a stolen truck when he was stopped by the officer. The trooper's family filed a civil suit against Shakur and Interscope, claiming the record's violence-laden lyrics incite "imminent lawless action".<ref name="Becker & Meyer"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Broder|first1=James|title=Quayle Calls for Pulling Rap Album Tied to Murder Case|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-23-mn-1144-story.html|access-date=September 17, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 23, 1992}}</ref>

Earlier in 1992, Interscope negotiated a $10-million deal with [[Dr. Dre]] and [[Marion "Suge" Knight]] to finance and distribute their label, [[Death Row Records]]. It was initiated by McClain, who met Dre when he was recording his solo debut, ''[[The Chronic]].'' Original plans had called for the album to be released through Sony, but Sony passed on ''The Chronic'' due to "the crazy things going on around Death Row" and the contractual status of Dr. Dre. After hearing the album, Iovine agreed to put it out, although doing so required a complicated distribution agreement with [[Priority Records]], Dre's label as a member of [[N.W.A]]. ''The Chronic'' was released in December 1992.<ref name="Chronic oral history">{{cite news|last1=Westhoff|first1=Ben|title=The Making of the Chronic|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-making-of-the-chronic-2407719|access-date=September 16, 2015|work=LA Weekly|date=November 19, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Dre splits Death Row LA Times">{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Chuck|title=Rapper Dr. Dre to part ways with Death Row, start new record label|url=http://www.latimes.com/local/la-fi-dredeathrow22march2296-story.html|access-date=September 17, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 22, 1996}}</ref>

By the end of the following year, ''The Chronic'' had sold almost 3&nbsp;million copies. [[Snoop Dogg]]'s debut ''[[Doggystyle]]'' had sold more than 800,000 copies in its first week alone, and Primus and 4 Non-Blondes had released records which hit the US Top 20.  In 1993, with an estimated gross of $90&nbsp;million, Interscope became profitable ahead of projections.<ref name="LA Times Warner Split">{{cite news|last1=Hilburn, Robert and|first1=Philips, Chuck|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-29-fi-51464-story.html|title=COMPANY TOWN : Q & A : Vocal Session : Interscope's Iovine Reflects on Time Warner Split|date=September 29, 1995|access-date=September 17, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Markman|first1=Rob|title=20 Years Later, Snoop Dogg Has 'Never' Listened To Doggystyle|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1717998/snoop-dogg-doggystyle-20-years-never-listened/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008221553/http://www.mtv.com/news/1717998/snoop-dogg-doggystyle-20-years-never-listened/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 8, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2015|publisher=MTV|date=November 22, 2013}}</ref>

Interscope further established its strength in the alternative and rock genres in 1994.  A $2.5&nbsp;million investment to establish a joint venture with [[Trauma Records]] yielded three number-one Modern Rock tracks and a platinum-certified album with [[Bush (British band)|Bush]]'s ''[[Sixteen Stone]]''. The Nine Inch Nails album ''[[The Downward Spiral]]'' went to number two on the US charts and was widely acclaimed. [[Marilyn Manson]]'s ''[[Portrait of an American Family]]'', [[The Toadies]] album ''[[Rubberneck (album)|Rubberneck]]'' and Helmet's ''[[Betty (Helmet album)|Betty]]'' were commercially successful and critically embraced.<ref name="Trauma WSJ">{{cite news|last1=Reilly|first1=Patrick M.|title=Dissonance Mars the Alliance Between Trauma and Interscope|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB860623460143283000|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=April 10, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Harris|first1=Keith|title=1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative's Greatest Year|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/1994-the-40-best-records-from-mainstream-alternatives-greatest-year-20140417/green-day-dookie-19691231|access-date=September 18, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 17, 2014|archive-date=May 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516143608/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/1994-the-40-best-records-from-mainstream-alternatives-greatest-year-20140417/green-day-dookie-19691231|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===1995–2000: Gangsta rap controversy, acquisition by MCA, Aftermath and Shady===
In May 1995, the controversy related to gangsta rap and explicit lyrics intensified as [[U.S. Senate Majority Leader]] [[Bob Dole]] accused Interscope of releasing music that glorified violence and degraded women. Among others, the label was criticized by [[William J. Bennett]], a former Education Secretary, and [[C. DeLores Tucker]], the chairwoman of the National Political Congress of Black Women.  In September, Time Warner announced it would disassociate itself from Interscope by selling its half-interest in the company to Field and Iovine for $115&nbsp;million.<ref name="LA Times Warner Split" /><ref name="NYT fuchs">{{cite news|last1=Landler|first1=Mark|title=Time Warner Seeks to Sell Stake in Gangsta Rap Label|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/10/business/time-warner-seeks-to-sell-stake-in-gangsta-rap-label.html|access-date=September 17, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=August 10, 1995}}</ref> Ownership in Interscope was aggressively pursued by [[EMI Records|EMI]], [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]], [[PolyGram]] and MCA. On December 1, 1995, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' noted that with five albums on that week's pop charts and sales of $350&nbsp;million over the previous three years, "what may have been a smart move politically for Time Warner is now looking like a financial fiasco."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-01-fi-9207-story.html|title=Company Town : 4 Music Companies Wooing Interscope : Recording: Time Warner's move to distance itself from the controversial label may prove to be politically savvy but financially disastrous|date=December 1, 1995|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> In February 1996, [[MCA Records]]—then owned by [[Seagram]]—bought 50% of Interscope for a reported $200&nbsp;million. Under the agreement, Interscope retained complete creative control over the label's recordings. MCA was not required to distribute material that it deemed offensive.<ref name="MCA buys LA Times">{{cite news|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-19-fi-26268-story.html|title=MCA Offers $200 Million Acquire a 50% Stake in Interscope Records|date=January 19, 1996|access-date=September 17, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> MCA also acquired Interscope's music publishing arm.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DA8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22MCA+Music+Publishing%22+acquires&pg=PA54 | title=Billboard | date=April 26, 1997 }}</ref>

Dre left Death Row in mid-1996 due to what was then reported as tension over the creative direction of the label, and founded [[Aftermath Entertainment]], a new joint venture with Interscope. In November that same year, Aftermath debuted with the album ''[[Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath]]''. The Death Row deal remained in place until 1997, when Knight was imprisoned for parole violations.<ref name="Dre Aftermath Phillips">{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Chuck|title=The Doctor, Unmasked|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-13-ca-53256-story.html|access-date=September 19, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=October 13, 1996}}</ref><ref name="Dre Rolling Stone Bio">{{cite magazine|title=Dr. Dre Biography|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/dr-dre/biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228203101/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/dr-dre/biography|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 28, 2010|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Strauss|first1=Neil|title=Rap Empire Unraveling As Stars Flee|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/26/business/rap-empire-unraveling-as-stars-flee.html|access-date=September 20, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 28, 1998}}</ref>

In November 1996, with records by Bush, Snoop Dogg, No Doubt, and Tupac Shakur, Interscope became the first label in 20 years to hold the top 4 positions on the ''Billboard'' charts.  Six additional Interscope releases were in the Top 100.  The label was frequently criticized for overspending on artist acquisitions and joint ventures, however, with revenue for 1996 estimated at $250&nbsp;million, it operated at a profit.<ref name="More Phillips Writing Interscope is GREAT! 1996">{{cite news|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-28-fi-3681-story.html|title=Interscope Is Golden on the Pop Chart|date=November 28, 1996|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 19, 2015}}</ref>

In 1996, MCA Music Entertainment was renamed [[Universal Music Group]]. In 1998, the Universal Music Group parent company Seagram acquired [[PolyGram Records]]. MCA's [[Geffen Records]] and PolyGram's [[A&M Records]] were merged into Interscope, and in early 1999, Interscope Records began operating under the umbrella of [[Interscope Geffen A&M Records]], with Iovine and Field serving as co-chairmen.<ref name="Strauss Merger NYT">{{cite news|last1=Neil|first1=Strauss|title=A Major Merger Shakes Up the World of Rock|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/21/arts/a-major-merger-shakes-up-the-world-of-rock.html|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=December 21, 1998}}</ref>

Iovine's assistant (and former intern) Dean Geistlinger saw [[Eminem]] perform at the Rap Olympics in Los Angeles in 1997 and passed Eminem's CD on to Iovine; Iovine, in turn, passed it on to Dre.  In February 1999, Interscope and Aftermath released ''[[The Slim Shady LP]].''<ref name="MM Vulture">{{cite news|last1=Lockett|first1=Dee|title=7 Fun Facts We Learned From Eminem's Genius Annotations|url=http://www.vulture.com/2015/04/7-fun-facts-from-eminems-genius-annotations.html|access-date=September 18, 2015|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> The album entered the charts at number two, and won two Grammy Awards.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|title=The Slim Shady LP|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-slim-shady-lp-mw0000601851 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Later in 1999 Eminem and his manager, [[Paul Rosenberg (music manager)|Paul Rosenberg]], founded [[Shady Records]].<ref name="Shady at 15">{{cite news|last1=Graham|first1=Adam|title=Eminem looks back, forward on 15 years of Shady Records|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/11/19/eminem-looks-back-years-shady-records/19307415/|access-date=September 21, 2015|work=Detroit News|date=November 20, 2014}}</ref>

In 1998, Interscope signed a joint-venture deal with  [[Ruff Ryders]].

On June 22, 1999, Interscope/Flip records released [[Limp Bizkit]]'s second studio album ''[[Significant Other (album)|Significant Other]]'' selling 643,874 copies in the first week. It would go on to sell 16,000,000 copies worldwide.

By the close of the decade, Interscope sales accounted for nearly one-third of Seagram's 27% share of the U.S. music market. Records by Limp Bizkit, Eminem, Dre, [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]], [[Nine Inch Nails]], [[Enrique Iglesias]], [[Blackstreet]], [[Smash Mouth]] and others generated an estimated $40&nbsp;million in profit during the final six months of 1999.<ref name="Seagram Info on 90s LA Times">{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Chuck|title=Interscope Emerges as Star Act for Seagram|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-14-fi-43807-story.html|access-date=September 23, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 14, 1999}}</ref>

===2000–2010: Departure of Field, DreamWorks, Cherrytree Records and Beats===
Interscope/Shady released Eminem's ''[[The Marshall Mathers LP]]'' on May 23, 2000. The fastest-selling rap album in history, it sold 1.76&nbsp;million copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grahme|first1=Charne|title=10 RAPPERS IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/10-rappers-in-the-guinness-book-of-world-records-6782599|access-date=September 21, 2015|work=Houston Press|date=September 15, 2011|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811081423/http://www.houstonpress.com/music/10-rappers-in-the-guinness-book-of-world-records-6782599|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 19, 2000, Interscope/Flip records released Limp Bizkit's third studio album,  ''[[Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water]]'' and it would shift 1.05 million copies in its first week in the United States, becoming the fastest-selling rock album in history. Cementing [[Nu Metal]]'s status in pop culture as a top selling genre during the 2000s. Also Interscope began its relationship with U2 after it acquired the US rights to market and distribute the album ''[[All That You Can't Leave Behind]]''. Iovine had been trying to sign U2 since 1990.<ref name="1993 Hilburn LA Times" />

In 2001, Field resigned as co-chairman of Interscope to start a new label.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-03-fi-20584-story.html|title=Interscope Records' Co-Founder Steps Down|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=February 3, 2001}}</ref> Described as an amicable parting, Field said he was "anxious to become an entrepreneur again." An agreement with Universal allowed Field to resign a year before his contract was set to expire.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pollack|first1=Mark|title=TED FIELD LEAVES INTERSCOPE|url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=274174|work=Hits Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lieberson|first1=Alison|title=INTERSCOPE'S FIELD STRIKES OUT ON HIS OWN|url=https://nypost.com/2001/02/03/interscopes-field-strikes-out-on-his-own/|access-date=September 22, 2015|work=New York Post|date=February 3, 2001}}</ref> Conversely, Whalley, Interscope's president since 1998, accepted the position of chairman of Warner Bros. Records in May 2000 and was not released from his Interscope contract until it expired in August 2001.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Leeds|first1=Jeff|title=Whalley to Head Warner Bros. Record Label|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-aug-14-fi-33840-story.html|access-date=September 21, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 14, 2001}}</ref>

Interscope/Shady released ''[[The Eminem Show]],'' in May 2002 and the soundtrack for Eminem's semi-autobiographical film ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]'' in October; the two titles combined sold more than 11,000,000 records before the end of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Eminem Ends Year on Top, But Album Sales Tumble|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/72827/eminem-ends-year-on-top-but-album-sales-tumble|access-date=September 21, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=January 3, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Kreps|first1=Daniel|title=Eminem and The Beatles: The Top-Selling Artists of the 2000s|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eminem-and-the-beatles-the-top-selling-artists-of-the-2000s-20091209|access-date=September 21, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 9, 2009|archive-date=January 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102165857/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eminem-and-the-beatles-the-top-selling-artists-of-the-2000s-20091209|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2002, [[New York City]] rapper [[50 Cent]] signed to Interscope with a $1 million advance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/50-cent-leaves-interscope-rescords-signs-with-caroline-capitol-umg|title=50 Cent Parts Ways with Interscope Records, Signs Independent Deal with Caroline/Capitol/UMG|website=[[Complex Networks]]|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709204101/https://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/50-cent-leaves-interscope-rescords-signs-with-caroline-capitol-umg|url-status=dead}}</ref> 50 Cent's major-label debut album ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (album)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]'' was released on February 6, 2003, through Interscope. The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard 200'' and the album went on to be certified 9× platinum in America. In April, it was announced that 50 Cent would sign and develop artists for release on [[G-Unit Records]], which would be marketed and distributed through Interscope.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Interscope Gets on Board With 50 Cent's Label|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71639/interscope-gets-on-board-with-50-cents-label|access-date=September 22, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=April 8, 2013}}</ref> 50 Cent's success allowed G-Unit artists to release their own projects. 50 Cent's group [[G-Unit]] released their debut album, ''[[Beg for Mercy]]'', through Interscope. It debuted and peaked in the top 3 on Billboard 200. With the success of the singles ''[[Wanna Get to Know You]]'', ''[[Poppin' Them Thangs]]'' and ''[[Stunt 101]]'', the album was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

On September 23, 2003, Interscope/Flip Records released Limp Bizkit's fourth album ''[[Results May Vary]]'', selling 325,000 copies in the first week. Debuting at No. 3 on ''Billboard'' 200, ending Limp's number 1 streak from their previous releases. It would go on to be certified Gold in 2003 and later Platinum in 2008. Ending Limp Bizkit's commercial peak, the album would be their lowest-selling of their career up to that point. The band would go in hiatus in 2006, after releasing ''[[The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)]]'', their first EP and later their first greatest hits album called ''[[Greatest Hitz]]'' in 2005. They both would sell 2,000,000 and 3,500,000 for a combined total of 5,500,000 worldwide.

In November 2003, Universal Music Group acquired [[DreamWorks Records]] and in 2004 it was merged into Interscope Geffen A&M.  The DreamWorks A&R staff was retained, and the label's artists were divided between Geffen and Interscope. Among others, Interscope inherited [[Blink-182]], [[The All-American Rejects]], and [[Nelly Furtado]].<ref name=Dreamworks>{{cite magazine|last1=Newman|first1=Melinda|title=DreamWorks Power Trio at Crossroads|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gQ8EAAAAMBAJ&q=dreamworks+merges+interscope+2004&pg=PA65|access-date=September 22, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=January 24, 2004}}</ref> G-Unit artist [[Lloyd Banks]] released his debut studio album, ''[[The Hunger for More]]'' in June 2004 through Interscope. Anchored by the success of the single, ''[[On Fire (Lloyd Banks song)|On Fire]]'', the album debuted atop the ''Billboard 200'' and achieved platinum status by the RIAA.

In March 2005, Interscope launched [[Cherrytree Records]] with [[Martin Kierszenbaum]], its head of international operations. Kierszenbaum, also a producer and A&R executive, focused initially on developing artists from outside the United States. [[Feist (singer)|Feist]] and [[Robyn]] were among Cherrytree's first artists.<ref name="cherry tree">{{cite news|last1=Pilato|first1=Bruce|title=At 10-Years, Cherrytree Label Continues to Bear Fruit|url=https://variety.com/2015/music/features/at-10-years-cherrytree-label-continues-to-bear-fruit-1201483501/|access-date=September 22, 2015|work=Variety|date=April 29, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Cherrytree NYTimes">{{cite news|last1=Leeds|first1=Jeff|title=As U.S. Pop Wanes Abroad, Talent Scout Looks Wide|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/arts/music/05cher.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|access-date=September 23, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=December 5, 2007}}</ref>

Four of Interscope's releases were in the top 10 of the year end sales charts in 2005: ''[[The Massacre]]'' (50 Cent) at number one, ''[[Encore (Eminem album)|Encore]]'' (Eminem) at number two, ''[[Love.Angel.Music.Baby.]]'' ([[Gwen Stefani]]) at number six, and ''[[How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb]]'' (U2) at number eight. [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]]'s ''[[The Documentary]]'' appeared at number 16, and [[The Black Eyed Peas]] album ''[[Monkey Business (The Black Eyed Peas album)|Monkey Business]]'' charted at number 18.<ref name="Charts 2005">{{cite magazine|title=Year End Charts 2005|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2005/top-billboard-200-albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref>

In 2006, Dre and Iovine established [[Beats Electronics]]. Dre had been approached by his attorney to start a line of sneakers, and when he told Iovine about the idea, Iovine said: "You know speakers, not sneakers." 'Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones' were introduced in January 2008 at the annual [[Consumer Electronics Show]]. "It took us two years to get them right, but when I heard I knew it was going to be big," Iovine said in 2010. "It's just like listening to a hit record." The marketing for Beats integrated endorsements from Interscope artists including [[Gwen Stefani]], [[M.I.A. (rapper)|M.I.A.]] and [[Pharrell]], Lady Gaga, and [[will.i.am]].
<ref name="Time Beats">{{cite magazine|last1=Sanburn|first1=Josh|title=How Dr. Dre Made $300 Headphones a Must-Have Accessory|url=https://business.time.com/2013/01/16/how-dr-dre-made-300-headphones-a-must-have-accessory/|access-date=September 23, 2015|magazine=Time|date=January 16, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Boucher Beats">{{cite news|last1=Boucher|first1=Geoff|title=A force in music turns to its sound|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jan-07-la-fi-ct-iovine7-2010jan07-story.html|access-date=September 24, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 7, 2010}}</ref>

Lady Gaga's studio debut ''[[The Fame]]'' was released in August 2008; it was re-released with eight new songs as ''[[The Fame Monster]]'' in November 2009. Interscope held the top four positions on the 2009 year-end Hot 100 charts with The Black Eyed Peas' "[[Boom Boom Pow]]" (number one) and "[[I Gotta Feeling]]" (number four); Lady Gaga's "[[Poker Face (Lady Gaga song)|Poker Face]]" charted at number two and "[[Just Dance (song)|Just Dance]]" was at number three.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hot 100 Songs: Year End 2009|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2009/hot-100-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>

=== 2010–2020: Lady Gaga, Madonna, Eminem, departure of Iovine and appointment of John Janick ===
In June 2010 Eminem's ''[[Recovery (Eminem album)|Recovery]]'' entered the ''Billboard'' 200 at number one, his sixth album to do so. ''[[Born This Way (album)|Born This Way]]'' by Lady Gaga was released in May 2011, and debuted at number one in 23 countries. In the US, with more than one million copies sold in its first week, it had the highest first-week album sales in five years. Four of the album's singles—"Born This Way", "Judas", "The Edge of Glory", and "You and I"—charted in the top ten of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="Eminem 30 biggest">{{cite magazine|last1=Ramirez|first1=Erica|title=Eminem's 30 Biggest Songs|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474607/eminems-30-biggest-songs|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224085607/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474607/eminems-30-biggest-songs|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 24, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Amter|first1=Charlie|title=Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Fastest Selling Single Ever on iTunes|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lady-gagas-born-way-fastest-101555|access-date=September 24, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 18, 2011}}</ref>

Interscope signed [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] and [[Van Halen]] in 2011. Both artists were previously signed to [[Warner Bros. Records]]; both released their first records for Interscope in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jimmy-iovine-interview-madonna-van-halen-288098 |title=Jimmy Iovine on Sound, Vision and Why He Signed Madonna and Van Halen (Q&A) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2013 |first=Shirley |last=Halperin}}</ref>

In October 2012, [[John Janick]] was named president and COO of Interscope Geffen A&M.  The founder of [[Fueled By Ramen]], Janick had previous success with artists including [[Jimmy Eat World]], [[Fall Out Boy]], [[Panic! at the Disco]] and [[Paramore]]. At the time of his appointment, it was reported that Iovine had chosen Janick as his eventual successor—Iovine's attention had increasingly turned to Beats, which dominated the headphone market with 2012 revenues of $512&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gara|first1=Tom|title=Pop Quiz: What Is Beats By Dre's Market Share?|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/01/11/pop-quiz-what-is-beats-by-dres-market-share/|access-date=September 24, 2015|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Aswad|first1=Jem|title=It's Official: John Janick Named President/COO of Interscope Geffen A&M|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1083535/its-official-john-janick-named-presidentcoo-of-interscope-geffen-am|access-date=September 24, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=October 3, 2012}}</ref> In May 2014, following Apple's acquisition of Beats, Iovine resigned. As anticipated, Janick was named chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/6099404/john-janick-jimmy-iovine-interscope-geffen-am |title=John Janick to Succeed Jimmy Iovine as Chairman, CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M |magazine=Billboard |date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=July 29, 2014|author-first1=Ed|author-last1=Christman}}</ref><ref name="Sisario New York Times May 2014">{{cite news|last1=Sisario|first1=Ben|title=Jimmy Iovine, a Master of Beats, Lends Apple a Skilled Ear|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/29/business/media/jimmy-iovine-a-master-of-beats-lends-apple-a-skilled-ear.html|access-date=August 28, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 28, 2014}}</ref>

Six Interscope releases appeared in the ''Billboard'' year end album charts in 2014: ''[[The Marshall Mathers LP 2]]'' by [[Eminem]], ''[[Ultraviolence (album)|Ultraviolence]]'' by [[Lana Del Rey]], ''[[V (Maroon 5 album)|V]]'' by [[Maroon 5]], ''[[Native (album)|Native]]'' from [[OneRepublic]], Lady Gaga's ''[[ARTPOP]]'', and ''[[Oxymoron (Schoolboy Q album)|Oxymoron]]'' by [[Schoolboy Q]].<ref name="BB 2014">{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Year End Album Charts 2014|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2014/top-billboard-200-albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 26, 2015}}</ref> In December 2014 it was announced that [[Selena Gomez]], previously signed to [[Hollywood Records]], had signed with Interscope.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Peters|first1=Mitchell|title=Selena Gomez Officially Signs with Interscope|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6406139/selena-gomez-officially-signs-to-interscope-records|access-date=September 26, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=December 14, 2014}}</ref>

[[Imagine Dragons]]' ''[[Smoke + Mirrors]]'' debuted on the ''Billboard'' album charts at number one in March 2015. A week later, [[Kendrick Lamar]]'s album ''[[To Pimp a Butterfly]]'' appeared at number one, a position it held for two consecutive weeks.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Caulfield|first1=Keith|title=Kendrick Lamar Spends Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kendrick-lamar-second-week-no-1-billboard-200-chart/|access-date=September 26, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=April 1, 2015}}</ref> Lamar won five Grammys in 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Sheffield|first1=Rob|title=Grammys 2016: King Kendrick Lamar Steals the Show|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/grammys-2016-king-kendrick-lamar-steals-the-show-20160216|access-date=September 12, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 16, 2016}}</ref> In August 2017, [[JoJo (singer)|JoJo]] announced she had re-signed to Interscope, in a joint venture deal to launch her own music imprint, [[Clover Music]].<ref name="Vibe 1">{{cite news|last1=Jefferson|first1=J'na|title=JoJo Announces Music Imprint "Clover Music" With Interscope|url=https://www.vibe.com/2017/08/jojo-clover-music-interscope/|access-date=August 19, 2017|work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] |date=August 18, 2017|location=United States}}</ref>

In October 2018, [[YG Entertainment]] teamed up with Interscope Records in a global partnership for [[Blackpink]]. Interscope and Universal Music Group would represent the girl group worldwide, outside of Asia.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/blackpink-interscope-records-umg-global-deal-yg-entertainment-8481273/|title=BLACKPINK Sign With Interscope Records & UMG in Global Partnership With YG Entertainment: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 24, 2019}}</ref>

In May 2019, Australian [[pop rock]] band [[5 Seconds of Summer]] signed with Interscope Records, following their departure from [[Capitol Records]]. On March 27, 2020, the band released their fourth studio album ''[[Calm (album)|Calm]].'' The album was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews from critics who praised the band's artistic growth and maturity.<ref>{{Citation|title=Calm by 5 Seconds of Summer|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/calm/5-seconds-of-summer|language=en|access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref> The album charted in more than 25 countries on several charts,{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}} the album peaked in the top 10 on 17 charts and debuted atop the charts at number one in Australia,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/albums-chart|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=aria.com.au|language=en}}</ref> the UK<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Albums Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20200403/7502/|website=officialcharts.com|language=en|access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref> and Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-albums-chart/20200403/40/|website=officialcharts.com|language=en|access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref>

===2024–present: Reorganization under Interscope Capitol Labels Group===

Interscope became the flagship label of [[Interscope Capitol Labels Group]] beginning in 2024. The label also signed American singer [[Jennifer Hudson]], her first time being under a UMG label after being under four different labels with [[Sony Music]] since 2006. The singer also announced she would release her fourth album, ''[[The Gift of Love (Jennifer Hudson album)|The Gift of Love]]'', her first ever Christmas album, which was released on October 18, 2024.

==Corporate evolution==
Since its founding, Interscope has undergone multiple reorganizations within Universal Music Group's structure. Following Universal's acquisition of PolyGram in 1998, Interscope merged with [[Geffen Records]] and [[A&M Records]] to form the [[Interscope Geffen A&M Records]] group. In 2023, it was placed under the [[Interscope Capitol Labels Group]] (ICLG), which unified UMG's West Coast operations.

==Operations==
Interscope operates as part of Universal Music Group's Interscope Capitol Labels Group (ICLG), overseeing a wide range of labels and global partnerships across genres.

==Criticism and controversies==
===Album delays===
Several artists have criticized Interscope for delaying albums. The label was embroiled in controversy over delaying the release of the singer [[Bilal (American singer)|Bilal]]'s second album, ''[[Love for Sale (Bilal album)|Love for Sale]]'', because of its creative direction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gray|first=Arielle|date=November 26, 2018|url=https://www.wbur.org/artery/2018/11/26/bilal-isabella-stewart-gardner-rise-series|title=Bilal Brings Creative Resistance to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum|department=The ARTery|publisher=[[WBUR]]|access-date=July 20, 2020}}</ref> Dr. Dre had assisted Bilal's production for the album in a limited role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bilal-mn0000057280/biography|title=Bilal|last=Kellman|first=Andy|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 12, 2020|date=n.d.}}</ref> After it [[internet leak|leaked]] in 2006, Interscope notoriously shelved the release indefinitely,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/01/26/133189878/bilal-on-world-cafe|title=Bilal on World Cafe|publisher=[[NPR]]|access-date=August 15, 2020|date=January 26, 2011}}</ref> giving rise to rumors that the label had leaked it on purpose.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Aewing|date=August 5, 2010|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.11868/title.bilal-talks-love-for-sale-leaks-working-with-nottz-88-keys|title=Bilal Talks 'Love for Sale' Leaks, Working with Nottz & 88-Keys|magazine=[[HipHopDX]]|access-date=August 15, 2020}}</ref>

In 2013, M.I.A. said her album ''[[Matangi (album)|Matangi]]'' was held because the label felt the record she turned in was "too positive" for her fans.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Makarechi|first1=Kia|title=M.I.A. Album Delayed Because Label Thinks It's Too Positive, Says Singer|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/07/mia-album-delayed-too-positive_n_2424151.html|access-date=September 26, 2015|work=Huffington Post|date=January 7, 2013}}</ref> In 2010, rapper [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]] left Interscope after a three-year delay of her album ''[[Lip Lock]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cline|first1=Georgette|title=Eve Reveals Frustrations With Interscope Records Over 'Lip Lock' Album Delay|url=http://theboombox.com/eve-interscope-records/|access-date=September 26, 2015|publisher=The Boombox|date=July 5, 2012}}</ref> [[Blink-182]], [[All Time Low]], and [[50 Cent]] have similarly criticized Interscope.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Carroll|first1=Grace|title=BLINK-182 SPLIT FROM MAJOR LABEL INTERSCOPE, NOW UNSIGNED|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/77228/blink-182-split-from-major-label-..|website=Gigwise|access-date=September 26, 2015|date=October 24, 2012}}</ref>

===Elton John===
In discussing his 2006 album ''[[The Captain & the Kid]]'' with [[Cameron Crowe]] in ''Rolling Stone,'' [[Elton John]] said: "I was so furious with Interscope Records because they put it out and they dropped it. I had meetings in the South of France, and I said, 'I know this isn't a commercial album, I just want you to do your best,' and they dropped it like a fucking turd. It's probably why I didn't make another solo record. It was pure heartbreak."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 10, 2013|title=Elton John: My Life in 20 Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/elton-john-my-life-in-20-songs-20131010/gone-to-shiloh-with-leon-russell-0430689|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 1, 2017|archive-date=June 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614122042/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/elton-john-my-life-in-20-songs-20131010/gone-to-shiloh-with-leon-russell-0430689|url-status=dead}}</ref>
John would later return to Interscope in the US in 2019.

===Nine Inch Nails===
In 2007, [[Nine Inch Nails]] frontman [[Trent Reznor]] criticized Universal Music Group for the inflated price of ''[[Year Zero (album)|Year Zero]]'' in Australia. In an interview with the ''Herald Sun'' in Melbourne, he said that an employee of UMG stated that NIN had "a core audience that's gonna buy whatever we put out, so we can charge more...True fans will pay whatever."<ref>{{cite news|title=Q&A with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/q-a-with-trent-reznor-of-nine-inch-nails/story-e6frf9hf-1111113550202|access-date=September 26, 2015|work=Melbourne Herald Sun|date=May 12, 2007}}</ref> Nine Inch Nails signed with [[Columbia Records]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spin Staff|title=Trent Reznor on Nine Inch Nails' Columbia Signing: 'I'm Not a Major Label Apologist'|url=http://www.spin.com/2013/08/trent-reznor-nine-inch-nails-hesitation-marks-columbia-spin-september-2013-cover-story/|website=Spin |access-date=September 26, 2015|date=August 19, 2013}}</ref>

=== Die Antwoord ===
On November 7, 2011, it was reported that the South African hip hop/rave group [[Die Antwoord]] was leaving Interscope Records over a dispute with the label wanting their second studio album ''[[Tension (Die Antwoord album)|Tension]]'' to be re-worked for "mainstream appeal".<ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2011|title=Die Antwoord leave Interscope, will release 'TEN$ION' on their own new indie label|url=http://boingboing.net/2011/11/07/dieantwoordleave.html|publisher=Boing Boing}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=February 7, 2012|title=Die Antwoord's Totally Insane Words of Wisdom|url=http://www.spin.com/2012/02/die-antwoords-totally-insane-words-wisdom/|work=SPIN}}</ref> Problems with Interscope first arose when the group decided the lead single for their second album would be "Fok julle naaiers" (loosely translated to "Fuck you fuckers"). ''Tension'' was ultimately released through Zef Recordz in early 2012.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2011|title=Did Die Antwoord Dump Interscope Records?|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/die-antwoord-dump-interscope-records-258390|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

===Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment===
On March 15, 2015, [[Kendrick Lamar]]'s album, ''[[To Pimp a Butterfly]]'', was released on [[iTunes]], [[Spotify]] and [[Google Play]] eight days ahead of its scheduled release date (March 23). The CEO of [[Top Dawg Entertainment]], [[Anthony Tiffith]], blamed Interscope for the album's unintentional release, and tweeted: "I would personally like to thank Interscope for fucking up our release. Somebody has got to pay for this mistake. #TOP!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/2015/03/16/tde-ceo-anthony-top-dawg-tiffith-kendrick-lamar-to-pimp-a-butterfly-interscope/ |title=TDE CEO Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith Blames Interscope For Kendrick Lamar's Album Leak |publisher=AllHipHop.com |date=March 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapdose.com/2015/03/16/kendrick-lamar-to-pimp-a-butterfly-album-leaked-by-itunes |title=Kendrick Lamar 'To Pimp A Butterfly' Album Leaked By iTunes |publisher=Rapdose.com |access-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> The tweet was later deleted. On the following day, the option to purchase the album was removed from iTunes. The album debuted at number one when it was officially released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/update-kendrick-lamars-to-pimp-a-butterfly-gets-surprise-digital-6502232/ |title=Update: Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly' Gets Surprise Digital Release |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref>

==Legal issues==
===Rockit Cargo===
In September 2011, it was reported by federal prosecutors that the Interscope Geffen A&M Records building was used by a drug-trafficking ring as a transport center.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cocaine Ring Used Music Label To Ship Drugs Feds: "Pickups and deliveries" made from Interscope|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/interscope-records-cocaine-shipments-654820|access-date=May 20, 2015|publisher=[[The Smoking Gun]]|date=September 15, 2011}}</ref> The [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] inspected the year-long case and stated that the [[Los Angeles]] offices of Interscope Records were used for pickups and deliveries of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in 2010 and 2011. Rock-It Cargo, a shipping company which has an immense list of musical clients, shipped music cases that allegedly contained drugs to [[New York City]] studios.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Perpetua |first1=Matthew |title=Feds: Drug Ring Used Major Record Label's Offices |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/feds-drug-ring-used-interscope-offices-20110916 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=September 16, 2011}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|title=Interscope Offices Used by Cocaine Ring, Federal Documents Say|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1169446/interscope-offices-used-by-cocaine-ring-federal-documents-say|access-date=May 20, 2015|agency=Billboard Staff|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=September 15, 2011}}</ref> Interscope Geffen A&M responded to the claims with a statement that read:  "There is no evidence that any employee of UMG or Interscope Records had any involvement in the drug trafficking ring being prosecuted by that office, nor any knowledge of the contents of any of the packages that were purportedly shipped to its offices. Further, neither UMG nor Interscope Records are a subject or target of the investigation. UMG and Interscope will continue to cooperate with the United States Attorney's Office regarding this matter".<ref>{{cite news|title=Interscope responds to drugs network claims|url=http://www.completemusicupdate.com/article/interscope-responds-to-drugs-network-claims/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626111505/http://www.completemusicupdate.com/article/interscope-responds-to-drugs-network-claims/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 26, 2015|access-date=May 20, 2015|agency=CMU Editorial|publisher=[[Complete Music Update]]|date=September 19, 2011}}</ref>

===Trauma and JCOR===
In 1997, [[Trauma Records]] filed a $100&nbsp;million lawsuit against Interscope that charged the company with fraud and the unfulfillment of a two-year promise to assign No Doubt to Trauma's roster. After a four-month dispute, the partnership was dissolved in an out-of-court agreement. Trauma Records principals reportedly received an additional $3&nbsp;million; No Doubt remained with Interscope.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Chuck|title=Interscope, Trauma Settle Legal Disputes|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-29-fi-26921-story.html|access-date=September 26, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 20, 1997}}</ref>

In 2002, JCOR founder [[Jay Faires]] filed a $30&nbsp;million breach-of-contract suit that alleged that Interscope had withheld millions of dollars in an effort to drive it out of business. Interscope responded that JCOR had hid its true financial position at the time it signed its distribution contract and had attempted to use Interscope's money to finance its business.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Strauss|first1=Neil|title=The Media Business; Lawsuit Spotlights Tensions Among Record Companies|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/22/business/the-media-business-lawsuit-spotlights-tensions-among-record-companies.html|access-date=September 26, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=November 22, 2002}}</ref>

==Artists==
*[[List of Interscope Records artists]]

==See also==
* [[Interscope Records discography]]
* [[List of record labels]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://Interscope.com Official website]
* {{Discogs label}}

{{Universal Music Group}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Interscope Records| ]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Universal Music Group]]
[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:Companies based in Santa Monica, California]]
[[Category:Heavy metal record labels]]
[[Category:American hip-hop record labels]]
[[Category:Labels distributed by Universal Music Group]]
[[Category:Pop record labels]]
[[Category:Record labels based in California]]
[[Category:Record labels established in 1990]]
[[Category:Rock record labels]]
[[Category:Alternative rock record labels]]
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