LOS ANGELES, CA – Hip hop veteran Daz Dillinger is set to stir the pot once again with the announcement of his upcoming independent album, “Retaliation, Revenge And Get Back 3,” slated for release on September 11, 2025. More than just a new project, Dillinger has amplified anticipation by seemingly taking aim at his cousin, hip hop icon Snoop Dogg, and the legendary Death Row Records imprint, a label both artists helped define.
The West Coast pioneer, a foundational member of Tha Dogg Pound, took to social media to share his intentions. Accompanying the album announcement was a provocative image of the Death Row Records logo defaced with bullet holes, coupled with a pointed caption that included the moniker “Snoop Knight” for his famous cousin. “FK DEATHROW RECORDS SINCERELY YOURS CUZZN DAZ SNOOP KNIGHT NEW ALBUM Retaliation, Revenge, and Get Back 3 9-11-25 on all platforms FKEM,” Dillinger declared, immediately sparking widespread discussion and speculation among fans and industry observers.
While the exact nature of the “jabs” or “diss” content remains to be fully detailed, the aggressive messaging suggests a significant continuation of past frictions between the two artists. This move taps into a rich history of complex relationships and occasional public disagreements that have marked Daz Dillinger’s career, particularly his deep ties to Death Row Records.
A Legacy Forged in G-Funk’s Golden Age
Daz Dillinger, born Delmar Drew Arnaud, has been an integral force in West Coast hip hop for decades. He first rose to prominence in the early 1990s, learning the craft of music production from Dr. Dre and contributing significantly to seminal albums such as Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” and Snoop Dogg’s landmark debut, “Doggystyle.” Alongside his partner Kurupt, Daz formed Tha Dogg Pound, a duo that became synonymous with the smooth, synth-heavy G-funk sound that dominated the era.
During Death Row’s peak in the 1990s, Daz Dillinger was a central figure, instrumental in producing hits for artists like Tupac Shakur and solidifying the label’s dominance. After the tragic loss of Tupac and the subsequent legal troubles of Suge Knight, Daz remained a key figure, even releasing his debut solo album, “Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back,” in 1998, which charted successfully.
Decades of Dynamic and Disputed Kinship
The relationship between Daz Dillinger and Snoop Dogg, who are cousins, has been a recurring theme in their intertwined careers. While they have collaborated extensively and shared significant moments, their bond has also been marked by periods of tension and public disputes. Daz has previously spoken about feeling unappreciated by Snoop and has alluded to their “falling out” stemming from perceived power dynamics within their family and careers.
Snoop Dogg, who acquired Death Row Records in February 2022 and has been working to revive its legacy, has also publicly addressed past strains in their relationship, noting the challenges of navigating familial ties within the music industry. Despite these historical tensions, they have also shown moments of reconciliation, even reuniting for projects under the revitalized Death Row banner.
Death Row’s Shifting Landscape and Daz’s Stance
Snoop Dogg’s acquisition of Death Row Records marked a new era for the storied label, with the rapper aiming to restore its former glory. However, Daz Dillinger has not shied away from offering his perspective on the label’s current direction, at times expressing skepticism and questioning its operational strategy. His recent social media posts, including the pointed “FKEM” and “Snoop Knight” references, suggest that any lingering grievances or criticisms are now being channeled into his upcoming music.
There is speculation that potential factors contributing to Daz’s current posture could include the evolving roster at Death Row, which some fans feel is moving away from its G-funk roots, or perhaps a renewed focus on his own independent ventures and artistic control.
Independent Vision and Anticipation for “Get Back 3”
“Retaliation, Revenge And Get Back 3” is positioned as a continuation of Dillinger’s own independent legacy, with the artist emphasizing direct-to-fan distribution via his website, explicitly stating “fuck iTunes, fuck Spotify and any other platform.” This independent approach underscores Daz’s commitment to controlling his narrative and reaching his audience on his own terms.
The album, featuring 15 tracks, promises a “hard-hitting, self-released project steeped in classic rhythm and raw street ethos,” according to promotional materials. As fans await the September 11 release, the hip hop community watches closely to see how Daz Dillinger will articulate his feelings about his family, his past, and the current state of the music industry through his highly anticipated “Retaliation, Revenge And Get Back 3.”
