Breaking Boundaries and Topping Charts: The Story of Interscope Records

In the 1990s, Interscope Records played by its own rules. Most new labels started with big stars, but Interscope had a clean slate. Most labels were scared of rap music, but Interscope leaned in. Co-founded by Jimmy Iovine, a producer, and Ted Field, a film producer, people questioned whether they had the chops to make it.

The label has had a hand in some of the most memorable music moments like Death Row Records, the rise of Eminem, and the creation of Beats by Dre headphones.

To break down Interscope’s success, I brought back Zack O’Malley Greenberg. His book, “Three Kings,” covered Interscope’s story. Together, we unpack what’s made Interscope such a long-standing player in the music industry.

0:46 The most successful individual label of the past 30 years?
3:29 Key figures in Interscope’s come-up story
6:29 Nontraditional way to build a record label
10:18 Death Row Records partnership
16:46 Biggest signing?
19:14 Best business move?
28:07 Darkhorse business move?
32:47 Where will Interscope be in 10 years
35:52 Would Interscope’s 90s approach work today?
42:30 Interscope’s entrepreneurial challenges today
50:32 Biggest winner in Interscope history?