The boogeyman of hip-hop, and the victims who got it the worst.
By Mike Moran of the Confessional Podcast.
Trigger warning: contains graphic depictions of violence, including violence against women.
In what may be the most inappropriate nicknaming of all time, Marion Knight Jr., was called Sugar Bear as a child because his Mom thought he was just so sweet. Sweet little Sugar Bear grew, and grew, and grew and eventually became the 6’2”, 250 pound, mastermind behind the 90s most revered hip-hop music label, Death Row Records.
He also grew to be violent, egotistical, and perhaps downright insane, more than often supplementing his business sense with…well just beating up people until they gave him what he wanted.
Oh, and he eventually dropped the “er Bear.”
Friends say Suge started as a neighborhood bully, shaking down rich kids for their lunch money. He then had a short-lived professional football career, after which he became a celebrity bodyguard, most notably for musician, Bobby Brown.
After realizing the real money in the industry was in ownership of the music itself, he started a record company with Dr. Dre of NWA, getting Dre out of his contract by threatening his label-owner, Eazy-E, with baseball bats, and getting the seed money for the project by threatening to throw Vanilla Ice off of a balcony (seriously).
And thus, Death Row Records was born.
With a start like that, it’s unsurprising that the rest of his music career was plagued with near- legendary tales of violent mayhem.
Here are some Suge Knight survivors, who got it the worst…
#1.
Lynwood and George Stanley (1992)
Back when Death Row Records was just beginning to take off, Dr. Dre asked a pair of aspiring rappers, Lynwood and George Stanley. (I’m assuming they both would have eventually been given cooler rap names) to come in for a recording session. For the 2 it was a dream come true, at least until Suge Knight decided to stop by the studio.
Lynwood, needed to make a call, and picked up the closest phone he could find. What he didn’t realize is that, this particular phone was reserved for calls from drug kingpin Harry O., the main financier of Death Row, who was in prison with very limited telephone access.
Suge spotted Lynwood, and came over to talk. He actually gave him a chance to walk away peacefully, telling Lynwood, “Say, Blood, don’t be on that phone.”
To which Lynwood, clearly not knowing who he was dealing with said, “Don’t be coming at me with all that gangbang shyt. I’m not from LA.”
An embarrassed Suge responded with “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you’re not from LA. Please use all my phones.”
Just kidding, he pulled a gun.
He proceeded to make both the Stanley brothers strip down to their underwear, and even fired a shot into the wall of his own studio to emphasize his anger. He then beat them each to a bloody pulp.
To ensure the two were sufficiently terrified, he took both of their IDs, so he could easily find them should they be stupid enough to contact the police.
Shockingly, that’s exactly what they did as soon as they were released, battered and bloody from the Death Row studios.
So, what did Suge Knight do to defend himself in court, when Lynwood, and George Stanley tried to sue him? Gave the prosecuting attorney’s daughter a record deal. Yes, he bought off their own defense with the promise of a recording contract. Thankfully the prosecutor, Larry Longo was fired from the Los Angelos District Attorney’s Office.
Gina Longo, the only white recording artist on Death Row.
But, Suge got off with a slap on the wrist.
#2.
Devante Swing (1993)
Now I should preface this with the acknowledgiment that this particular incident is heavily shrouded in rumor, even more so than the average Suge horror story, and may not be connected to the man at all.
But…many people have theories.
In 1994, Jodeci was one of the biggest R&B groups in the country. They were considered the bad boys of the genre, and though many of their hits were soulful, and seductive, the boys of Jodeci maintained a street image in both look, and attitude.
They had a hugely successful album released on Uptown Records, Forever my Lady, under the guidance of a young Sean “Puffy” Combs, before he struck out with his own Bad Boy Records.
Things started going a little sideways for the young hitmakers around 1993, when they became acquainted with…you guessed it. They began hanging out around Suge and even flirted with the idea of leaving Uptown for Death Row Records. Doing what Suge does best, he either assaulted, or threatened to assault Uptown founder/Puffy mentor, Andre Harrell, who released Jodeci as a manager, so Suge could fill that role.
Harrell.
However, they remained on Uptown records, and the company, upset about their relationship with Suge and Death Row, got revenge by refusing to promote their second album, Diary of a Mad Band.
And then something happened, as violent as it was mysterious.
In July of 1993 Jodeci member, Devante Swing, who handled much of the music production, was the victim of a brutal home invasion that nearly took his life. He was tied up, and beaten on the head until his skull split open. In the bloody scuffle, Swing managed to chew off the finger of the assailants. They made out with about $20,000 worth of jewelry, and other valuables, and Devante survived. But he was never the same.
He began having mental issues, and substance abuse problems. The resulting writer’s block led to Jodeci’s demise a few years later. He tried to start his own label, but was apparently so abusive to his artists that they all left. Jodeci have attempted several reunions since, but Devante has had a series of embarrassing public displays that have kept a full-scale come back from happening.
Now the question is: was this attack orchestrated by Suge Knight? And for what reason? Some of have suggested Devante may have refused to continue producing songs for Death Row, as he felt he wasn’t being paid fair; not an uncommon complaint around Death Row Records.
On the rare occasions that the members of Jodeci have mentioned the incident, they seem to be vague about who they think was involved. Like in a recent interview on VladTV where Swing’s bandmate/brother, Mr. Dalvin offered simply, “there’s been a lot of speculation,” in regards to the perpetrator.
But the rumors have been around since the night it happened. One version actually speculates that Suge’s “booty goons” straight up sexually assaulted Swing, in front of family members.
The perpetrators of the attack on Devante Swing may never get brought to justice, but many in the hip-hop community think it sounds a lot like something Suge would have a hand in.
#3.
Happy Walters (1995)
Happy David Walters (real name) was quite the mover and shaker in the hip-hop industry in the early, and mid-90s. He managed Cypress Hill, House of Pain, the RZA, and others. He released the much-acclaimed movie soundtrack, Judgement Night, along with many other well-received albums on Immortal Records, which he co-owned.
And then, all of the sudden…he disappeared. Literally. He was taking money from an ATM in L.A., and then he was nowhere to be seen for 48 hours. A missing person’s report was filed.
He eventually turned up 2 days later in Long Beach, covered in bruises, and cigar burns. He was dazed, and his head was shaved. He claimed he was unable to remember where he was. But everyone was fairly sure Suge Knight was behind it.
Is was was well-known that Suge wanted Happy’s client Rza, for his upcoming Death Row extenention, Death Row East. Combined with the fact that Walters had poked fun at Knight on the Judgement Day soundtrack, and it wasn’t hard to figure out who was responsible.
Unsurprisingly, Walters quickly let Rza out of his contract, and eventually stopped working with hip-hop acts all together. He’s remained successful in the entertainment industry though, especially as owner of Catalyst Sports and Media.
#4.
Mark Anthony Bell (1995)
Everyone knows that Suge Knight’s Death Row Records, and Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy weren’t exactly chummy in the 90s. But apparently no one told Bad Boy record promoter/friend, Mark Anthony Bell who figured it was fine to just stop by the Death Row Christmas party in 1995, and perhaps have a 40 ounce of eggnog.
Suge approached Bell and insisted that he give him Puffy’s home address, presumably not to mail him a ham. When Bell refused, he was escorted upstairs, with Suge, Tupac, and a few other associates, who proceeded to give him the Death Row treatment.
Anyone who insists Tupac was a symbol of peace, and brotherhood in hip-hop, should know he assisted Suge Knight in literally torturing a terrified hostage by beating him with champagne bottles, and forcing him to drink urine. All because he wouldn’t put his friend in danger.
Bell reportedly attempted to jump from the balcony of the house but was dragged back before he could. He somehow edured the abuse without giving up the address, and was eventually permitted to leave.
Bell pondered wether or not he should risk death by contacting the police or not, but did after a few days.
Suge of course denied it all, stating “I don’t piss in champagne glasses,” but eventually settled with Bell for a reported $600,ooo.
Only a few years ago did Knight admit that forcing people to drink pee was something he did, saying about Bell on the Showtime series American Dream, American Knightmare, “He probably drank 20 shots of piss.”
By Mike Moran of the Confessional Podcast.
Trigger warning: contains graphic depictions of violence, including violence against women.
In what may be the most inappropriate nicknaming of all time, Marion Knight Jr., was called Sugar Bear as a child because his Mom thought he was just so sweet. Sweet little Sugar Bear grew, and grew, and grew and eventually became the 6’2”, 250 pound, mastermind behind the 90s most revered hip-hop music label, Death Row Records.
He also grew to be violent, egotistical, and perhaps downright insane, more than often supplementing his business sense with…well just beating up people until they gave him what he wanted.
Oh, and he eventually dropped the “er Bear.”
Friends say Suge started as a neighborhood bully, shaking down rich kids for their lunch money. He then had a short-lived professional football career, after which he became a celebrity bodyguard, most notably for musician, Bobby Brown.
After realizing the real money in the industry was in ownership of the music itself, he started a record company with Dr. Dre of NWA, getting Dre out of his contract by threatening his label-owner, Eazy-E, with baseball bats, and getting the seed money for the project by threatening to throw Vanilla Ice off of a balcony (seriously).
And thus, Death Row Records was born.
With a start like that, it’s unsurprising that the rest of his music career was plagued with near- legendary tales of violent mayhem.
Here are some Suge Knight survivors, who got it the worst…
#1.
Lynwood and George Stanley (1992)
Back when Death Row Records was just beginning to take off, Dr. Dre asked a pair of aspiring rappers, Lynwood and George Stanley. (I’m assuming they both would have eventually been given cooler rap names) to come in for a recording session. For the 2 it was a dream come true, at least until Suge Knight decided to stop by the studio.
Lynwood, needed to make a call, and picked up the closest phone he could find. What he didn’t realize is that, this particular phone was reserved for calls from drug kingpin Harry O., the main financier of Death Row, who was in prison with very limited telephone access.
Suge spotted Lynwood, and came over to talk. He actually gave him a chance to walk away peacefully, telling Lynwood, “Say, Blood, don’t be on that phone.”
To which Lynwood, clearly not knowing who he was dealing with said, “Don’t be coming at me with all that gangbang shyt. I’m not from LA.”
An embarrassed Suge responded with “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you’re not from LA. Please use all my phones.”
Just kidding, he pulled a gun.
He proceeded to make both the Stanley brothers strip down to their underwear, and even fired a shot into the wall of his own studio to emphasize his anger. He then beat them each to a bloody pulp.
To ensure the two were sufficiently terrified, he took both of their IDs, so he could easily find them should they be stupid enough to contact the police.
Shockingly, that’s exactly what they did as soon as they were released, battered and bloody from the Death Row studios.
So, what did Suge Knight do to defend himself in court, when Lynwood, and George Stanley tried to sue him? Gave the prosecuting attorney’s daughter a record deal. Yes, he bought off their own defense with the promise of a recording contract. Thankfully the prosecutor, Larry Longo was fired from the Los Angelos District Attorney’s Office.
Gina Longo, the only white recording artist on Death Row.
But, Suge got off with a slap on the wrist.
#2.
Devante Swing (1993)
Now I should preface this with the acknowledgiment that this particular incident is heavily shrouded in rumor, even more so than the average Suge horror story, and may not be connected to the man at all.
But…many people have theories.
In 1994, Jodeci was one of the biggest R&B groups in the country. They were considered the bad boys of the genre, and though many of their hits were soulful, and seductive, the boys of Jodeci maintained a street image in both look, and attitude.
They had a hugely successful album released on Uptown Records, Forever my Lady, under the guidance of a young Sean “Puffy” Combs, before he struck out with his own Bad Boy Records.
Things started going a little sideways for the young hitmakers around 1993, when they became acquainted with…you guessed it. They began hanging out around Suge and even flirted with the idea of leaving Uptown for Death Row Records. Doing what Suge does best, he either assaulted, or threatened to assault Uptown founder/Puffy mentor, Andre Harrell, who released Jodeci as a manager, so Suge could fill that role.
Harrell.
However, they remained on Uptown records, and the company, upset about their relationship with Suge and Death Row, got revenge by refusing to promote their second album, Diary of a Mad Band.
And then something happened, as violent as it was mysterious.
In July of 1993 Jodeci member, Devante Swing, who handled much of the music production, was the victim of a brutal home invasion that nearly took his life. He was tied up, and beaten on the head until his skull split open. In the bloody scuffle, Swing managed to chew off the finger of the assailants. They made out with about $20,000 worth of jewelry, and other valuables, and Devante survived. But he was never the same.
He began having mental issues, and substance abuse problems. The resulting writer’s block led to Jodeci’s demise a few years later. He tried to start his own label, but was apparently so abusive to his artists that they all left. Jodeci have attempted several reunions since, but Devante has had a series of embarrassing public displays that have kept a full-scale come back from happening.
Now the question is: was this attack orchestrated by Suge Knight? And for what reason? Some of have suggested Devante may have refused to continue producing songs for Death Row, as he felt he wasn’t being paid fair; not an uncommon complaint around Death Row Records.
On the rare occasions that the members of Jodeci have mentioned the incident, they seem to be vague about who they think was involved. Like in a recent interview on VladTV where Swing’s bandmate/brother, Mr. Dalvin offered simply, “there’s been a lot of speculation,” in regards to the perpetrator.
But the rumors have been around since the night it happened. One version actually speculates that Suge’s “booty goons” straight up sexually assaulted Swing, in front of family members.
The perpetrators of the attack on Devante Swing may never get brought to justice, but many in the hip-hop community think it sounds a lot like something Suge would have a hand in.
#3.
Happy Walters (1995)
Happy David Walters (real name) was quite the mover and shaker in the hip-hop industry in the early, and mid-90s. He managed Cypress Hill, House of Pain, the RZA, and others. He released the much-acclaimed movie soundtrack, Judgement Night, along with many other well-received albums on Immortal Records, which he co-owned.
And then, all of the sudden…he disappeared. Literally. He was taking money from an ATM in L.A., and then he was nowhere to be seen for 48 hours. A missing person’s report was filed.
He eventually turned up 2 days later in Long Beach, covered in bruises, and cigar burns. He was dazed, and his head was shaved. He claimed he was unable to remember where he was. But everyone was fairly sure Suge Knight was behind it.
Is was was well-known that Suge wanted Happy’s client Rza, for his upcoming Death Row extenention, Death Row East. Combined with the fact that Walters had poked fun at Knight on the Judgement Day soundtrack, and it wasn’t hard to figure out who was responsible.
Unsurprisingly, Walters quickly let Rza out of his contract, and eventually stopped working with hip-hop acts all together. He’s remained successful in the entertainment industry though, especially as owner of Catalyst Sports and Media.
#4.
Mark Anthony Bell (1995)
Everyone knows that Suge Knight’s Death Row Records, and Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy weren’t exactly chummy in the 90s. But apparently no one told Bad Boy record promoter/friend, Mark Anthony Bell who figured it was fine to just stop by the Death Row Christmas party in 1995, and perhaps have a 40 ounce of eggnog.
Suge approached Bell and insisted that he give him Puffy’s home address, presumably not to mail him a ham. When Bell refused, he was escorted upstairs, with Suge, Tupac, and a few other associates, who proceeded to give him the Death Row treatment.
Anyone who insists Tupac was a symbol of peace, and brotherhood in hip-hop, should know he assisted Suge Knight in literally torturing a terrified hostage by beating him with champagne bottles, and forcing him to drink urine. All because he wouldn’t put his friend in danger.
Bell reportedly attempted to jump from the balcony of the house but was dragged back before he could. He somehow edured the abuse without giving up the address, and was eventually permitted to leave.
Bell pondered wether or not he should risk death by contacting the police or not, but did after a few days.
Suge of course denied it all, stating “I don’t piss in champagne glasses,” but eventually settled with Bell for a reported $600,ooo.
Only a few years ago did Knight admit that forcing people to drink pee was something he did, saying about Bell on the Showtime series American Dream, American Knightmare, “He probably drank 20 shots of piss.”
