Dr. Dre founded Aftermath Entertainment in 1996.
Aftermath was created after Dr. Dre left Death Row Records, the label he had helped make internationally famous through albums such as The Chronic. In its early period, Aftermath operated as an imprint associated with Interscope Records and focused on developing Dre’s next stage as a producer and artist.
The label’s later history became especially important because it signed Eminem, whose 1999 album The Slim Shady LP became a major commercial and critical success. Aftermath also became associated with 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and other influential artists.
Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Eazy-E were central figures in West Coast hip-hop, but they did not found Aftermath. Eazy-E founded Ruthless Records, while Dr. Dre’s earlier label partnership was with Death Row Records. Aftermath represents the next major chapter in Dre’s business career.