A toy company now owns Death Row Records – Rolling Stone

Hasbro, a massive toy company that is the source of countless hours of childhood joy – thanks to Mr. Potato Head, Monopoly, G.I. Joe, Transformers, My Little Pony, Power Rangers, and much, much more – announced Thursday that it will team up with Death Row Records, a label synonymous with West Coast gangster rap thanks to artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac.

More precisely, Hasbro Entertainment One, a multimedia company that owns bought the children's franchises Peppa Pig and PJ Masks (these are apparently popular with the youth, though they pale in comparison to Mr. Potato Head). Entertainment One also has a music division, which happens to be one of the biggest independent labels in the industry ̵[ads1]1; it took in more than $ 30 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2019. And back in 2013, eOne [19659003] spent about $ 280 million on buying the Death Row directory, which had previously been forced to declare bankruptcy in 2006.

The opportunities for branding here basically write themselves, but there is no word on Death Row Records-themed Monopoly game is coming. However, " $ 130 million in cost synergies" are available to both companies if they pass Go by 2022, pursuant to the Deadline .

In a statement, Hasbro CEO celebrated the acquisition of Brian Goldner. "The acquisition of eOne adds beloved history-led global family brands that provide strong operating returns to Hasbro's portfolio and provide a pipeline for new branding driven by family-oriented storytelling," he said.

Mr. Potethode and Power Rangers did not respond to requests for comment.