Legendary West Coast icon Kurupt makes his triumphant return with the release of his new single “Special,” out now via Death Row Records/gamma.. Produced by longtime collaborator and G-Funk pioneer DJ Battlecat, with assistance from Blaqthoven, the track delivers a soulful, funk-laced reminder that even gangsters need love.
Blending his signature lyrical edge with a more introspective tone, Kurupt taps into themes of romance, vulnerability, and growth. “Special” draws on the nostalgic sonic textures of the late Roger Troutman, bringing together vintage West Coast vibes with a modern emotional resonance. The track features multi-talented artist and Charlie Wilson relative, Blaqthoven, whose smooth melodic work adds an extra layer of richness and depth, and a standout outro from JANE HANDCOCK, the newly crowned First Lady of Death Row, whose powerhouse vocals elevate the single’s final moments.
LISTEN HERE: https://deathrow.vyd.co/KuruptSpecial
Reflecting on their creative chemistry, Kurupt shares high praise for HANDCOCK:
“Working with JANE HANDCOCK is like a breath of fresh air because her voice is astronomical… just phenomenal. But her arrangements are just — wow. It’s like watching a master painter paint the picture. Picasso is in the room. You are there in the room. You are a fly on the wall. And Picasso is painting the picture. You watched it get painted — it’s just a breath of fresh air. It’s like, wow, being a piece of history. She’s a great. So it just makes you feel great just to be in the room with her as she works. She’s one of a kind.”
HANDCOCK adds, “When Kurupt & Battlecat call, I’m on the way every time! ‘Special’ is exactly what the title is, SPECIAL.”
“Special” opens a new chapter in Kurupt’s storied legacy, bringing together the undeniable chemistry between him, Battlecat, Blaqthoven, and HANDCOCK, artists who each represent a different era of West Coast sound. The release also reflects Death Row Records’ continued push to honor its roots while championing the next wave of talent.
ABOUT KURUPT
A foundational figure in West Coast hip-hop, Kurupt cemented his place in music history as one half of Tha Dogg Pound and a core member of the original Death Row Records roster. He played a key role in shaping the label’s golden era, delivering standout verses on genre-defining albums like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me. His debut with Tha Dogg Pound, Dogg Food, remains a classic, having sold over 4 million copies to date. Celebrated for his razor-sharp lyricism and signature West Coast delivery, Kurupt’s influence spans generations. Whether trading verses with rap’s elite or delivering introspective solo work, he has remained one of hip-hop’s most consistent and respected voices. Now back under the Death Row banner, Kurupt continues to honor the legacy he helped build, bringing authenticity, storytelling, and lyrical mastery to a new chapter of the label’s history.
ABOUT JANE HANDCOCK
JANE HANDCOCK’s musical journey began at just three years old, watching her mother perform in the church choir. Raised in the Bay Area, Handcock’s passion for singing was undeniable from the start, though it was suppressed during her early school years due to teasing. By the age of fifteen, she was already performing in local clubs, eventually earning a spot at the Oakland School for the Arts. Her career has been shaped by perseverance and mentorship, particularly from producer Raphael Saadiq, who introduced her to Snoop Dogg and led her to collaborate on EMMY winning music for hit TV series such as Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and HBO’s Insecure. Handcock’s talent and determination led to her signing with Death Row Records, where she has since been hailed as the “first lady of Death Row Records.” Over the years, HANDCOCK has collaborated with industry icons such as Kelly Rowland and Teddy Riley, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in contemporary R&B. Her unique blend of passion, persistence, and undeniable talent has made her a prominent figure in the music world.
