Founded by Jimmy Iovine in 1989 as a small alternative label with an interest in hip-hop.

In 1991, Warner Music Group purchased a 50% stake in Interscope Records to release, market and distribute their musical products. In 1992, the infamous 'gangsta rap' label, Death Row Records joined the Interscope family.

In 1995, Warner sold back its interest in Interscope Records.

In 1996, Polygram purchased Interscope Records and distributed most of its releases from that time on. By 1997, Interscope had completely separated itself from the once highly successful Death Row Records.

In 1998, Polygram was renamed (or acquired by) Universal Music Group and Geffen Records and A&M Records merged to make Interscope the extremely powerful and leading unit at UMG that it is today.