dr. dre Archives

The D.O.C. Speaks About Idolizing Rakim & Making Plans To Work On New Music Together (Video)

On August 1, 1989, The D.O.C. released his debut album, No One Can Do It Better. The Ruthless/Atco/Atlantic Records album was the solo debut from the Dallas, Texas MC, formerly of the Fila Fresh Crew. Produced by N.W.A.'s Dr. Dre, it was not only an important mainstream representation of Southern... Read more

October 23, 2017 Video

Kendrick Lamar & Chance The Rapper Show Conscious MCs Can Make The Forbes List Too

On his song "Moment Of Clarity," JAY-Z infamously rapped "I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars / They criticized me for it, yet they all yell 'holla' / If skills sold, truth be told / I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli / Truthfully I wanna rhyme like... Read more

September 27, 2017 Lifestyle

Tha Dogg Pound’s First Death Row Release Was Poetic And Hard AF (Audio)

On Halloween of 1995, Tha Dogg Pound opened up their can of Dogg Food. Kurupt and Daz Dillinger were the third artists with an album released by Death Row Records. Following their mentors, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, this Long Beach—rooted duo was much rougher than its teammates. Like the... Read more

August 31, 2017 Do Remember

Suge Knight Indicted For Threatening Straight Outta Compton Director F. Gary Gray

On January 29 of 2015, Suge Knight was an uninvited guest on the film set of Straight Outta Compton. After being asked to leave, Knight used his Ford Raptor truck as a weapon in the parking lot of nearby Tam's Burgers. The events that followed left veteran music industry manager... Read more

August 3, 2017 News

Ice Cube Recalls N.W.A. Getting Booed At The Apollo. It Was Not A Good Day (Video)

N.W.A may have become one of the biggest, most influential and celebrated Rap groups ever, but they had to pay dues first. Ice Cube recently sat down with Pigeons & Planes to share a less flattering moment in the group’s history, the time the Ruthless Records act got booed off... Read more

July 20, 2017 Video

Dr. Dre & Nas Blow The Roof Off On Their Lost Collabo (Audio)

February of 2009 was an interesting time for Aftermath Entertainment. After taking 2008 off entirely (as far as albums), Eminem launched "Crack A Bottle." Released on Groundhog Day (February 2), the song put Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent front and center. The self-proclaimed "3 Headed Monster" was back to... Read more

July 19, 2017 Audio

Dr. Dre Reveals He & Eminem Started Making Their 1st Hit Within Seconds Of Meeting (Video)

Musicians can potentially require an extensive amount of days, weeks, months, or even years to produce a hit record, especially if it is their first. When Dr. Dre met Eminem for the first time in Dre's Los Angeles home studio, their creative process only needed a matter of seconds to... Read more

July 12, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Jimmy Iovine Reveals He Was Behind Suge Knight Bailing Tupac Out Of Jail

In October of 1995, Tupac Shakur signed with Death Row Records. Reportedly inking his deal on a napkin, Pac joined Dr. Dre and Suge Knight's reigning and equally notorious record label. In that transaction, Shakur was able to post bail and leave Clinton Correctional Facility. In a matter of days,... Read more

July 11, 2017 News, Throwback, TV, TV/Film

Dr. Dre Comes Out Blasting On His First Song In Nearly 2 Years (Audio)

It's been 23 months since Dr. Dre released his Compton album. Save for popping up on The Game's Documentary 2, the Aftermath Entertainment producer/MC has stayed away from the microphone, at least as far as what the public gets to hear. Reports indicate that the 35-year veteran has been busy,... Read more

July 10, 2017 Audio

Kurupt’s Next Album Will Be A Funk Odyssey (Audio)

Tha Dogg Pound’s Kurupt is working on his seventh solo LP, which also happens to be his first in seven years. Since dropping Streetlights in 2010, the former Death Row EVP has yet to release a studio album. That is about to change, however, as he and longtime collaborator Fredwreck... Read more

June 29, 2017 Audio, News

Dr. Dre Apologizes To Dee Barnes For 1991 Assault In Upcoming Documentary (Video)

Director Allen Hughes, one half of the Hughes brothers (who are responsible for films like Menace II Society, Dead Presidents and The Book of Eli), sat down with Sway In The Morning to discuss his new documentary series about Dr. Dre and Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine titled The Defiant... Read more

June 27, 2017 News, Video

Dr. Dre Is Donating $10 Million For A Performing Arts Center At Compton High School

While promoting the release of 2015 LP Compton, Dr. Dre announced plans to donate its royalties to the construction of a performing arts center in the neighborhood he helped put on Rap's map. At the time, the mogul said "I've been really trying to do something special for Compton and just... Read more

June 15, 2017 Fresh

Ice Cube Heads Straight Outta Compton To The Hollywood Walk Of Fame (Video)

He may be celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Platinum-selling album Death Certificate, but Ice Cube will live forever on the streets of Los Angeles, literally. The Rap icon with a hugely successful career in film has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just a few miles... Read more

June 12, 2017 News

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

MC Ren Reveals That Dr. Dre Ghost-Wrote An Eazy-E Hit (Video)

Throughout his 30-plus-year career, Dr. Dre is one of the Rap superstars who has openly used other songwriters. Throughout the years, Eminem, Jay Z, Ice Cube, The D.O.C., Snoop Dogg, and others have written verses for Andre Young, which contributed to a legendary catalog with at least three storied labels.... Read more

May 15, 2017 Video

The 2017 Forbes Rap List Shows Drake Has Passed Wayne & Has Birdman In His Sights

The 2017 rankings for the Top 5 wealthiest Hip-Hop artists have been released. Compiled through estimation and public record, Forbes and its longtime editor Zack O'Malley Greenburg take an annual look at the assets and estimated wealth surrounding some of Rap music's leading artists, producers, and some of its multi-threat... Read more

May 10, 2017 News

Nick Grant’s Freestyle Is More Than Funky Enough On This D.O.C. Classic (Video)

Over the last couple of years, Nick Grant has established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most most promising new voices. In 2016, the South Carolina-born MC released his mixtape 88, which, as its title suggests, was a throwback to the era that played host to names like Rakim, Big Daddy... Read more

May 10, 2017 Video

Hear How Warren G Saved Def Jam Records (Audio)

Warren Griffin, III is revered as a Hip-Hop underdog. The MC/producer/DJ better known as Warren G came up as the shy half-brother of Dr. Dre. Raised in Long Beach, California Warren is the man many believe is responsible for the introduction of Snoop Dogg. Warren, keeping the music going at... Read more

May 5, 2017 Audio

A New Documentary Series Will Show The Rise & Fall Of Death Row Records

There are few storylines, whether fact or fiction, filled with more drama, violence, or ups and downs than the tale of Death Row Records. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight, with help from SOLAR Records' Dick Griffey, The D.O.C. and incarcerated silent partner Michael "Harry O" Harris,... Read more

April 20, 2017 Video

N.W.A. & Ruthless Records Producer & Keyboardist L.A. Dre Has Passed Away

Ruthless Records affiliate L.A. Dre, who in the 1980s and '90s worked as a producer and keyboardist on albums like N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton, Efilzaggin, The D.O.C.'s The Formula, and Eazy E's Eazy-Duz-It (as well as on works from Above the Law, Michel'le, and more) has passed away. A longtime friend and... Read more

April 5, 2017 News

N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton Album Heads To The Library Of Congress

Approaching its 30th anniversary of release, N.W.A.'s album Straight Outta Compton continues to be rather suddenly treated as a classic album in the mainstream. The 1988 Ruthless Records LP by Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella has always been a grassroots success. However, the album that... Read more

March 29, 2017 News

The G-Funk Documentary Pulls Warren G From The Background & Makes Him The Pioneer (Video)

For nearly 25 years, Warren G has been a powerful force within Hip-Hop. A multi-platinum MC, a hit producer, and an accomplished DJ, Warren Griffin joined his 213 band-mates (Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg) and Daz Dillinger in putting Long Beach, California on the Hip-Hop map. While Warren's first three... Read more

March 13, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Dr. Dre. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

March 2, 2017 Finding the GOAT

As Eve, DMX, Swizz, Drag-On & The LOX Plan A Ruff Ryders Reunion, Here’s The Scenario (Audio)

This week, the Ruff Ryders announced their reunion homecoming, planned for April. The Hip-Hop collective (which began first as a party promotions company in the late 1980s) is largely responsible for the careers of DMX, Swizz Beatz, The LOX, Eve, Cassidy, and others. Approaching the turn of the millennium, the... Read more

March 2, 2017 Do Remember

The Final 4 Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Producers Has Been Determined By YOU.

Today (February 28), Round 3 voting closed for “Finding The GOAT Producer.” This competition, launched in early January, beginning with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). The 32 eventually became a pack of 16, then an Elite 8, and now reaches its Final 4 in this... Read more

February 28, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: DJ Quik vs. Dr. Dre. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 23, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Elite 8 Has Been Determined

Last night (February 20), Round 2 voting closed for “Finding The GOAT Producer.” This competition, launched in early January, began with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). The 32 eventually became a pack of 16, and as of now, has reached its Elite 8 in this... Read more

February 21, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Ice Cube Names Chuck D His Favorite Rapper & Bomb Squad His Favorite Producers (Audio)

February 21 UPDATE: The video interview of Ice Cube from The Combat Jack Show has been added below, along with the existing audio stream. Original Post: Starting in 1990's "Endangered Species (Tales From The Darkside)," Ice Cube made some of his most notable collaborations with Chuck D and the producers... Read more

February 14, 2017 Audio, Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Dr. Dre vs Puff Daddy & The Hitmen. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 13, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Stat Quo Reveals The Disagreement With Eminem That Destroyed His Shady/Aftermath Career (Video)

At the top of the 2000s, Eminem was building Shady Records into a juggernaut of a label. From D12's double-platinum, #1 debut Devil's Night to the 8 Mile soundtrack, Shady expanded from simply Eminem's efforts into a multi-faceted force. In 2003, through a joint venture with Dr. Dre and Aftermath... Read more

February 7, 2017 Throwback, Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Sweet 16 Has Been Determined

Last night (February 5), Round 1 voting closed for "Finding The GOAT Producer." That round, launched in early January, began with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). As of today's tiebreaker between Organized Noize vs. Erick Sermon (which was within less than 1% when the polls closed),... Read more

February 6, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Producer David Axelrod Has Passed Away. He Leaves Massive Legacy In Hip-Hop.

This evening (February 5), it has been reported that David Axelrod has died. The Roots' Questlove took to social media moments ago to announce the death of iconic music producer, songwriter, and arranger. A native of South Central Los Angeles, California, Axelrod's own music, as well as his productions for... Read more

February 5, 2017 News

Finding The GOAT Producer: Dr. Dre vs. DJ Muggs. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

February 3, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Kanye West vs. Scott Storch. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

January 25, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Yo! MTV Raps Host Doctor Dré Calls Straight Outta Compton “Straight Outta Fiction” (Audio)

Hip-Hop is big enough to have some artists with multiple names. Notably, Mobb Deep and South Central Cartel were each compromised of duos Prodigy and Havoc (or "Prodeje" in S.C.C.'s case). There have been two Guru's, a couple Jay Dee's, and several Mike D's. Perhaps no tandem is more famous... Read more

January 24, 2017 Audio

LL Cool J & Dr. Dre Have Over 10 Songs Completed According To LL’s DJ

In early 2016, Hip-Hop Heads were teased with a vicious LL Cool J freestyle over top of some fresh Dr. Dre production. Two of Hip-Hop's 32-plus-year professional veterans, James Todd Smith and Andre Young have been rumored to be up to something together. L's DJ and collaborator, Z-Trip, just spilled... Read more

January 23, 2017 News

Snoop Dogg’s Dippin’ From Death Row To No Limit May Have Saved His Career & Life (Audio)

In early 1998, Snoop Dogg left Death Row Records for No Limit. In a reported $4 million deal brokered by Priority Records, the Long Beach, California MC went from the breakout star signed by Dr. Dre at the top of the decade to the key acquisition of the reigning independent... Read more

January 5, 2017 Do Remember

Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine Have Made $1 Billion Together. A New Film Tells Their Story

Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine go back 25 years. Combined, they have made more than a billion dollars in ventures ranging from music to headphones and consumer electronics to film. That story of a friendship and business relationship from two producers-turned-moguls will be the subject of upcoming HBO documentary The... Read more

December 9, 2016 News, TV/Film

The Grammys Finally Realize Straight Outta Compton Was a Great Album

Over the last two years—largely thanks to a 2015 blockbuster biopic, the mainstream media has apparently reconsidered the merits of N.W.A. The Ruthless Records collective of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella released two albums, a compilation, and an EP between 1987 and 1991. In that... Read more

November 29, 2016 News

Learn 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Dre, Tupac, & Eazy From The Definitive Book On L.A. Gangsta Rap

Perhaps even more than Hip-Hop's inception, or its commercial rise, the history of N.W.A. and the diaspora of West Coast Gangsta Rap is the culture's most intriguing story. There are heroes, villains, fights, triumphs, and a plethora of great music. Author Ben Westhoff's just-published Original Gangstas is as comprehensive a... Read more

November 24, 2016 Food for Thought

Shia LaBeouf Transforms Into The “#1 MC In Hollywood,” With A Monster Freestyle (Video)

Many things come to mind when the name Shia LaBeouf is mentioned. "MC" is not one of them. For years, LaBeouf has been a fixture in Hollywood as an actor and director, who has been involved in major film franchises such as Indiana Jones, Wall Street and, of course, Transformers.... Read more

November 12, 2016 Video

Rakim Opens Up About Rivalries With Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, EPMD & More

Although he is revered as one of, if not the greatest, MCs of all time–Rakim typically shuns the spotlight. Even as rumors (and anonymously reported denials) linger about an Eric B. & Rakim reunion and corresponding tour, the 30-year professional musician has not come forward to confirm or waive off reports.... Read more

November 3, 2016 Fresh, News

Scott Storch Details Going From Leaving The Roots To Making Hits With Dr. Dre (Video)

In Hip-Hop, Questlove and Black Thought have become household names. However, going back to Organix and the earliest album lineups of The Roots, there is arguably another. Scott Storch has become one of the most prolific, top-earning music producers of the 2000s. Beginning in 1999 with Dr. Dre's "Still D.R.E.,"... Read more

November 2, 2016 Video

Suge Knight Files A Law Suit Claiming Dr. Dre Tried To Have Him Killed In 2014

Twenty five years ago, Suge Knight and Dr. Dre were business partners at the burgeoning Death Row Records. Two Compton, California natives came together as manager and artist to build one of modern music's largest empires, in less than five years. Today (October 24), Suge and his lawyers sued Dr.... Read more

October 24, 2016 News

Eazy-E’s Daughter Intends To Prove Her Father Was Murdered, In A Documentary (Video)

It has been more than 21 years since Gangsta Rap pioneer Eric "Eazy-E" Wright passed away. In March of 1995, the public learned that the founder of N.W.A. and Ruthless Records had AIDS. Three weeks later, on March 26, Eazy was dead. Close associates have recalled that the Compton, California mogul... Read more

October 19, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Dr. Dre Reportedly Threatens Legal Action To Prevent The Michel’le Biopic From Airing

On October 15, Lifetime is scheduled to air made-for-TV film Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le. The biographical film is centered around Michel'le, who was a late 1980s and early 1990s R&B star on Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. Later on, Michel'le moved with producer Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., and their manager... Read more

October 9, 2016 News

Redman, Lloyd Banks, Jadakiss & Obie Trice Set Up A New Standard For Collabos (Audio)

After signing to Eminem's Shady Records in 2000, fellow Detroit native Obie Trice (real name, no gimmicks) dropped his debut album Cheers, three years later. Production from Eminem, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Mr. Porter and others made it a heavy hitter, as did guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, D12, 50 Cent,... Read more

September 29, 2016 Do Remember

Michel’le’s Biopic Shows Her Being Abused By Dr. Dre & Her Relationship With Suge Knight (Video)

Despite its commercial success and critical acclaim, N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton also drew criticism for some of the misogyny seen in the film, as well as that which was withheld. In particular, there was a renewed focus on Dr. Dre's past abuse of women. As a result, in August... Read more

September 18, 2016 TV, Video

Jermaine Dupri Asserts He Put Funk In Hip-Hop Before Dr. Dre’s Chronic (Audio)

The relationship between Jermaine Dupri and West Coast Hip-Hop, especially Dr. Dre is an interesting one. The So So Def Records founder gained strong notoriety in early 1992 when he produced quadruple platinum album Totally Krossed Out for new Atlanta, Georgia Rap duo Kris Kross. That LP, released through RuffHouse/Columbia... Read more

September 13, 2016 Audio

SWV & Wu-Tang Clan’s Remix Did Not Sound Like Anything Before It (Audio)

In 1994, SWV (a/k/a Sisters With Voices) had become one of the most successful acts in the new guard of R&B-Pop. With its Gospel roots, the RCA Records machine (thanks to some demo tapes packaged with sparkling water) helped transform Taj, Coko, and Lelee into top-of-the-charts sensations. Like fellow New... Read more

September 8, 2016 Do Remember