Hey guys, last week I talked about N.W.A., so it only feels right to dedicate the following post to:

Dr. Dre:

When it comes to the world of Hip-Hop music and production, you have to know Dr. Dre and how his musical genius-ness has had a profound impact on the industry for over three decades. From his early days with NWA to his remarkable solo career, Dr. Dre’s influence of rap music from the lyrics to the beats will have forever changed the face of hip-hop.

Growing up in Compton, California (a city known for its notorious struggles and disparities) was the very environment in which Dre honed in on his skills as a DJ and began producing beats that would ultimately revolutionize the gentry. In the early 80s, he performed as a DJ as a part of the group World Class Wreckin’ Cru at clubs and parties in LA, and later in ‘86 he founded the iconic group known as N.W.A. While in that group he appeared prominently as a rapper, his most acclaimed role was as a producer, he was the man behind the music if you will. Leaving NWA in ‘92, he co founded Death Row Records with Marion “Suge” Knight. That year in 1992, he recorded and produced his solo debut, the Chronic, introducing the “G-funk” production style, and generous music sampling of 70s funk records, especially those by Parliament-Funkadelic. 

“The Chronic” was not only a commercial success but also a critical one, solidifying Dr. Dre’s status as a producer extraordinaire. You guys may have heard the song “Nuthin But a ‘G’ Thang” with him and Snoop Dogg, and songs like that really set the tone for not only him, but Snoop Dogg’s career as well. As a producer, he’s credited for having helped in launching the careers of artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, as well as a mentor for a popular artist of our generation– Kendrick Lamar.

Dr. Dre’s journey as a kid (my age) in the harsh streets of Compton to becoming a global music icon has to be nothing but a testament to his resilience as a musician and a person. The adversity he faced in the environment he grew up in would have deterred a lot of people, but he was someone who kept going. Next, Dr. Dre is often referred to as “The Architect of Sound,” and for good reason to. It’s so captivating to me to even comprehend how some people have such a good ear for sound. Can you guys imagine how many different things go on in a producer’s mind? They literally hear music in everything they do, and that craft is so amazing to me. But beyond the music, his impact is something to note as well. To still be relevant after decades of your “peak,” just shows how impactful he is as an artist to still be a part of the conversation of music today.