Not many producers, in the arena of hip-hop or otherwise, can boldly state that their sonic experiments twice (first with N.W.A, later with The Chronic) transformed the musical landscape. But, then again, every producer is not Dr. Dre. "Although I’m from the west coast, I try to make music that will have a universal appeal," says Dre, whose latest disc Dr. Dre 2001 (Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records) is as musically diverse as the constant sounds blaring in his brain. "It’s always been my desire to make music for the world."
Although it has been seventeen years since the release of Dr. Dre’s groundbreaking triple platinum The Chronic, a record that Spin magazine voted the eighth best of the decade, its not like the brother has been sleeping on the job. (Spin also voted The Chronic’s "Nuthin’ But A G-Thang"the best single of the 90’s.) Indeed, having constructed such projects as Snoop Dogg’s quintuple platinum classic Doggystyle, the bouncy "California Love" for 2Pac and the bugged The Slim Shady LP disc for rapper Eminem, a sophomore solo disc was the furthest thing from Dre’s mind. "I’ve always been just a producer at heart, but my friends and family kept insisting that I do another project."
On Dr. Dre 2001, Cali’s own sound scientist has co-produced with Mel-Man twenty-two lowrider soundtracks, designed to thrill the souls of hip-hop macks. "Not trying to sound arrogant, but as a fan of rap, I just wasn’t hearing much music that I thought was moving the world," explains Dre. "And that’s what I wanted to create."
Reunited with Snoop Dogg, the first single "Still D.R.E." is a slow motion riot featuring wicked keyboards, Dre’s trademark vocals and a hip swaying groove that transports the track to the next level of sonic intensity. "We created almost a hundred tracks for this project," says Dre. "But, this song was the next to last song that I recorded. I needed the perfect song to represent Dr. Dre 2001."
Teaming-up with one of his best discoverys, mid-west rudeboy Eminem, Dr. Dre 2001’s second single "Forgot About Dre" is the perfect comeback in response to those haters who were praying that Dre would fall off of Planet Rap. With an otherworldly sound and lush strings hovering in the background, "Forgot About Dre" is as flashy as a pimp and as sharp as a tack.
In addition to Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Hittman, King-T, MC Ren and Xzibit, all of whom make appearances on Dr. Dre 2001, soul diva Mary J. Blige makes a cameo on the sorrowful track "The Message." Dedicated to Dre’s late brother, who was set to follow in his older brother’s giant footsteps, this is one of the most emotionally charged records in hip-hop history. "Anyone who has ever lost a loved one will be able to relate," says Dre. "And Mary’s singing just sends the song over the top."
Back to once again reign supreme on booming stereos throughout the world, Dr. Dre 2001 takes the listener on a black to the future fantastic journey into wild soundscapes, blunted voices and new beginnings.
Now Dre is preparing for the final chapter "DETOX" which is almost become a urban legend at this point and is definatly "The most anticipated album in HipHop/Rap right now!" -Rolling Stone. Now with new protoge' & partner in crime Bishop Lamont in tow, Dre is ready to usher in a new era for Aftermath Records. Armed with the "A-TEAM" Busta Rhymes, Eminem, 50 Cent, Stat Quo and the incomprable Marsha of "Floetry" Dre is prepared to deliver in 2008. Dre is working on Bishop Lamont's debut "The Reformation" simutaniously with "DETOX" along with Executive Producing albums for his Aftermath roster. "Aftermath & aint gonna be nothin after that."
BISHOP LAMONT & DJ SKEE WORLD PREMIERE "BEATS" & "GROW UP"
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