In a recent interview with TMZ at the unveiling of the street named after his late father, Eazy-E, Lil Eazy-E had some words for Dr. Dre. In fact, issued a public call to Dr. Dre, urging the iconic producer to revisit his roots and pay a visit to Eazy-E’s mother. The rapper and son of the N.W.A legend expressed disappointment at the absence of Dr. Dre at Eazy-E’s funeral, recalling that DJ Yella was the sole attendee during his formative years. Lil Eazy-E remarked, “30 years later, do you think I care?” His words resonated with a sense of unresolved disappointment. He underscored the significance of Dre’s absence during a pivotal moment in Eazy-E’s legacy.
Lil Eazy-E believes that given Eazy-E’s profound influence on the West Coast rap scene, Dre, along with the entirety of the west coast region, should acknowledge and honor his father’s contributions. Directly addressing Dr. Dre, Lil Eazy-E extended an invitation for him to reconnect with Eazy’s mother, emphasizing the historical ties between Dre and the family. “Dre, you were on her couch when your mom kicked you out. So you could come sit there and say hi. She is still living and well,” he stated, adding a personal touch to the plea for a reconciliation.
Lil Eazy-E’s central concern appears to be his grandmother’s well-being, wishing Dre blessings while urging him to recognize and pay homage to the familial connections that played a pivotal role in both his and Eazy-E’s lives. This public call out from Lil Eazy-E prompts contemplation on the part of Dr. Dre. It underscores the importance of acknowledging one’s origins and expressing gratitude to those who played a foundational role in shaping one’s journey.
In the realm of hip-hop, where authenticity and respect are integral, this challenge serves as a reminder that even the most iconic figures should remain grounded in the communities that shaped their ascent. Whether Dr. Dre responds to this to reconnect with the roots of his career remains to be seen. But the challenge has undoubtedly opened a dialogue about the enduring ties between hip-hop legends and the communities that forged them. Do you think Dr. Dre and other west coast legends should have been in attendance? Let us know on HNHH!
SOHH explores the most iconic hip-hop album covers, this lineup features memorable artworks like N.W.A.’sStraight Outta Compton, Dr. Dre’sThe Chronic, andKendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. These covers encapsulate the essence of their respective albums and stand as cultural landmarks within the hip-hop genre.
N.W.A. – ‘Straight Outta Compton’
NWA was a rap group consisting of Ice Cube, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, MC Ren, The D.O.C., Arabian Prince, and DJ Speed.
The conglomerate was formed in 1987 when hip-hop and rap were used to express frustrations with government and politics. The angle of the photograph is lowered while all members of NWA stare down into the frame. Eazy E is seen holding a pistol, possibly symbolizing how they see themselves compared to the perspective of a cop.
The August 8, 1988, album included iconic songs such as “Gangsta, Gangsta,” “Dope Man(Remix),” “F*** Tha Police,” and “Straight Outta Compton” to name a few.
According to CNN, “The photograph is considered one of the most provocative ever to grace an album cover: six guys staring toward the ground, one pointing a handgun. It was the cover art for Straight Outta Compton, the pioneering debut album by N.W.A., that revolutionized gangsta rap and redefined hip hop.
Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’
Although Dr. Dre got his name out there with NWA, he got his official start with World Class Wreckin’ Crew. The Chronic was a tribute to the street life of Compton, California.
Most importantly, the December 15 1992 album cover, which pays homage to the “Zig Zag Rolling Papers.” The renowned rolling paper brand played a special part in California street life and cinema storytelling.
One of the more well-known references can be seen in the movie “The Wood.” Boo ( who is portrayed by Antwon Tanner) says to his homeboy Stacey ( who is portrayed by DeAndre Bonds) “Ayo pass that sh** back this way.” Stacey replies, “ F*** you boy, you aint gettin’ no zig zag, you aint gettin’ no drig drag.”
The Fugees – ‘The Score’
Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, and Pras were the three members to make up The Fugees.
The name comes from the shortened word ‘refugees.’ The group rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with their unique blends of reggae, R&B, hip hop, and funk.
The cover of the group’s most popular album, The Score, is a minimalistic style photograph that pictures all three members on an intense black background, with the faces of the trio peeking through the blackness of it all. Simultaneously, their faces are highlighted with a golden light shining upon them all.
The words “The Fugees” are written in a burnt yellow, car wash font. The accent colors of gold and burnt yellow could possibly symbolize the way the words and beats make listeners feel when they hear their music.
Reunited And It Feels So Good
The Fugees’ highly anticipated reunion occurred at the 2023 Roots Picnic, leaving fans thrilled and nostalgic. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel met for an exceptional performance during Lauryn Hill’s solo headlining set at Philadelphia’s The Mann Center on June 3, 2023.
Kendrick Lamar ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’
One of Lamar’s most highly anticipated albums, How To Pimp A Butterfly was released on March 15, 2015.
The album was one of Kendrick’s highlights of his career. The album’s black and white cover details an all black and white cover details a deceased, white man wearing a suit, with a gavel in his hand, insinuating that he is a judge. Over him stands 2 black boys, one of whom seems to be a younger, Kendrick Lamar, and a host of black men and women, with the White House in the background.
Similarly to NWA’s album cover, Lamar’s album cover is symbolic of the stance Black families took against the American Justice System, the long history of injustice for African Americans, and the overrepresentation in the prison system.
It is also imperative to mention this album was released during the presidential term of Obama, America’s first Black President, which gives even more reason as to why the white judge is dead.
Kanye West ‘Graduation’
This iconic album was the project that made fans everywhere fall in love with West’s artistry.
Graduation was released on September 11, 2007. The cover art had always been admired by listeners alike. The cover pictures a vibrant sunset sky with shades of violets, yellow, and a hint of midnight blue. The angle of the lens seems to be zoomed out with a spectacle from outer space.
In the sunset lies a flying teddy bear ( similar to West’s Dropout Bear), with a graduation cap which is the foundation for his institution.
The institution, which seems to be celebrating graduation is surrounded by abstract colors, rockets, and explosions. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, album cover designer, Takashi Murakami( often referred to as the Warhol of Japan), stated:
“The cover is based on Kanye’s theme of student life. School. It’s a place of dreams, of righteousness, a place to have fun. It’s also occasionally a place where you experience the rigid dogma of the human race.”
Kanye West Is Back
Kanye West returned to the music scene with the highly anticipated release of new music. The album marked his first release since Donda 2 dropped in February 2022.
2 Live Crew “As Nasty As They Wanna Be”
Members Fresh Kid Ice, Uncle Luke, Mr. Mixx, Amazing V., and Verb were the members to make up the iconic 2 Live Crew.
The group’s musical influence helped push and test the boundaries of hip-hop during the era, which still stands strong today. The February 7, 1989, album’s cover art displays the group at the beach, and standing over them are four nearly nude women.
The cover of the album was seen as controversial, in which the 2 Live Crew explored sexual themes. The legal battles Uncle Luke and the crew faced made major leeway in how artists chose to rap, dance, and dress in the hip-hop industry.
Uncle Luke Speaks Out Against HH50
Uncle Luke expressed frustration with the lack of recognition for Florida artists in the music industry on hip hop’s 50th anniversary. The Miami rapper addressed the industry’s long-standing disregard for Florida hip-hop.
A Rewind In Time
Speaking of iconic, some songs have become timeless sources of inspiration for newer artists. From Khia’s explicit anthem “My Neck My Back” to Aaliyah’s mesmerizing “One In A Million,” these classic tracks continue influencing and shaping the rap scene.
On the latest episode of the Collect Call From Suge Knight podcast, the former Death Row Records CEO explains how he acquired illegal weapons for N.W.A. co-founder and music mogul Dr. Dre, but the said acquisition landed him behind bars on federal gun charges.
Suge talked about a convo with an unnamed person about getting guns for Dre and Snoop during the 1993 The Chronic Tour, saying, “I stopped Dre from getting a lot of time for beating up a gang of bitches and all the shit he was doing that made me… you know. My fed case is behind Dre. If I had to do it all over again I still would do it again because that’s the kind of man I am. The other person, I don’t keep it 1,000 and keep it gangsta because of the next muthafucka, I keep it because that’s my DNA.”
He continued, “So what ended up happening in that situation, a guy called me and said, ‘Hey, Dre want this type of gun. Snoop want this type of gun. Y’all getting ready to go on The Chronic Tour?’I said, ‘Yeah.’ [He said], ‘What kind you want?’ [I said], ‘I don’t need one.’ He adds, “I gave him the business manager number. The guy calls the business manager. The business manager wires the money for Dre’s guns to a guy who will give him the guns. A year or two later, on my birthday, they arrested me. The feds.”
“I go to court, David Kenner come and see me,” he said. “He shows me that, ‘Hey, [you] can get out, but Dre gon’ do the time, because his business manager is the one that got the money. He can do the time. He [inaudible] behind the shit.’ I said, ‘Fuck it, could you get him probation?’ David Kenner said, ‘Probably not.’ He said, ‘Maybe.’
“I said, ‘Tell you what: either try to get me probation, or if I gotta do a year or two, these muthafuckas better be in the studio working.’ So I got David Chesnoff out of Las Vegas representing me also because that’s where he was from. I got probation, which I end up doing time for that. Had nothing to do with me. So I don’t regret doing anything for people [I] fuck with, ’cause that’s what you supposed to do.”
Suge is currently doing a 28-year stretch for the 2015 murder of Terry Carter on the set of Straight Outta Compton. Knight will be eligible for parole in 2034.
For fans of 90s hip-hop, Collect Call With Suge Knight has been a revelation. The podcast is only two episodes into its run but there’s already been numerous major reveals. Much of it has had to do with Tupac, which makes sense with his alleged murderer’s trial currently occupying headlines this year. One of the first attention grabbing stories Suge told related to Tupac and Warren G. After Warren claimed he played a role in getting Pac out of prison, Suge refuted the story and claimed that the two never even liked each other in the first place.
In the recently released second episode, Suge once again spoke on the process of getting Pac out of prison. This time he revealed the identity of a mystery woman who called him every single day to advocate for Tupac. Her name is Keisha, and she played a crucial role in setting the events of Tupac’s career in motion. If it weren’t for Keisha, you guys wouldn’t have heard All Eyez On Me or all the other hits he did,” Suge says during the podcast. But his newest revelation is about another artist. Check out the newest episode of Collect Call below.
In the new episode, Suge discusses taking the fall for Dr. Dre. “I stopped Dre from getting a lot of time for beating up a gang of b*tches and all the shit he was doing that made me… you know,” he begins. “I gave him the business manager number. The guy calls the business manager. The business manager wires the money for Dre’s guns to a guy who will give him the guns. A year or two later, on my birthday, they arrested me. The feds.”
Ultimately while Suge had the option to let Dre face his own consequences, he ended up taking the fall. “I gave him the business manager number. The guy calls the business manager. The business manager wires the money for Dre’s guns to a guy who will give him the guns. A year or two later, on my birthday, they arrested me. The feds.” What do you think of Suge Knight taking the heat for Dr. Dre on a gun charge so he could keep making music? Let us know in the comment section below.
On this day in 1999, legendary super-producer Dr. Dre put out Chronic 2001, his last album before a 16-year hiatus. Containing some of the most known tracks in rap, Chronic 2001 has been extremely successful over the years. As of July 2013, the album has been certified septuple platinum, selling 7,664,000 copies in the United States alone and with the recent success of the film Straight Outta Compton, one can only imagine the increase in its sales that is to come. Dr. Dre is an artist known for the breaks he takes between albums. Chronic 2001, the follow-up to The Chronic, came seven years after its predecessor and although it may have been an excruciating period of time to wait, each project he’s delivered has been more than worth the time spent wondering what it would consist of.
The quality of work that makes up Chronic 2001 is epic. Of course, the production of this album is more solid than most coming from Dre himself along with Mel-Man and Lord Finesse, but the vocal features that were at Dre’s disposal due to his success at the time also helped to make this project such a classic. Rappers such as The D.O.C., Hittman, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Xzibit, Nate Dogg, and Eminem made appearances on this album. It would be an understatement to say that this project was an influential part of west coast rap and culture.
As previously stated, this album was widely regarded and critically acclaimed. It debuted in 1999 at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart where it peaked and sold 516,000 copies in its first week. The album also claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, #4 on the UK Album Chart, and #17 in the Dutch Albums Chart. As far as its legacy, the album has made its appearances on music charts worldwide since its release and is #17 on the Billboard 200 chart for the 2000s. Its hit single “Still D.R.E.”, is certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA and is a household name in the Hip Hop world.
Dr. Dre’s successes following this album are enough to make a second movie about. His influence on rap and rap culture spans a generation and his place in pop culture as a whole has been cemented due to what he has accomplished. We can only sit back and watch what the mastermind that is Dr. Dre has in store for us in the coming years.
When it comes to music production, the choice of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) can significantly influence an artist’s creative process. This article explores the DAW preference of one of the most influential figures in the music industry, Dr. Dre.
Dr. Dre, a titan in the music industry, is known for his unique approach to music production. Unlike many modern producers who rely heavily on DAWs, Dr. Dre prefers to sample music without one. However, when he does use a DAW, his choice is Avid Pro Tools. This software is renowned for its capabilities in mixing complex sounds. It aligns perfectly with Dr. Dre’s intricate and layered production style.
The Power Of Avid Pro Tools
INDIO, CA – APRIL 23: Recording artist Dr. Dre performs onstage. During day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2. At the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2016 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)
Avid Pro Tools is a professional-grade DAW that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for music production. It’s designed to handle complex sound mixing, making it a fitting choice for Dr. Dre. He is known for his detailed and multi-layered tracks. Pro Tools provides a robust platform for editing, mixing, and mastering, which are all critical aspects of Dr. Dre’s production process.
Beyond his DAW preference, Dr. Dre’s production setup also includes a range of hardware. One of his most notable tools is the Akai MPC 3000, a legendary piece of equipment in the hip-hop world. This sampler-sequencer has been a staple in the studios of many renowned producers, including Dr. Dre himself.
Regarding capturing vocals, Dr. Dre favors the Sony C-800G microphone. Known for its crystal-clear sound, this microphone complements Dr. Dre’s preference for clean and crisp vocals.
The DAW Landscape
INDIO, CA – APRIL 15: Rapper Dr. Dre performs onstage during day 3 of the 2012 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Field on April 15, 2012 in Indio, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella)
While Dr. Dre’s choice of DAW is Avid Pro Tools, it’s worth noting that the landscape of DAWs is diverse and continually evolving. Other popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. Each offers unique features and workflows, catering to different production styles and preferences.
For instance, Ableton Live is praised for its workflow speed and intuitive interface, making it a favorite among electronic music producers. FL Studio, on the other hand, is popular among hip-hop producers and is known for its pattern-based workflow.
Dr. Dre’s choice of DAW and equipment reflects his unique approach to music production. His preference for Avid Pro Tools and hardware like the Akai MPC 3000 and Sony C-800G microphone underscores his commitment to quality and detail in his music. Overall, as technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how tools like DAWs continue to shape the music production landscape.
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In 1993, Eazy-E dropped what is arguably one of Hip Hop’s most notable EPs. After all, it’s not very often artists release an entire project dissing another artist. The EP was a ballsy move from Eazy-E, who had major beef with Dr. Dre. Without a doubt, the project marks one of the most iconic diss moments in Hip Hop history. It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa turned 30 this year. Even after all that time, the project still commands much respect and reverence. It most likely always will, as it was truly a moment to remember in Hip Hop history.
Setting The Stage
Eazy-E and Dr. Dre were embroiled in a highly publicized and bitter feud at the time of the EP’s release. The beef between the two rappers escalated after Dr. Dre left N.W.A. and Ruthless Records over financial disagreements. Subsequently, Dr. Dre founded Death Row Records with Suge Knight, the D.O.C., and Duck Griffey. Consequently, the tension surrounding Dre’s departure led to a series of diss tracks from both parties. Notably, Eazy-E released It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa on October 19, 1993, as a response to Dr. Dre’s album iconic, The Chronic.
Eazy-E and Dr. Dre Fire With Words
On Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, the MC takes straightforward shots at Eazy-E. On “F**k Wit Dre Day,” he even employed the assistance of his friend, Snoop Dogg. Evidently, Eazy-E didn’t take it lying down. It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa was the late MC’s way of defending his reputation and asserting his dominance in the West Coast rap scene. The EP contained explicit and confrontational lyrics aimed at Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records, and especially Dr. Dre.
In fact, only three songs of the 8-track EP are free of any lyrical jabs against Dr. Dre. These three songs are “Any Last Werdz,” which was released as a single, “Gimmie That Nutt,” and a G-Mix of the Ice Cube-penned “Boyz N tha Hood.” Eazy-E used this EP to express his anger at Dr. Dre, as well as his frustration and defiance. After he dropped “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s” as a single, not many people expected an entire project dedicated to Dre to follow. It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa is widely regarded as one of the most badass responses to a diss in rap’s history.
Contributors On It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa
Between the producers and featured artists on the EP, it took a small village to put it all together. The entire EP was produced by Rhythm D, DJ Yella, Cold 187um, Dr. Jam, Madness 4 Real, and Eazy-E. Furthermore, the guest appearances include B.G. Knocc Out and Dresta on “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s,” Cold 187um and Kokane on “Any Last Werdz,” and Dirty Red, who features on “Down 2 tha Last Roach” alongside B.G. Knocc Out.
In addition, the EP heavily employs the use of samples. In detail, only the first track, “Exxtra Special Thankz,” is rid of samples. Every other song on the project contains selections from one or more songs, mainly by Eazy-E or N.W.A. Notably, the track “It’s On” contains a sample from Dr. Dre’s diss track “F**k Wit Dre Day.” Consequently, one could say Dr. Dre contributed to the making and success of this diss project by Eazy-E.
Easy-E’s Diss Project, A Cultural Artifact
Over the last 30 years, the legacy of It’s On has steadily grown stronger. It was Eazy-E’s last project in his lifetime and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard charts. Although other works have been released posthumously, none of them compare to the impact this one has had. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, the EP is now considered historically significant to Hip Hop. Fans are almost grateful for the beef between Dr. Dre and Eazy-E because of the classic projects their feud birthed. Sadly, Eazy-E passed away in 1995, but this EP is one of the ways through which his name will live on forever.
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