Earlier this year, Dr. Dre’s genre-defining album, The Chronic, returned to streaming services after being pulled in 2022 to sort out some ownership issues. While its return just barely missed out on the album’s 20th anniversary, the album’s creator isn’t letting the occasion go without celebration.
Fans looking for a physical product to celebrate the anniversary won’t be disappointed. Today, Interscope and Trophy announced “The Chronic Masters,” a series of collectibles commemorating the seismic shift caused by the album’s release. Included in the collection are replicas of the session tapes; a series of limited-edition prints of the tapes; and a series of skateboard decks bearing images of the session tapes and the album’s cover.
The runs are limited to 310 copies of each — a nod to the area code of Dre’s native Compton, California — although there are also oversized replica tapes in even more limited quantities; just 30 of each will be produced. You can find a few select images below and get more information about the drops at thechronicmasters.interscope.com.
The collection would be a worthy addition to a fan’s art collection — and, unlike NFTs, you can actually hold them in your hands. Meanwhile, another Dr. Dre production celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, is getting a different kind of celebration: A one-weekend engagement at the Hollywood Bowl.
Dr. Dre’s growth of his businesses over the past two decades has solidified far more than solely as a hip hop pioneer. Dr. Dre’s career began in the West-Coast world of cassette tapes and flamboyant bars. An integral member of N.W.A., he was rapping on Southern California’s sunny and impoverished streets. Over time, he would become one of the most celebrated entertainers in music history. However, he was more than an influential producer and rapper. An instrumental teacher, he developed the businesses of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent under Death Row Records and Aftermath Entertainment. From The Chronic to 2001, Dr. Dre flexes a musical resume that only a select few rappers can live up to.
However, Dr. Dre’s cultural blueprint has changed dramatically over the decades. Even if his career began behind the mic, he’s propelled himself into a figure whose impact surpasses the streaming charts. Many Gen-Z kids associate Dr. Dre with his external business ventures, notably Beats by Dre, rather than music. Directing several artists from the streets to the top of the world, Dr. Dre began to realize that he could operate in the shadows rather than on a concert stage.
Beats By Dre Got Started On A California Beach
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Dr. Dre performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
By the early 2000s, the groundwork had been set for Dr. Dre to transition into the business world. As the Compton-born icon was jotting down ideas for which industry he’d dive into, moving into the hardware world of sound wasn’t on his mind. It took running into the co-founder of Interscope Records, Jimmy Iovine, during an impromptu day at the beach for the soul of Beats by Dre to begin. Iovine stated, “I was walking down the beach one day and I ran into Andre Young, Dr. Dre. He just said to me, ‘Yo, my lawyer wants me to sell sneakers, what do you think?’ I said, ‘Dre, nobody in the world cares about how you dress or will care about your sneakers. What you should sell is speakers.’”
Ten years later, Iovine and Dre had spearheaded a company controlling over 50 percent of the market for premium headphones. Growing under the platform of a fantastic marketing campaign, Beats by Dre would also gradually become the go-to headphones for athletes and musicians alike. Of course, having Dr. Dre as the bannerman for the brand was crucial. He was influential in attracting various athletes and musicians to their commercials. The Defiant Ones, a four-part documentary series, focuses on the partnership and growth between Iovine and Dre while creating Beats by Dre. In May 2014, Apple purchased Beats by Dre for a staggering $3.2 billion. It was the most expensive acquisition Apple had ever made.
Dr. Dre Co-Produced Straight Outta Compton
Dr. Dre also sports a strong resume in the film and television arenas. In 2015, he co-produced Straight Outta Compton with Ice Cube, a film depicting N.W.A’s rise and fall. A tragic film depicting the unhealthy realities of street life, Straight Outta Compton would gross over $200 million worldwide. It wouldn’t be the first time that Dre would attempt to depict the harshness of his upbringing through film. In 2016, he began working on an Apple Music series titled Vital Signs. However, the series was shelved due to excessive depictions of cocaine use, gun violence, and an explicit sex scene.
Dr. Dre’s cultural influence beyond music even surpasses solely the business world. Beyond his larger-than-life persona, Dre and Iovine donated $70 million to the University of Southern California. The purpose of the donation was to fund a new generation of talent for the growing music technology business. They funded a four-year program that blends liberal arts, graphic and product design, business, and technology.
Dr. Dre’s Business Acumen Matches Jay-Z & Diddy
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 21: Sean Combs and Dr. Dre attend the Los Angeles Premiere of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” at the Writers Guild of America, West on June 21, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images)
Over the past decade, it’s become a norm rather than an exception for rappers to diversify their portfolio beyond sound. Childish Gambino starred in the hit show Atlanta as Earn. Nicki Minaj has had various successful voiceover roles in Ice Age: The Continental Drift and The Angry Birds Movie 2. Dr. Dre’s success outside of the music world has rappers realizing they can leverage their fame as an entry into other career paths.
At age 58, Dr. Dre reportedly now sports a net worth of $500 million. He sits at the table with fellow hip-hop business tycoons such as Jay-Z, Diddy, and Snoop Dogg. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Chronic, Dr. Dre is releasing The Chronic Masters collection – a slow-burn series of limited-edition releases honoring the timeless classic. Released under the monger of Interscope Records, Dr. Dre’s legacy will remain legendary for decades.
Legendary producer Dr. Dre and Interscope Records have announced the upcoming release of rare limited edition collectibles in honor of the 30th anniversary of Dr. Dre’s groundbreaking debut album, The Chronic. Hip-Hop icon Dr. Dre seeks to commemorate the enduring impact of The Chronic, released initially on December 15, 1992, with something exceptional. To mark […]
Even with his controversies in mind, Dr. Dre’s impact on hip-hop, from before N.W.A. all the way to today, continues to shake its foundation. Decades after its release, publications still call a song like “Still D.R.E.” the best rap beat of all time. Now, for the 30th anniversary of his classic album The Chronic, some rare collectibles will now be available for purchase to fans. Moreover, the first drop consists of session tape prints, the session boxes themselves with the master tapes, and four exclusive skate decks. According to a press release obtained by HipHopDX, these items will be available to the public for the first time in history. “The Chronic Masters” collection is a series of drops in collaboration with Interscope and Trophy,” the release reportedly read.
Furthermore, these drops will be up for sale on June 1, and Interscope shared a stylish teaser for them. “On May 20, 1993, @drdre’s single “Fuck wit Dre Day” began its explosion,” the record label captioned its Instagram post announcing the collectibles. “To celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Chronic album, we proudly present The Chronic Masters– a slow-burn series of limited edition releases honoring the timeless legacy of this classic.
“Kicking off on June 1, 2023, at 12pm PST and 3pm EST, The Chronic Masters will feature exclusive drops throughout the year that pay homage to the legendary work of Dr. Dre,” the post’s caption continued. “Fans and collectors alike are invited to join us on this journey as we revisit one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and don’t miss your chance to own a piece of music history.”
Of course, all this acclaim and celebration around The Chronic is unsurprising. After all, Rolling Stone recently named one of its standout tracks, “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” featuring Snoop Dogg, as the best West Coast hip-hop song of all time. Sure, lists alone aren’t the only valid criteria for acclaim, but the fact that his work remains revered for such a long time by fans old and new is impressive. Still, what’s your favorite song off The Chronic? Let us know in the comments and return to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Dr. Dre.
Xzibit doesn’t mind dealing with perfectionists, at least not if the perfectionist is Dr. Dre. In a new interview with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, the rapper reminisced about the recording of his album Man vs. Machine. At the time, there was an incident where Dr. Dre made him re-record a single line approximately 500 times. Xzibit revealed that this particular incident occurred while he and Dre, representing the West Coast, were working on the track “Multiply.” The song eventually became a single in 2002 featuring the late Nate Dogg.
“That took me about two-three hours to get that line,” Xzibit said, speaking about his intro. “Because he wanted me to sound like a down-south preacher… ‘I been this way and I can’t stop.’ No. I couldn’t understand why or where he was trying to take me but I wasn’t fighting. He sat there patiently with me like, ‘Nope, try it again.’” Even though it sounds like Dr. Dre ran a pretty tight ship, sometimes that’s the way greatness is born. “I was expecting to keep it going,” Xzibit continued, “and when he said, ‘Play that back.’ Hold on, I think we got something.”
Xzibit And Dr. Dre Are Working On New Music
According to Xzibit, he and Dr. Dre continue to collaborate to this day as he gears up for an upcoming album. He assures that this album will showcase some of his most exceptional work yet, but he also hints that it might potentially be his final solo project. “We’re going through it and finetuning the records for my new album and Dre’s involved,” the rapper said. “He has this thing with my voice and it’s funny he says, ‘You start in fifth gear. When you come on, you come on like a chainsaw.’” Xzibit’s new album has been teased for a while. The title, King Maker, has been common knowledge for quite some time.
“The songs are coming out really dope and I’m feeling really good about the project. It’s a different scenario when you could record because you want to not because you have to… I feel like this is my last album that I’m gonna put together as Xzibit the solo artist.” What do you think of the new stories coming out from Xzibit? Are you excited to hear what he and Dr. Dre have been working on? Let us know in the comments!
We haven’t heard anything new from Kendrick Lamar since last year’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, granted it was one of the biggest albums of 2022, and he did follow it with an iconic world tour. Seeing as there were seven years between that and his previous project, DAMN., it remains unclear when the Californian plans to grace us with more of his renowned penmanship. Regardless, fans will be happy to know that a previously unreleased track from a decade ago has leaked online this week.
You may have heard part of the song, dubbed “It’s Alive (Pyrex)” during Lamar’s appearance in a Beats by Dre commercial in 2013. As HipHopNMore notes, the spot told a story about the father of two working in the studio with Dr. Dre. While they’re certainly both legends in their own right, they couldn’t seem to make music magic the way they were craving. Of course, the NWA alum’s high-quality headphones and Beats Pill speaker were able to save the day, putting them on the track toward a No. 1 hit.
Fans had a positive reaction upon first hearing the song in the commercial, and many were disappointed to see its failure to arrive on streamers in the years since. There’s a pair of verses layered over the Dre-produced beat, which Lamar and his collaborator likely never expected the public to hear. The “HUMBLE” hitmaker’s fanbase appears to be loving his throwaways from 2013 specifically, as other recent leaks came in the form of “Crooked” and “Burn.”
In other exciting K. Dot news, the 35-year-old was confirmed as one of the headlining artists at this year’s Austin City Limits music festival. Other noteworthy hip-hop and R&B artists on the lineup include Kali Uchis, Lil Yachty, Coi Leray, and GloRilla. As for other headliners, names include Hozier, The 1975, Shania Twain, The Lumineers, and Mumford & Sons.
Revisit More of the West Coast Duo’s Collaborative Efforts
While the Beats commercial effort was never officially released, we have heard the two lyricists come together on more than one occasion over the years. Popular titles to come from them (and other collaborators) include “The Recipe,” “Genocide,” and “Compton,” among others. Check out the mysteriously leaked version of “It’s Alive (Pyrex)” on Twitter above. Afterward, tell us which Kendrick Lamar x Dr. Dre joint track is your favourite in the comments.
Dr. Dre’s The Chronicis undoubtedly an album that has every right to be a classic. From groundbreaking production to stand-out performances from Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre delivered a body of work that earned its place on the National Recording Registry. However, not everyone feels that way. During an appearance on Angie Martinez’s Iconic Records, DJ Clark Kent claimed that Dr Dre’s The Chronic doesn’t stand alongside albums like Doggystyle, Reasonable Doubt, or Ready To Die.
Clark Kent listed a number of classic albums before Angie Martinez mentioned Dre’s seminal debut album. “I can’t even put The Chronic before I put [Doggystyle],” he said. “Snoop Dogg’s album is better than The Chronic. Anyways – it definitely is.” Martinez was taken aback by DJ Clark Kent’s claim about Dr Dre’s album. He added that projects like Ready To Die, Reasonable Doubt, and Life After Death are “the same album.” “All of these albums do the same thing: they begin, they hold you in the middle, they hug you, and then they end,” he added.
DJ Clark Kent’s Take On “The Chronic”
RBX WAS ON DOGGYSTYLE, CLARK! SO DOES THAT ELIMINATE DOGGYSTYLE FROM THE CLASSICS CONVERSATION, NOW??!! pic.twitter.com/5JHT9gRIPv
Ultimately, he felt as though every classic album needs to captivate you from the beginning to the end. Even one skip deters a project from reaching the status of being a “classic,” he explained. “But you have to have great songs that make that thing happen. If you don’t – if you got one song that doesn’t hit properly, you done took yourself out of the classic [thing]. Because if you could, you ain’t got a classic,” he said. “That’s why, I won’t say The Chronic is a classic because I could skip RBX.”
Clark Kent later took to the comment section of @92bricks where he said that it was solely his opinion and not one that he expected others to share. Later on, he took to his Twitter page where he divulged further on his stance. “Having an opinion, that may not be popular, doesn’t make you a hater. Also doesn’t make you bias. It makes you human,” he wrote. “I respect everyone’s opinions as their own. I will never expect anybody to be in total agreement with me.” Check his comments above and sound off with your thoughts below.
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a rap icon and legend whose career has spanned over two decades, but what is his net worth in 2023? But, how did he accumulate such an impressive fortune? Let’s take a deep dive into the life and career of this megastar.
Eminem Net Worth
As of 2023, Eminem’s net worth is estimated to be around $250 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Early Life and Career Breakthrough
(Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns)
Born in 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri, Eminem spent much of his childhood moving throughout Missouri. He eventually settled in Detroit, where he found his passion for rapping. In 1997, he released his debut album, Infinite, though it failed to gain commercial success. However, his fortunes changed when he released The Slim Shady EP in 1998. The project caught the attention of Dr. Dre, who later signed him to his label, Aftermath Entertainment.
Eminem: Success With Aftermath Entertainment
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame )
His partnership with Dr. Dre proved to be a game-changer, as his next album, The Slim Shady LP, was released in 1999 and went on to sell millions of copies worldwide. The success continued with the release of The Marshall Mathers LP in 2000 and The Eminem Show in 2002, both achieving multi-platinum status.
Acting, Producing, And Shady Records
(Photo by Joey Foley/FilmMagic)
In 2002, Eminem made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed movie 8 Mile, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song with “Lose Yourself.” This success only added to his growing net worth.
Eminem also founded his record label, Shady Records, in 1999. The label has signed various successful artists like 50 Cent, D12, and Obie Trice, further increasing his income through record sales and royalties.
Continued Success and Touring
Big Sean” class=”wp-image-671437″ srcset=”https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-496080462.jpg 1024w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-496080462.jpg?resize=300,211 300w, https://editor.urbanlinx.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-496080462.jpg?resize=768,540 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />(Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Eminem continued to release successful albums, including Encore, Relapse, Recovery, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Revival, Kamikaze, and Music to Be Murdered By. These album sales have played a significant role in Eminem’s substantial net worth.
Touring has also been a crucial aspect of Eminem’s career, with his live performances earning him millions of dollars. Some of his most notable tours include The Up in Smoke Tour, The Anger Management Tour, and The Rapture Tour.
Eminem: Endorsements and Investments
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Eminem’s net worth has also been bolstered by various endorsement deals and investments. He has worked with brands like Nike, Carhartt, and G-Shock. Additionally, Eminem has made savvy investments, such as his stake in Genius.
Real Estate and Philanthropy
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Eminem’s real estate portfolio also contributes to his net worth. He owns multiple properties in Michigan, including a mansion in Michigan, which he purchased for $4.75 million in 2003.
Eminem is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having established The Marshall Mathers Foundation in 2002. The foundation supports disadvantaged youth in Detroit and has donated millions of dollars to various causes.
Conclusion/TLDR
Eminem’s net worth of $250 million in 2023 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming one of the most successful and influential artists in the rap industry, Eminem’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His diverse revenue streams, including album sales, touring, endorsements, investments, and real estate, have all contributed to his impressive net worth.
When you think of West Coast hip-hop from all eras, few names come quicker to mind than Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Moreover, the pioneering duo had an incredible run in the 1990s and beyond and blessed fans with multiple classic records- and the classic West Coast rap song, according to Rolling Stone. Furthermore, the publication recently made a list of the 100 best songs from the sub-genre/region, including all sorts of names. From Ice-T to Kendrick Lamar, Tupac Shakur to Tyler, The Creator and many more, they covered a lot of bases. However, at the very top spot stood Dre and Snoop’s 1992 classic, “Nuthin’ But A G Thang.”
In fact, the duo has more placements throughout the list. For example, the trailblazing rap group N.W.A., in which Dr. Dre was a key member, nabbed the silver medal with the 1988 hit “Straight Outta Compton.” In addition, Snoop Dogg’s “Gin And Juice” landed at the number eight spot. Considering their indelible stamp on so many careers and sounds in the region and beyond, their presence is no surprise. Other names included in the top 10 are the aforementioned Kendrick, Ice-T, and Tupac, plus Mac Dre, Ice Cube, and Souls Of Mischief.
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Top Rolling Stone‘s Best West Coast Rap Songs List
Furthermore, the duo was recently in the news after Suge Knight claimed that Dr. Dre did not, in fact, produce Snoop Dogg records like Doggystyle. “[Daz Dillinger] did the whole- he did everything on Doggystyle. By himself,” Knight alleged. “The whole album was done. He did everything. He produced it. So when it was time to come out, the streets said, well, they want Andre [Dr. Dre] to be on it. And Andre said, ‘I want to be on there.’ So Andre went to Daz and said, ‘Look man, let me say it was produced by me, and put my name on it. You’ll get paid, but let me be the one who produced it.”
Still, Dillinger came through with a takedown of Suge’s claims. “Whats up y’all it’s Daz Dillinger giving y’all the news and info that I’m looking at,” he started. “Hey, Dr. Dre is the best producer in the motherf***ing world. I did not have nothing to do with that, Dr. Dre did that on his own. Suge Knight is lying, I ain’t sign a motherf***ing thing. He’s just covering s**t up because of everything that Snoop has uncovered in the Death Row unveiling of all the business and shady s**t that Alan Grunblatt, little fat f***er, and what they was doing and how they was still in cahoots with Suge Knight. So he’s just making up s**t right now.” Check out Rolling Stone‘s full list here and return to HNHH for the latest on Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
Hip-Hop icons Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are teaming up with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Snoop’s groundbreaking debut album, Doggystyle. The special event, “Snoop Dogg & Friends: 30th Anniversary of Doggystyle,” will occur on June 27th and 28th at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Released in 1993, Doggystyle was a […]
Kendrick leak prod by Dr. Dre. 
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