Dr. Dre

Today in Hip-Hop History: The Game Dropped His Debut LP ‘The Documentary’ 18 Years Ago

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On this date in 2005, Compton emcee The Game released his debut album The Documentary on Aftermath/G-Unit/Interscope records.

The Game was the first G-Unit representative from outside of NYC to be a part of the then-dominating roster consisting of Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, and its general, 50 Cent. The album was originally called “Nigga Witta Attitude Vol.1,” but Eazy-E’s wife, Tomica Woods-Wright, legally blocked that N.W.A. title reference from being used.

The album received commercial and critical success, reaching gold status in its first week and 2X platinum within the first two months. The singles that received the most acclaim were 50 Cent-assisted, which many felt was the primary reason for the project’s success. “Hate It Or Love It,” “Westside Story” and This Is How We Do” allowed The Game to see the same degree of fame as his Queens boss, but left many critics to wonder if this feat was capable with no guest appearances. The album’s production was a Hip-Hop producers’ Hall of Fame, with the likes of Kanye West. Scott Storch, Just Blaze, Timbaland, and of course Dr. Dre behind the boards. These key elements make The Documentary The Game’s most notable and successful album to date.

Salute to Dre, 50, Em, The Game, the entire G-Unit and everyone involved in one of the most pivotal Hip-Hop projects of the new millennium.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Game Dropped His Debut LP ‘The Documentary’ 18 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Dr. Dre Wanted 50 Cent To Leave “21 Questions” Off Of “Get Rich Or Die Tryin”

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50 Cent pushed to have “21 Questions” included on his debut album, despite Dr. Dre’s hesitancy.

During a recent visit to Big Boy’s Neighborhood, 50 Cent revealed how Dr. Dre pushed back against the release of one of his biggest hits. Fif explained that Dre wasn’t totally convinced about releasing “21 Questions” ft. Nate Dogg, largely because it didn’t fit the mold of Get Rich or Die Tryin.

NEW YORK – OCTOBER 28: Rappers 50 Cent (R) and Dr. Dre arrive at the Shady National Convention to launch Shade 45, a new satellite radio station, at the Roseland Ballroom October 28, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

“He said, ‘I don’t know why you want it?’ Why I wanted the record,” he explained. “I’m like, ‘Damn, man, I gotta do all these muthafuckin’ push-ups,’” Fif added. “I want the girls to like me.”

50 Cent explained that he felt as though Dr. Dre wanted him to follow a similar blueprint to N.W.A., who didn’t rely on catering to certain demographics to expand their reach.

“Like they didn’t have to reach to make a commercial record or anything that sounded like a commercial record,” 50 Cent continued. “And that’s just in his DNA. Like on his path, he’s like, ‘We don’t need that.’”

Inglewood, CA – February 13:50 Cent Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar perform during halftime of the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 in Inglewood, CA.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Despite the pushback, the BMF exec. pushed for the record and the results speak for themselves. “21 Questions,” produced by Dirty Swifty, became a massive hit once it dropped. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking yet another #1 single in his career.

Check out 50 Cent’s comments below and let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

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Tony Yayo Reflects On Studio Sessions With Ye, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent & Eminem

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Tony Yayo recently sat down for a sprawling interview with DJ Vlad. During the pair’s lengthy chat, the 44-year-old dishes on a number of pop culture and hip-hop topics.

In one of the clips, he talks about being in the studio with a number of high-profile names. This evidently includes fellow G-Unit rapper 50 Cent, but also Dr. Dre, Ye and Eminem.

Tony Yayo attends Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s Star Ceremony on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

During part of the sit-down, Yayo talks about the famous back-and-forth between 50 Cent and Kanye in 2007. On March September 11 that year, both artists dropped their respective third studio albums. 50’s Curtis and Kanye’s Graduation subsequently went head-to-head on the charts in a battle for the game’s most popular rapper at the time. Of course, the Chicago native came out on top, selling nearly one million copies in its first week.

“I’ve been in the studio with Kanye a couple of times. I remember him coming to Dre’s studio, ’cause everybody used to come to Dre’s studio. See, that’s why I’m so appreciative, ’cause those experiences for me, I would never forget. Forget the cars.. to be in the studio with Dr. Dre and Eminem, that was my dream,” reveals Yayo.

Another rapper he’s spent time with in the studio is Eminem. “Then we in the studio in Detroit.. it’s cold as a b*tch, we out there with Eminem. This [is] f*ckin’ Eminem, this dude just sold 16 million records. We used to go to L.A. with Dre and then we’d go mess with Em,” reflects the New York native.

Ultimately, it certainly seems as though Yayo is reflecting back on these experiences with gratitude. “That’s why I’m so humble, because my dreams came true, man. I might not have as much cars, chains and b*tches as any other rappers [but] it’s not about that. It’s about the experience, man,” says the 44-year-old.

Elsewhere in the interview, the G-Unit rapper shares his thoughts on Tory Lanez going to jail. “I mean, it could be rough. People are not used to the conditions. You nobody, you just a number. They gon’ make you feel like you’re not R. Kelly or Bill Cosby, they tryna make you feel like you just a number, and that’s what you are, just like everybody else,” he says on his own personal experiences behind bars.

What do you think about Yayo reminiscing on these legendary studio sessions? Comment below. Finally, makes sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and stories.

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Producer vs. Politician: Dr. Dre and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene Face Off in Copyright Showdown

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Dr. Dre's Series Rejected by Apple CEO Due to Violence

An unlikely legal showdown occurred over the past week between rapper/producer/mogul Dr. Dre and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene.  

On January 9, a video was posted on Greene’s social media accounts that showed footage of her strutting through the hallways of the Capitol Building set to the instantly recognizable beat and piano loop from Dr. Dre’s song “Still D.R.E.”

Dre quickly issued a statement to TMZ, stating “I don’t license my music to politicians, especially someone as hateful and divisive as this one.”   This was followed by a scathing letter from Dre’s lawyer accusing Greene of violating the Copyright Act by using Dre’s song in a political advertisement without obtaining a license.  “One might expect,” wrote Dre’s attorney, “that, as a member of Congress, you would have a passing familiarity with the laws of our country.  It’s possible, though, that laws governing intellectual property are a little too arcane and insufficiently populist for you to really have really spent too much time on. We’re writing because we think an actual lawmaker should be making laws not breaking laws, specially those embodied in the constitution by the founding fathers.”

In a subsequent statement to TMZ, Greene took her own shot, responding that “while I appreciate the creative chord progression, I would never play your words of violence against women and police officers, and your glorification of thug life and drugs.” 

However, two days later, Greene’s attorneys wrote back, confirming that “no further use of [Dre’s[ copyright will be made by a political committee or via social media outlet [Greene] controls.”

Artists have frequently objected to the use of their songs in political settings.  Recently, Neil Young, Guns N’ Roses, Pharrell, Rihanna and the Tom Petty Estate have all publicly objected to the use of their songs in Donald Trump’s rallies and campaign events.  Many of those complaints have not been resolved as decisively as this one because the laws that govern the public performance of music are different.  Performance rights are subject to various blanket licenses that raise the possibility that even if Trump does not hold a license to perform the song, the venue in which the event is being held might.

These complications do not apply here, where Dre’s song was used to accompany video footage.  Absent a license, this suggests a more straight-forward instance of copyright infringement.   This is likely why, unlike Trump, Greene was quick to write back and acquiesce to Dre’s demand to cease and desist.  To ignore the issue, or keep pushing back on it, would likely have resulted in a high-profile copyright infringement lawsuit that Green apparently had no taste for.

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Rihanna Gears Up To Take Over February, GloRilla Says She’s “On Wat U On,” SZA Drops”Kill Bill” Music Video & More!

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Single Ladies

From sexy Savage V-Day drops, success with being recognized, and reclaiming our power by telling these men that we’re matching their energy, these bold and powerful ladies are not holding back and keeping 2023 hot. Rihanna Drops Super Bowl trailer +  Sexy V-day Savage Line Bad Girl RiRi had drops upon drops this week. Kicking […]

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D. Dre To Sell His Music Catalog For Up To $250 Million

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Dr Dre

Iconic California producer Dr. Dre is selling his music catalog to Universal Music and Shamrock Holdings. Most expected to be sold will be a few of his albums and royalties from his three-decade career. Catalog For Sale Legendary rap producer Dr. Dre is selling his music catalog to Universal Music and investment firm Shamrock Holdings. […]

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Dr. Dre Close To Finalizing $200M+ Deal Including Music Assets: Report

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Dr. Dre is close to reaching an agreement in finalizing a deal that’s worth $200M, according to Billboard.

Dre’s selling a packaged deal to UMG and Shamrock Holdings that includes music income streams and owned music assets. The Emmy Award winner‘s assets, which reportedly generate $10M annually, are being sold in two separate deals to the companies.

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)

Sources close to the situation claim that the deal with Shamrock includes artist royalties from a pair of solo albums, as well as shares from his royalties from N.W.A. Additionally, sources said his producer included his royalties and writer’s share of his song catalog (the ones where he doesn’t own publishing) in the deal. The writer’s share could include songs from The Chronic.

UMG’s potential deal with Dre could include the ownership of the master recording of The Chronic. Additionally, Dre’s also including his share of Kendrick Lamar’s releases under Aftermath/Interscope’s deal with Top Dawg Entertainment. However, sources did not specify the songs included in the bundle. It should be noted his ownership stake in Aftermath isn’t offered as part of Dre’s assets for sale.

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12: Dr. Dre at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage)

Shamrock Holdings could reportedly snag 75% to 90% of the revenue from Dre’s packaged deal. At the same time, UMG could possibly gain 10% to 25% of the remaining package, consisting of revenue from owned assets.

There are conflicting reports surrounding the number attached to the deal. The asking price is upwards of $250M but sources close say that Dre will likely get closer to $200M. Ultimately, the deal seems to be anywhere between the two figures.

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Dr. Dre Victorious After Marjorie Taylor Greene Deletes “Still D.R.E.” Video

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After coming down swiftly on Marjorie Taylor Greene, Dr. Dre reigns victorious. The Rap icon wasn’t happy when he learned that far-right conservative Greene used his classic track “Still D.R.E.” Greene is a controversial political figure in the U.S. from Georgia who has often perpetuated unsubstantiated QAnon conspiracy theories. She has also spoken at white nationalist rallies, further cementing her political infamy.

Recently, Greene found her name being mentioned among Hip Hop circles. She emerged on social media in a promotional video with Dre’s 2001 hit. Quickly, the Aftermath mogul’s team fired off a cease and desist letter.

“I don’t license my music to politicians, especially someone as divisive and hateful as this one,” Dre said in a statement. He also called out Greene for not following the proper legal avenues to license music.

“It’s possible, though, that laws governing intellectual property are a little too arcane and insufficiently populist for you to really have spent much time on,” the statement continued.

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, holds up a “Stop the Steal” mask while speaking with fellow first-term Republican members of Congress on the steps of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 4, 2021. – Donald Trump and Joe Biden head to Georgia on Monday to rally their party faithful ahead of twin runoffs that will decide who controls the US Senate, one day after the release of a bombshell recording of the outgoing president that rocked Washington.If Democratic challengers defeat the Republican incumbents in both races Tuesday, the split in the upper chamber of Congress will be 50-50, meaning incoming Vice President Kamala Harris will have the deciding vote. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Read More: Twitter Permanently Suspends Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

“We’re writing because we think an actual lawmaker should be making laws not breaking laws, especially those embodied in the constitution by the founding fathers.”

It seems Greene and her team got the message because they sent a reply, and the video has been removed from social media.

Read More: Dr. Dre Slams Marjorie Taylor Greene for Using “Still D.R.E.”

“On behalf of Congresswoman Greene, please be advised that no further use of Mr. Young’s copyright will be made by a political committee or via social media outlet she controls.”

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Dr. Dre Will Be Even Wealthier After A Reported $200 Million Deal For Some Of His Music Catalog

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Dr Dre 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2022
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Dr. Dre is one of music’s biggest financial success stories: A few months ago, former Forbes editor Zack O’Malley Greenburg estimated Dre’s net worth is currently at around $400 million, having previously peaked at about $800 million. Now, he apparently has a lot more dough coming his way: Billboard reports the rapper, producer, and businessman is selling some of his royalties and other music assets for over $200 million.

The assets apparently generate around $10 million in annual income and are being acquired in two separate deals by Shamrock Holdings and Universal Music Group, both of which are reportedly near completion.

As for what’s on the table, the assets “include mainly passive income streams,” like Dre’s “royalties from two of his solo albums and his share of N.W.A. artist royalties; his producer royalties; and the writer’s share of his song catalog where he doesn’t own publishing, which may include the writer’s share of songs on his The Chronic album.” Beyond that, there’s also “the ownership of the master recording of his first solo album, The Chronic, which is scheduled to revert from Death Row Entertainment to Dre in August of this year; his share of an Aftermath/Interscope joint venture with the Top Dawg label for Kendrick Lamar releases through that deal; and maybe some publishing, though it’s unclear exactly which portion of his song catalogs is included.”

He’s not getting rid of everything, though, as Dre will retain his ownership stake in his Aftermath record label.

Dr. Dre Reportedly Looking To Sell A Portion Of His Music Catalog For $200 Million

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Dr. Dre's Estranged Daughter Launches GoFundMe To Get Her Out Of 'Desperate Situation'

Dr. Dre is looking to be the next in a line of artists to sell their music catalog for millions.

According to Billboard the multi-platinum producer and music mogul is looking to sell a portion of his extensive music catalog for $200 million. The report says the catalog will be sold between two deals, one with Shamrock Holdings and another with Universal Music Group. The $200 million portion of Dre’s catalog is said to bring in $1 million annually.

Universal Music Group is said to also be looking to buy royalties from Dre’s solo projects, his share of N.W.A artist royalties, producer royalties, and the writer’s share of songs where he does not own publishing. This may include The Chronic which was published by Sony Music. 

Shamrock Holdings portion of the deal comprises between 75 to 90 percent of the package’s revenue, while UMG’s is about 10 to 25 percent. The deal with UMG might also include handing over the masters to The Chronic, which Dre is set to receive back to him at the end of August from Death Row Records. However, sources say that Snoop Dogg has tried to convince Dre to keep The Chronic on Death Row.

Dre’s longtime attorney Peter Paterno facilitated the deal, and according to the report, the sellers were originally looking at selling the portion of the catalog for $250 million. Despite not getting their asking price, they apparently still got tens of millions above the $200 million that was reported.

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