Snoop Dogg spoke in honor of Dr. Dre at the legendary producer’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday. In doing so, he reflected on meeting Dre early in his career and even performed a freestyle tribute to him.
“I wanna thank me,” he joked to begin the speech. “For taking the call from Warren and Dr. Dre in ’91, even though I hung up on Warren a few times ’cause I thought the n***a was lying. I wanna thank me for listening to Dre over the years and letting him be my teacher, mentor, brother, guardian, protector, and most importantly a good friend.” From there, he discussed Dre bringing him along to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Perform At Super Bowl Halftime Show
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform 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)
At that point, he broke into a freestyle performance: “Dr. Dre, my brother from another mother, a rock in the sands on the beach he’d soon discover/Now we deep cover, blood brothers on a mission, Dre’s edition. House with no furniture, studio in the back with a little bit of food in the kitchen/Long Beach to Compton to Calabasas, compositions; pay attention/Quincy had Michael, they rewrote the cycle/So if Dre is Q and Mike is Snoop, we bang G thang, muthafuckin supergroup.” Check out Snoop’s full tribute to Dre below.
Snoop Dogg Speaks At Dr. Dre’s Walk Of Fame Ceremony
Later in the day, Snoop joined Dre for an interview on Live! With Jimmy Kimmel. On the show, he starred alongside Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent in a “Dre’s Anatomy” sketch. Be on the lookout for further updates on Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre on HotNewHipHop.
Dr. Dre is facing backlash on social media for his alleged abusive past, following the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite the celebratory ceremony, some fans weren’t happy with paying tribute to a man responsible for such controversial actions.
“Dr Dre has been named as a violent abuser by multiple women. He has stated himself that he was violent but yeah, lets give this name a star and name a grammy award after him. The music industry is sick,” one user on Twitter wrote. When The Neighborhood Talk shared the post on Instagram, other fans had mixed responses. While some did agree, many came to the defense of Dre, and even brought up Chris Brown. “If y’all can forgive Dr Dre y’all can forgive Chris Brown,” one user wrote. Another wrote: “What’s does he’s violent past have to do with the greatest hits of all time he brought us Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and so many great artist.”
(L-R) US rappers Eminem, 50 Cent, honoree Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg poses for photos during the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony honoring Dr. Dre on March 19, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
The ceremony was a star-studded event, with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Jimmy Iovine, and more celebrities all in attendance. At the podium, Dre reflected on the support he’s received over the years. “I’m incredibly grateful for your support throughout the years. Most of us have grown up together. And at nearly 60 years old, you’re still rocking with me, and I really appreciate that,” he said. “Thank you so much. Which is really good, because I’m nowhere near done. You better believe there’s a lot more coming.” Dre added: “Pouring my whole soul and self into my passion for hip-hop led me on a pathway to an incredible career, and I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living doing exactly what I love to do.”
After the ceremony, Dre confirmed on Live! With Jimmy Kimmel that Eminem will be dropping a new album this year. Be on the lookout for further updates on Dr. Dre on HotNewHipHop.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame will be honoring Dr. Dre with a star next to his long-time collaborator, Snoop Dogg. Snoop and Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine will both give speeches at the ceremony. Big Boy will serve as emcee.
“Dr. Dre’s contributions to the music industry are undeniable and have left an indelible mark on popular culture,” Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said in a statement as noted by AllHipHop. “As a producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Dr. Dre has continuously pushed boundaries and set new standards for excellence. It is with great pride that we honor his incredible career and extraordinary impact by awarding him a star on the Walk of Fame. Dr. Dre’s star will serve as a lasting symbol of his immense talent and enduring legacy in the world of music. What is special regarding the location chosen for Dr. Dre’s star is that it will be next to the star of his longtime friend Snoop Dogg!”
HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Jimmy Kimmel, Quincy Jones, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre. Leron Gubler, Warren G and Mitch O’Farrell attend a ceremony honoring Snoop Dogg With Star On The. Hollywood Walk Of Fame on November 19, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/WireImage)
Dre and Snoop have collaborated for decades at this point. Outside of music, they even teamed up for a new line of canned alcoholic drinks named Gin & Juice, earlier this year. The name is a reference to their iconic song by the same name from 1994. “Together, we always try to create magic, we’re having fun being creative, and everything about this product is really us,” Dr. Dre said. “There’s passion behind it, and friendship and love and a culture. We’re shooting to make everything we do magnificent, and fortunately, most of the time we hit the target.”
Dre’s star unveiling ceremony will go down on March 19. Be on the lookout for further updates on Dr. Dre on HotNewHipHop.
Dr. Dre will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024. Others to be celebrated will include Gwen Stefani, Def Leppard, Brandy Norwood, Charles Fox, Darius Rucker, Glen Ballard, Sammy Hagar, and Toni Braxton, among a total of 31 others.
Selection committee member and radio host, Ellen K, reacted to the final list, as noted by Uproxx. “The committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people,” she said. “We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Dr. Dre, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Eminem attend the ceremony honoring Curtis. “50 Cent” with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Dr. Dre has participated in the ceremonies honoring numerous other hip-hop artists over the years including 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest producers in the history of the genre. Dre began his career as a member of the iconic rap group, N.W.A. Critics often credit him as a key figure in the popularization of West Coast G-funk in the 1990s. The Library of Congress has selected his debut studio album, The Chronic, for preservation in the National Recording Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” In the 2000s, he shifted his focus to helping other artists with their own careers, signing both Eminem in 1998 and 50 Cent in 2002.
In addition to his music career, Dre is also the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He also co-founded and previously served as the president of Death Row Records. The Hollywood Walk Of Fame has yet to announce an exact date next year for his star unveiling ceremony. Be on the lookout for that announcement on HotNewHipHop.
Angie Martinez is one of the key voices in radio today. Known as “The Voice of New York,” she has been in radio for over 20 years. Her latest endeavor has been her podcast titled IRL, which has seen guests from the music and media world of all kinds and generations. However, she was at Hot 97, a prominent rap station in New York, before this. She later left for another New York outlet, Power 105. These tenures resulted in her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020. Angie also spent some time behind the mic as a rapper too. She built her reputation by working with prominent figures in both fields in the late ’90s and early 2000s. With a résumé so expansive, it comes as no surprise she’ll be receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.
Angie Martinez’s Time At Hot 97
Angie Martinez during Sizzla at Hot 97.1 FM – July 19, 2005 at Hot 97.1 FM in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Angie Martinez’s place in the radio world began in Miami at Power 96. While living in New York, her mom sent her to Miami for the summer to give her something to do that aligned with her love of music. While she only had an internship, the hustle and bustle of live radio excited her. When Angie returned to New York, she got a job at Hot 97. In an interview with Complex, she spoke of how the station played dance music and later crossover artists that blended dance and hip-hop. The true hip-hop songs were only played at night with fewer listeners. The station brought in Funkmaster Flex, who was an integral part of its transformation into a hip-hop station. Angie worked with him directly.
Working with Funkmaster Flex was how Angie Martinez first got her foot in the door as an on-air personality. In the same Complex interview, she spoke about how Flex was more comfortable talking to her than talking to the radio listeners. He would address her while she was in the room, and she would chime in so the people listening could hear her, too. This led to her being on air alone in the very late hours of the station, 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The station liked how she handled the calls during that time, her genuine knowledge of the culture, and her technical knowledge of playing the music. They moved her to 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. That’s when she started doing interviews that began with local artists and soon progressed to chart-topping artists.
Angie’s Time At Power 105 & Beyond
Angie Martinez spent over ten years at the radio station Hot 97. In short, she said it was time to leave because she didn’t feel at home anymore. Upon arriving at Power 105, she was given a show named after her. With her years of experience, she was able to start her own podcast, IRL. Guests on this platform have ranged from Janelle Monáe to Derek Jeter to Taraji P. Henson. Martinez has also written a book about her life titled My Voice, released in 2016. She’s also done some acting, appearing in Paper Soldiers (2002), Brown Sugar (2002), and Paid in Full (2002). Most recently, she appeared on ABC’s special Hip Hop at 50: Rhythms, Rhymes and Reflections, where she hosted panels for figures in rap from the past and present.
Angie Martinez’s Rap Background
Angie Martinez spent her career regularly speaking with artists on the radio, but she also jumped into the rap world for a time. Her start in music came from legendary co-signs. KRS-One put her on his song “Heartbeat” in 1997, and she appeared on the platinum-selling “Ladies Night Remix” of “Not Tonight” by Lil Kim. This one also featured Missy Elliott, Left Eye, and Da Brat. Her debut album, Up Close and Personal, dropped in 2001 and was filled with features from titans in rap. These included Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and more. The album’s lead single, “Dem Thangz” was produced by The Neptunes. The album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop. She dropped her next album, Animal House, the following year.
Angie Martinez’s Legacy
Angie Martinez is an integral part of the culture of hip-hop. She’s been around long enough to see how it has transformed. She was a part of that change herself. As a woman in the industry, she was a trailblazer for those who came after her. She also saw how women have gone from being looked down on in the rap game to often outselling the men. Her love of the culture that started as a teenager ensured her interviewing skills were always top-tier. And her interviewees are legendary, ranging from Tupac to Drake and beyond. Her connections in the music world helped her build long-standing relationships and respect among industry professionals. Her getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is earned and well-deserved.
Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away in August 2020 from colon cancer. The actor was only 43 years old and in the midst of a surging career that saw him be Black Panther in the Marvel movies and an Oscar nomination for best actor in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom after his passing. Now, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is immortalizing the beloved Boseman with a posthumous star on their famed boulevard. According to Pop Hive and RapTV Instagram accounts, the HWF decided to give Chadwick Boseman his flowers for his cultural impact.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame announces new additions at regular intervals. The most recent additions are mostly titans of the music industry. Last ceremony, Blake Shelton, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Ming-Na Wen, and Tupac Shakur got their stars. Tupac and Boseman are both getting their stars after untimely deaths, but both were pivotal to pop culture.
Chadwick Boseman had a great career even if the window was cut too short. Other than playing King T’Challa in the Black Panther franchise, he was also Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up, two major African American historical figures. He won the SAG Award for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role for the part of Levee Green in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a sign that the actor was looking for more roles of a serious nature. Chadwick Boseman was a big part of the movie world, and that world mourns his loss to this very day.
The Walk of Fame Class of 2024 is studded with stars from all over the entertainment industry. In the film category, Boseman, Marvel frontman Kevin Feige, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Michelle Yeoh are receiving stars. TV stars Ken Jeong and Eugene Levy, along with sports legends Billie Jean King and Carl Weathers, made the list. For the music stars, recipients include Def Leppard, Sammy Haggar, Darius Rucker, Gwen Stefani, and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young. Otis Redding is getting a posthumous star as well in the Live Performance category.
Ludacris has become one of the few rappers to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star, numbered 2,756, now belongs to him and is located at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The unveiling of the star was held earlier today and livestreamed online. Ludacris was accompanied by an impressive lineup of supporters, as well. Big names such as LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Vin Diesel, and Tyrese were all in attendance. However, there was a particularly moving moment for the rapper during the ceremony. Legendary Los Angeles radio host Ellen K announced that Luda’s eldest daughter, Karma, would be sharing some thoughts. The rapper had no clue.
“I was fighting tears. Seriously, I was glad that I had my sunglasses on today,” Ludacris said. “That blew me away. Usually, it’s not easy for people to keep certain things from me, but that was 100 percent a surprise. Seems like everybody knew but me! I’m a little pissed off right now. I’m a little mad.” The ceremony came just before the debut of Luda’s new Fast and Furious film, which is set to release tomorrow.
As the ceremony was a celebration of all of Ludacris’ accomplishments, he made sure to thank those who helped him get where he is. The rapper acknowledged and praised his contemporaries and supporters. Furthermore, he emphasized that he owes his success to the collective of individuals who contributed to shaping him into the person he is today. “No matter what people say I can’t do, I will continue to shatter those stereotypes and show people it’s possible in order to make everyone who got me here proud,” Ludacris noted. “Because you all inspire my hard work and dedication to receive this star today. I’m motivated by legacy and history.”
Luda continued to thank those who came to support him during the ceremony. “I’m just so thankful. So, getting a star is a statement, but be clear about this statement, the even bigger statement to me is that we are all interconnected,” he said. “And I am a culmination of the people who showed up for me today believing in me and pushing me to inspire me. So y’all be clapping for me all day I’m gonna need y’all to give yourselves a round of applause. Because I’m nothing without you.” It’s an extremely selfless sentiment on a special day for Luda. What do you think about his comments? Let us know below!
