It took the shepherding of renegade upstart Interscope Records, the financing of convicted drug kingpin Michael Harris and the steady hand of Suge Knight, an intimidating former defensive end, to give it life.Ī 2001 documentary from Santa Monica-based production company Xenon Pictures, Welcome to Death Row: The Rise and Fall of Death Row Records, tells the story of Knight's infamous imprint, as well as the rise of Snoop and Tupac Shakur. For that reason, as well as Death Row's dodgy reputation, The Chronic had a hard time finding release. Despite the success Dre had experienced with N.W.A, he was entangled in contractual problems with his former crewmate Eazy-E's label. * The Chronic: The Greatest Album In Rap Historyīut it almost never happened. It has become the most influential rap work ever made, and perhaps even the greatest, as Jeff Weiss argues. Though a sensation upon its release, the raw-but-melodic work's legend has only grown in the ensuing decades, and today seemingly every MC-producer duo fancies itself the next Dre and Snoop Dogg. Dre's seminal 1992 album, The Chronic, turns 20 next month. The 34-year-old is part of the hip hop supergroup Black Hippy but received critical acclaim for his album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, which went certified triple platinum.įor an introduction to Lamar, try listening to HUMBLE, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe, DNA, Loyalty and Swimming Pools.Dr. Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer who is often said to be one of the most influential rappers of his generation. If you’ve never heard any Mary J Blige songs, start with Family Affair, Real Love, My Life, Not Gon’ Cry, and Be Without You. It would take too long to list all of her accomplishments, but she’s been releasing hits since 1991. Mary J Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. You’ve definitely heard Lose Yourself, Stan, The Real Slim Shady, Rap God and My Name Is. He’s sold over 220 million records, despite making controversial music. Janet Jackson addresses Justin Timberlake backlash over 'Nipplegate' Įminem is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer, known for being one of the best-selling music artists of all time. What happened with Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson? When was Janet Jackson's Super Bowl incident? What was her reaction? He has sold over 37 million albums worldwide and has 14 top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Snoop Dogg burst onto the scene in 1992 after featuring on Dr Dre’s debut single Deep Cover and then on Dre’s album The Chronic. Snoop Dogg, previously known as Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion, is an American rapper and media personality, known for his laid-back attitude and smooth delivery. Listen to Nutin’ but a ‘G’ Thang, Family Affair, Still Dre, The Recipe, My Name Is, and Next Episode to get ready for the event. In 1992, Dre went solo and released the best-selling album The Chronic, and the rest is history.ĭr Dre has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar AND Mary J Blige. The rapper has been on the scene since 1985 as part of the World Class Wreckin’ Cru and then the group N.W.A. You might have heard of Beats by Dre, the company responsible for audio products. Dr Dre is an American rapper, record producer and founder of Beats Electronics.