T.I., Trae Tha Truth and Troy Ave decide to hop on Dej Loaf's fast rising song "Try Me" and give it a Grand Hustle remix.
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Video After The Jump
Troy Ave, T.I., Spodee and Yung Booke link up to film an official music video for "Money On My Mind." The song is off of Hustle Gang's Get Dough or Die 2 (G.D.O.D. 2) mixtape. The clip was directed by Philly Fly Boy.
Download it now from Datpiff http://www.datpiff.com/Hustle-Gang-GDOD-2-mixtape.646564.html.
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ABN boss and Grand Hustle member Trae Tha Truth returns with new visuals for his song "Shits Crazy." The song features Mug, Rod-C and D-Boy. The music video was directed by Philly Fly Boy.
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O.T.F. boss Lil Durk wasn't going to be left out of the wave of rappers who have hopped on Def Loaf's popular song "Try Me." Take a listen to the DDS-produced remix up top.
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Scarface is one of a handful of living legends in the rap game. The Houston emcee has been making certified classics for over two decades as a member of the Geto Boys, Facemob, The Product and as a solo artist.
His next album is entitled Deep Rooted and will be released this year. Here's a new banger featuring Akon, "The Exit Plan." Produced by Cardiak.
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106 & Park host Bow Wow hops on the instrumental to TeeFlii's buzzing DJ Mustard-produced single entitled "24 Hours." Listen up top and download it here http://linkmixes.com/2omzjtdrab28.
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With Wiz Khalifa's "We Dem Boyz" single starting to blow up, Diddy decides to remix it with help from French Montana and Meek Mill. Download it here https://soundcloud.com/badboyrecords/puff-daddy-wedemboyzremix-ft-meekmill-frenchmontana-dirty.
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DJ Whoo Kid, Coach PR and DJ Ceasar will release their Wake & Bake Volume 1 mixtape on April 20. One of the tracks featured on the project is "Hydroponic" with Kurupt, B-Real, Wiz Khalifa, Malley Mall and Knotch. Download here http://www.audiomack.com/song/paperchaserdotcom/hydroponic.
Follow Kurupt, B-Real, Wiz Khalifa, Malley Mall, Coach PR, DJ Ceasar and DJ Whoo Kid on Twitter.
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The king of kush is back with something new for his fans. Taylor Gang boss Wiz Khalifa rolls one up and steps into the booth to remake Schoolboy Q's "Man of the Year" into a weedmix he calls "Maan!" Download it here http://www.audiomack.com/song/paperchaserdotcom/maan-weedmix.
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ENJOY THE MUSIC ! CHEERS & RESPECT FROM BELGIUM !
As was the case with Tupac Shakur, a sex tape has emerged involving late West Coast singer Nate Dogg according to TMZ.
The 5-minute tape is being shopped to various porn outlets without any offers being made so far. Hopefully a buyer won't surface and Nate can rest in peace.
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When Nate Dogg died in March 2011 he left behind a $300,000 medical bill at a treatment facility he stayed in from 2008-2010 after suffering a massive stroke.
CareMeridian rehabilitation facilities sued Nate's estate and a record label owner named David Michery to recoup the costs. A judge agreed with CareMeridian and ordered the bill be paid by Michery and Nate's estate.
Michery tells TMZ he originally agreed to pay the bill in 2010 only because "none of Nate's so-called rapper friends" would help. Michery claims that CareMeridian told him Nate's life depended on him getting the rehabilitation they could provide.
"I was the only person who would come forward because I didn’t want him to die," Michery told TMZ. "Me and Nate have 20 years history together and I did what everyone should have done and tried to save his life ... not let him get kicked out in the streets and die. I would do it again in a minute. I just wish that the people he looked out for all these years and the people who claim to love him so much would help out."
Michery says he owns several unreleased Nate Dogg songs, and will sell those to pay off his medical bills.
One of Nate's good industry friends was rapper/producer Warren G. He denies turning his back on the singer.
"I rode with Nate 'til the end," Warren said. "I did what I could do for him with other things financially. If I was able to pay for his hospital bill, I would have. I made several calls to numerous people for help. I love Nate ... he's my brother."
TMZ said they called several other rapper who were supposed to be close to Nate and didn't get a reply back.
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Pics After The Jump
Whitney Houston was in Hollywood, California last night to perform at the Kelly Price & Friends Unplugged: For The Love Of R&B Grammy Party at Tru Hollywood.
The superstar singer performed "Yes Jesus Loves Me" with Price, then things seemed to go downhill from there.
The Insider is reporting Whitney appeared dazed and had a very aggressive attitude as she left the venue.
According to SheSoMajor the singer had cuts on her wrists and blood dripping down her leg while yelling at photographers.
Houston was accompanied by Snoop Dogg's wife, Shante Broadus.
Check out the pics of Whitney looking a mess courtesy of SheSoMajor.
Whitney Houston & Kelly Price singing "Yes Jesus Loves Me"
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It's always interesting watching rappers get interviewed by The Breakfast Club. DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God have a way of getting them to admit to certain things they may not want to.
Bow Wow was the latest artist to sit in the hot seat. The YMCMB rapper talked about the fallout stemming from putting his estranged alcoholic father in one of his webisodes, dealing with constant rumors, chopping it up with Snoop Dogg about doing a movie based on his life and becoming a father for the first time.
In addition Bow talked about past relationships with Karrine "Super Head" Steffans, Kim Kardashian, Dollicia Bryant and Ciara.
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Here's the cover art for Slim The Mobster's War Music street album.
The Dr. Dre protege plans to drop the project on November 8.
Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, the album is being executive produced by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Sha Money XL.
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Videos, Pics And Full List Of Winners After The Jump
The 2011 Billboard Music Awards were held last night (May 22) and Eminem and Justin Bieber won big, taking home six awards apiece.
Other winners on the night included Usher, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Taio Cruz and Taylor Swift, who each bagged three trophies.
Fans were also treated to a steamy performance of "S&M" by Rihanna and Spears that was sealed with a kiss.
Beyonce received the Millennium award, which was presented to her in a pre-recorded video by Michelle Obama, Lady GaGa and her mother Tina Knowles.
B was humble and gracious in accepting the award. She thanked Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, her mother, father and also the two original members of Destiny's Child Letoya Lucket and LaTavia Roberson for their influence on her career.
She ended her acceptance speech by thanking her husband. “I don’t want to put you on the spot because I know their probably putting a camera in your face right now, but I love me some Jay-Z,” she said.
Check out the performances and full list of winners below.
2011 Billboard Music Awards Winners:
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist:
Eminem
Top New Artist:
Justin Bieber
Top Male Artist:
Eminem
Top Female Artist:
Rihanna
Top Duo/Group:
The Black Eyed Peas
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist:
Katy Perry
Top Digital Songs Artist:
Katy Perry
Top Radio Songs Artist:
Rihanna
Top Touring Artist:
U2
Top Social Artist:
Justin Bieber
Top Streaming Artist:
Justin Bieber
Top Digital Media Artist:
Justin Bieber
Top Pop Artist:
Lady Gaga
Top R&B Artist:
Usher
Top Rap Artist:
Eminem
Top Country Artist:
Taylor Swift
Top Rock Artist:
Train
Top Alternative Artist:
Mumford & Sons
Top Latin Artist:
Shakira
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
Lady Gaga
Top Christian Artist:
Chris Tomlin
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Millennium Award:
Beyonce
Touring Award:
U2
Icon Award:
Neil Diamond
ALBUMS AWARDS:
Top Billboard 200 Album:
Eminem -- "Recovery"
Top Pop Album:
Justin Bieber -- "My World 2.0"
Katy Perry -- "Teenage Dream"
Top R&B Album:
Usher -- "Raymond v. Raymond"
Top Rap Album:
Eminem -- "Recovery"
Top Country Album:
Taylor Swift -- "Speak Now"
Top Rock Album:
Mumford & Sons -- "Sigh No More"
Top Alternative Album:
Mumford & Sons -- "Sigh No More"
Top Latin Album:
Enrique Iglesias -- "Euphoria"
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Lady Gaga -- "The Fame"
Top Christian Album:
Skillet -- "Awake"
SONG AWARDS:
Top Hot 100 Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Top Digital Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Top Radio Song:
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"
Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Nelly -- "Just A Dream"
Top Streaming Song (Video):
Justin Bieber Feat. Ludacris -- "Baby"
Top Pop Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Top R&B Song:
Usher Feat. will.i.am -- "OMG"
Top Rap Song:
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Top Country Song:
Lady Antebellum -- "Need You Now"
Top Rock Song:
Train -- "Hey, Soul Sister"
Top Alternative Song:
Neon Trees -- "Animal"
Top Latin Song:
Shakira Feat. Freshleyground -- "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)"
Top Dance Song:
Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina -- "Stereo Love"
Top Christian Song:
Chris Tomlin -- "Our God"
Beyonce “Run The World (Girls)”
Beyonce - Millenium Award acceptance speech
Ke$ha "Animal" x "Blow"
Rihanna "S&M" remix Featuring Britney Spears
Nicki Minaj "Super Bass" x "Till The World Ends" Ft. Britney Spears
Pitbull "Everything Tonight" Ft Ne-Yo
Mary J. Blige "Someone To Love Me (Naked)" Ft. Lil Wayne
One Republic "Good Life" x Far East Movement "If I Was You" Ft Snoop Dogg
Rihanna wins "Female Artist Of The Year"
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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD/STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!
�
TRACK LIST:
�
�
01. Snoop Dogg Feat. Wiz Khalifa - That Good
02. Kanye West - Eyes Closed
03. Slaughterhouse Feat. Dres- Back On The Scene
04. iLLA - KiLLA (Prod By Stewie Vuiton)
05. Yelawolf - Shit Ive Seen Feat. Trae Tha Truth
06. Terrace Martin Feat. Kendrick Lamar & CyHi Da Prynce - Thirsty
07. Rick Ross Feat. Drake - Made Men
08. Young Jeezy Feat. USDA - The Lick (Prod By Drumma Boy)
09. Eminem - Good Morning (Remix)
10. Sha Stimuli - Am I Different Ft Reks
11. City Of Angels Feat. The Game and American Idol's Asiah Epperson
12. ON-DECK-STONED_UNDERGROUND - Think We Got A Problem
13. Pryme Minister featuring GRAFH - Road to Redemption
14. Quon - �I Want It All Ft JIGG
15. T-Pain Ft. J-StEeZ - Motivated
16. Jesse and J. Probs, Richie Sosa, Whoo Kid - Everyday
17. Mike iLLs Ft. K Quick, DP - It's Over
18. Boy Face - Groovin (Dogg Pound Next Generation)
19. Young nature feat. soldier hard (the voice of the troops) - stay true
20. Whiplash - Ghetto Surfer
21. Taina Lene - Single
22. C. HUSTLE,PROJECT PAT,T-WATTS,P.RUFFINS - WE ON DA BUISINESS
23. B-funk'n - by the balls re-mix
24. Dianca Denay - Bum�
�
ARTISTS: SUBMIT SONGS TO COAST 2 COAST AT WWW.C2CSUBMISSIONS.COM
NEED ONLINE/MIXTAPE PROMOTION? VISIT WWW.COAST2COASTPROMO.COM
Video After The Jump
The wait wait is almost over, you can mark a date on your calender for the long awaited 'Detox' album.
Just Blaze uploaded a video via his Twitter account announcing Saigon's 'Greatest Story Never Told' drops February 15. He then turned the camera towards Dr Dre. "Pow Pow 4/20 baby... 4/20 I'm coming." Dre said
I got hyped, but then looked at my calender and saw that April 20 falls on a Wednesday. Not a likely day of the week for such a high profile release.
However 4/20 is also National Weed Day which would make perfect sense for the man who made "Chronic" a household name.
Either way, expect 'Detox' to drop sometime around that date.
Interscope needs a guaranteed first quarter mega-hit album, since Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' doesn't drop until May.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Reggae star Collie Buddz adds his spin to Dr Dre's ode to that good green sticky icky.
It’s easy to pick a great Dr. Dre beat. Picking 50 of them isn’t too difficult either. Where the task gets hard is in sorting them out.
There are still some people in the XXL offices who are disagreeing with each other over where certain beats fell in the pecking order, and we are sure our faithful readers will do the same. As a matter of fact, we can’t wait to hear what from our readers what we got wrong, why number five should have been number 20, and why some beat we didn’t put on the list should have been included.
So without further ado, let’s get right into the 50 Greatest Dr. Dre beats of all time.
50. “Fight Music” – D12 (2001)
Album: Devil’s Night
A hard-charging, hyper rap-rock cut samples Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” showcased Dre’s versatility on the boards.
49. “Natural Born Killaz” — Dr. Dre & Ice Cube (1995)
Album: Murder Was The Case (The Soundtrack)
The first Dr. Dre and Ice Cube recording since their N.W.A days was an audio massacre. A sinister beat fuels Cube and Dre to spit some of their most brutal verses.
48. “Remember Me” — Eminem (2000)
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
A brooding and eerie concoction served to be the perfect backdrop for Em, Stick Fingaz, and RBX to spit gruesome bars over.
47. “Boss’ Life” — Snoop Dogg (2007)
Album: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
The Snoop D-O-Double G bosses up over a menacing bass line and delicate keys for smoothed-out G-ride.
46. “Family Affair” — Mary J. Blige (2001)
Album: No More Drama
The rolling bass line and rich keys made for a ubiquitous club banger that everyone could enjoy.
45.“B*tches Ain’t Sh*t” — Dr. Dre (1992)
Album: The Chronic
The raucous posse cut built from Funkadelic’s “Adolescent Funk,” and MC Shan’s “The Bridge” was a rambunctious example of the Doc’s patented gangster sound.
44. “Fast Lane” — Bilal (2001)
Album: 1st Born Second
Neo-soul meets G-funk for a soul-stirring knock that was street but sweet.
43.“Been There Done That” — Dr. Dre (1996)
Album: Dr. Dre Presents…The Aftermath
Dre’s emancipation from Death Row spawned the cooler-than-thou cinematic cut.
42. “Satisfaction” — Eve (2003)
Album: Eve-Olution
The blond bombshell was such a f-ing lady over Dr. Dre’s stripped down funky one-two groove
41.“Express Yourself” — N.W.A (1989)
Album: Straight Outta Compton
Co-produced with DJ Yella, the good doctor infused the 70’s soul/funk classic “Express Yourself” (Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band) with some of that gangster s**t to express himself.
40. “My Name Is” — Eminem (1999)
Album: The Slim Shady LP
The genius of Em’s debut single lays behind Dre’s decision to keep his presence as minimal as possible, so as this then fairly unknown MC could show and prove on his own.
39.”Ask Yourself A Question” — Kurupt (1998)
Album: Kuruption!
The West Coast icon blessed Kurupt with a sparse bouncy backdrop to perfectly showcase the underrated MC’s talent on mic.
38. “F*ck You” — Dre (1999)
Album: 2001
Dre proved that along with the street, the club and the whip, he can also make tracks that knock in the sheets.
37. “Poppin’ Them Thangs” — G-Unit (2003)
Album: Beg For Mercy
Dre gathered muted guitars, dark backdrops and rolling piano stabs to create a timeless head nodder.
36. “Next Episode” — Dr. Dre (1999)
Album: 2001
The West Coast legend took David McCallum’s “The Edge” and turned it on it’s head, creating one of the most gangsta, cinematic instrumentals of all time.
35. “Lil’ Ghetto Boy” — Dr. Dre (1992)
Album: The Chronic
While he borrowed both the song title and the sample from Donny Hathaway, Dre proved to fans that he also had enough soul to compose tunes that would one day put his name amongst the greats.
34. "Westside Story” — The Lame (2004) Album: The Documentary Dre laced the Compton MC with a menacing backdrop for this standout joint from 2005’s The Documentary, with a deep organ sounds and high pitch keys.
33. “Outta Control” Remix — 50 Cent (2006)
Album: The Massacre
The Mighty D-R-E slimmed down his G-Funk sound for the clubs, with this 2006 cut that you could easily dance to or play the wall and bop your head with the rest of the thugs
32. “Afro Puffs” — The Lady Of Rage (1994)
Album: Above The Rim (The Soundtrack
Lifting two grooves from Johnny Guitar Watson (“Superman Lover” and “Love That Will Never Die”), the good Doc concocted an evil sounding, trunk rattling banger for the West Coast rapstress that still rocks rough and stuff 16 years later
31. “Ain’t No Fun” — Snoop Dogg (1993)
Album: Doggystyle
This classic track from Snoop’s heralded 1993 debut album, Doggystyle, showcases Dre’s signature laid-back G-Funk sound. Incorporating samples from Issac Hayes (“A Few More Kisses”) and Lynn Collins (“Think [About It]“), gang bangin’ never sounded so smooth.
30. “Keep Their Heads Ringin’ — Dr. Dre (1995)
Album: Friday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The spacey, funky production on this cut from the Friday soundtrack is still living up to its title 15 years later.
29. “Hello” — Ice Cube (2000)
Album:War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)
Dre and MC Ren hopping on this track from War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)created an N.W.A. reunion and Dre provided an updated sound to go along with it.
28. “Heat” — 50 Cent (2003)
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
50 Cent luh dem gun sounds, and the Doctor laced him with plenty, as a gun being cocked provided the percussion on this Get Rich or Die Tryin’ banger.
27. “Forgot About Dre” — Dr. Dre (1999)
Album: 2001
To this day, this stringy 2001 standout remains one of the best collaborations between Dr. Dre and Slim Shady.
26. “F*ck Tha Police”— N.W.A (1988)
Album: Straight Outta Compton
One of the most controversial songs in hip-hop history wouldn’t have been the same without Dre’s aggressive, drum-heavy production.
25. “Imagine” — Snoop Dogg (2006)
Album: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
Thanks to orchestral keys and D’Angelo’s soothing voice, this is one of the best Dre tracks to simply kick back and light up to.
24. “How We Do” — 50 Cent (2005)
Album: The Documentary
50 Cent's hook and verses propelled this song up the charts thanks to Dre’s claps and keys.
23. “Lay Low” — Snoop Dogg (2000)
Album: Tha Last Meal
Snoop Dogg’s Tha Last Meal was a slept on album, especially when one considers there were singles like this collaborative effort with Dr. Dre.
22. “Nas Is Coming” — Nas (1996)
Album: It Was Written
This track from Nas’ It Was Written—recorded during a time of heightened tension between the East and West Coasts—also marked the beginnings of Nas and Dre’s collaborative efforts, which soon resulted in The Firm, as well.
21.”Bad Intentions” — Knoc-turnal (2001)
Album: The Wash (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dre lent his touch on the mic and the boards to this up-tempo Knoc Turn’al track which is marked by it’s constant flute sounds.
20. “X” — Xzibit (2000)
Album: Restless
He calls the good doctor. Dre comes with a bone-shattering beat that sounds like a great leftover from the 2001 sessions for Xzibit’s first single off the Restless album, which Dr. Dre also executive produced.
19. “Let Me Ride” — Dr. Dre (1992)
Album: The Chronic
What do you get when you mix James Brown drums, with a bit of Bill Withers’ percussion, then throw in some Parliament for good measure? 1992’s “Let Me Ride,” one of Dre’s most memorable tracks.
18. “Phone Tap” — The Firm (1997)
Album: The Album
In the wake of the dreaded East Coast/West Coast beef and the deaths of both 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G., Dre hooked up with Nas’ The Firm and helped bridge the coastal divide. A testament to the union was “Phone Tap”, Dre’s take on New York’s then-Mafia inspired sound. Ironic how a flip of Chris Barber’s 1959 diddy “Petite Fleur,” (translation: little flower) turned out to be one of rap’s hardest beats ever.
17. “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” — Eve (2002)
Album: Scorpion
Always known for hip-hop hits, Dre once again proved his pop prowess in 2001 when he laced Eve and guest Gwen Stefani with the instrumental for “Let Me Blow Yar Mind.” Hard enough for E-V-E’s aggressive raps, by bright enough for Gwen’s crossover-styled vocals, Dre conjured up the best of both worlds and gained a Grammy for the track.
16. “Guilty Conscience” — Eminem (1999)
Album: The Slim Shady LP
Sure haters poked fun at Eminem, writing him off as a one-hit wonder with his quirky first single “My Name Is”, but by the time he dropped “Guilty Conscience” that same year, even the saltiest of rap heads had to give it up. Dre’s flip of Ronald Stein’s 1970 song “Go Home Pigs,” with it’s prodding bass gave Em the perfect lane to spit some of his best bars and he has Mr. Dre, Mr. N.W.A. to thank for it.
15. “Tha Shiznit” — Snoop Dogg (1993)
Album: Doggystyle
Most artists go to Dre to secure a single, but some times a low-key album cut can be just as potent. Such was the case with “Tha Shiznit” off of Snoop’s Doggystyle album. Who would’ve thought that a sampling of Billy Joel’s 1977 cut “The Stranger” would make for one of the albums best beats? Well, Dre of course.
14. “B*tch Please” — Snoop Dogg (1999)
Album: No Limit Top Dogg
Back when Snoop was riding with Master P’s No Limit label, fans longed for a reunion with the Cali funk doctor and on “b**ch Please”, Dre didn’t disappoint. The formula was familiar, pulsating bass, bright keys and swirling flutes. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
13. “Doggy Dogg World” — Snoop Dogg (1993)
Album: Doggystyle
By the time Snoop Dogg’s debut Doggystyle dropped, the LBC MC was the epitome of gangster; that was until Dre smoothed things out on the album’s third single “Doggy Dogg World.” The deep rolling bassline, calming keys and the overlaying sleigh bells all combined to form one of hip-hop’s most two-steppingiest tracks of all-time.
12. “Ho’s a Housewife” — Kurupt (1999)
Album: Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha
Kurupt’s Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha album was filled with Left Coast goodness, but none sonically better than the Dre-produced “Ho’s a Housewife.” The mid-tempo, bottom heavy track oozed pimpery and was so good that it also appeared on 2001, which dropped two weeks after ’Rupt’s CD.
11. “California Love” — 2Pac (1995)
Album: All Eyez On Me
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, who did 2Pac call to map out his return to rap? Well the good Doctor of course. With his bouncy synths and thumping bass, Dre’s flip of Zapp And Roger’s “Dance Floor” proved to be the perfect backdrop for ’Pac’s West coast ode.
10. “Straight Outta Compton” — N.W.A (1988)
Album: Straight Outta Compton
If N.W.A’s “don’t-give-a-damn” attitude wasn’t obvious in the rhymes of Ice Cube and the group’s other MCs, the message was written all over this beat. Dre may have always had the ability to craft a beat for the dance floor, but in his early years, he was trying to do anything but make people move their feet. “Straight Outta Compton” is a stylized mess of diesel truck horns, shrieking record scratches, and aggressive percussion.
9. “The Watcher” — Dr. Dre (1999)
Album: 2001
It’s here, the very first song on 2001 where Dre proves his comeback was going to live up to all the hype his absence had created. The quiet whisper of the song’s chorus is a perfect compliment to all the instrumentals subtleties — tinkling keys, staccato horn blasts, and bass designed to put necks and bodies in motion.
8. “Still D.R.E.” — Dr. Dre (1999)
Album: 2001
In many ways, “Still D.R.E.” was a comeback record for Dr. Dre. After having taken a hit on his credibility for his lackluster work on the 1996 Dr. Dre Presents…The Aftermath, Dre returned to the form that made him famous with this song, the first single from 2001.
7. “F*ck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’)” — Dr. Dre (1992)
Album: The Chronic
The lyrics to Dr. Dre’s second single from The Chronic were meant to sting Eazy-E, but what probably hurt more was the beat’s trunk-rattling bass line. It’s obvious from the moment “f**k Wit Dre Day” begins, the most talented artist on the West Coast was a man named Andre Young.
6. “Gin and Juice” — Snoop Dogg (1993)
Album: Doggystyle
By the time Doc went to work on Snoop Dogg’s debut album, Doggstyle, the producer’s G-Funk sound was a familiar presence on urban radio. In turn, “Gin and Juice” became a timeless hit record, sounding more like the street and party anthem it was than today’s jingly odes to a rapper’s drink of choice.
5. “In Da Club” — 50 Cent (2003)
Album: Get Rich Or Die Tryin’
It could be argued that without 50 Cent’s catchy hook and rhyme patterns over this fairly simple beat, “In Da Club” would not have been the hit that it was. There’s not much to “In Da Club”; the in-the-face smack of Dre’s drums, simple syncopated string patterns, and a drifting one-note guitar lick, but therein lays the innovation.
4. “It’s Funky Enough” — The D.O.C. (1989)
Album: No One Can Do It Better
Even now, it’s hard to believe Dr. Dre made this beat nearly 20 years ago. The way he pieces together samples of The Sylvers’ “Misdemeanor” and James Brown’s “Funky President” was an audio marvel and a big reason why many consider this record to be one of D.O.C.’s shining moments in his brief career.
3.”Xxplosive” — Dr. Dre (1999)
Album: 2001
This album cut from Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001 was never released as an official single, but it surely felt like one. With its sampling of Soul Mann & The Brothers’ 1971 song, “Bumpy’s Lament”, “Xxplosive” was a proper update of the G-Funk sound Dre ushered in; a funky, soulful sound bed for Kurupt’s ferocious first verse, and Nate Dogg’s bluesy 16.
2. “Deep Cover” — Dr. Dre (1992)
Album: Deep Cover (Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Most noted for being the song on which a young rapper named Snoop Dogg was introduced to the world (then named Snoop Doggy Dogg), “Deep Cover” was a haunting cut with hardcore lyrics to match the beat’s gritty mood.
1. “Nuthin But A “G” Thang” — Dr. Dre (1993)
Album: The Chronic
Dr. Dre and Los Angeles hip-hop were already on the map before the release of this 1992 single from his solo debut, The Chronic, but “Nuthin But A “G” Thang” made the whole country take seriously the contributions of G-Funk. The beat’s sneaky flutes and subtle guitar notes combined with the pavement pounding force of the thumping four-note bass line, woke people up to the idea that melody can indeed sound gangsta.
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