Season 1 · Episode 89 Recent

Dr. Dre

Sun, Nov 21, 1999

A look at the trials and tribulations surrounding one of rap music's most successful artists/producers. Dr. Dre discusses his early years as an LA dee-jay, his first rap group, World Class Wreckin Cru, starting Ruthless Records with drug dealer turned rapper, Eazy-E and bringing Ice Cube on board to form N.W.A. N.W.A's gangta rap albums sold millions and their hardcore lyrics found an unexpected audience -- white, middle-class, suburban males. Along his road to fame, Dr. Dre ran into controversy and trouble including multiple assault charges, fines and an eight month jail stint for a DUI and violating probation. In 1992, following a dispute over the ownership of Ruthless Records, Dre parted ways with Eazy-E and formed his own record label, Death Row Records, with Marion "Suge" Knight. Death Row's first release, "The Chronic," was a huge commercial success and garnered Dre a Grammy for best rap solo performance. In 1996, Dre surprised the rap world when he left Death Row Records & Suge Knight, citing differences in music philosophy. Dre started his own label, Aftermath Entertainment and continues to produce and create successful rap artists/music. Includes interviews with Dr. Dre, his family, rap artists Warren G, Snoop Doggy Dog, Eminem, Daz and Kurupt and Jerry Heller (NWA Manager).