If you ask any hip-hop fan (young or old) to name a few of their favorite classic albums, Dr. Dre’s 2001 will most likely make the list. Yet the success of the album which dropped on November 16, 1999, was hardly guaranteed at first. It’s fascinating to take a trip down memory lane and dive deep into the story of how an album that took 7 years to make would solidify Dr. Dre’s reputation as a hip-hop legend.
In other news, another hip-hop legend formerly known as Mos Def has returned with the launch of his new album, Negus. But this is no ordinary album release; it’s eight tracks are not available to buy, stream, or download.
Before you digest the rest of issue #16, check out this list featuring the greatest of all time artists according to Billboard.
In the late 1990s, Dr. Dre needed more than a hit. He needed to reinvent himself. His follow-up to ‘The Chronic’ allowed him to do that while changing the course of rap history—and papering over the more troubling aspects of his past.
Packed with 26 tracks, the project features a roster of notable guests, including Nas, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Run The Jewels, De La Soul and Pharoahe Monch.
Contemplating everything that’s on your mind, you sit back and look at the window and listen to cars zooming by, your brain muddled with both good and bad memories. Khalid’s “Up All Night” is the soundtrack to a time like this.
After lending her vocals to Sean’s “Single Again,” the former couple reunites on “None of Your Concern,” which also features vocals from Ty Dolla $ign. The two address the aftermath of their breakup and where it all went wrong.
The clip takes place inside a freaky haunted house, as Cordae narrates his come-up from the struggles of the DMV to esteemed rap lyricist. Possessed family members and a younger version of himself appear then disappear like ghosts to help tell his story.
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