Dr. Dre
A response to general criticism featuring Eminem.
Dr. Dre is an American rapper and producer who released "Forgot About Dre" as the second single from his album 2001 (1999). The track features Eminem and serves as a response to general criticism Dre faced at the time. In the song, Dre highlights his pivotal role in the rap world by listing artists he helped launch, including Eazy-E, Ice Cube, DOC, Snoop D.O. Double G, and the group that said "Motherfuck the police." The lyrics also address claims that Dre turned to pop music and criticism surrounding Nas' supergroup The Firm, an album Dre produced.
- Role
- Executive Producer / Mentor
- Affiliation
- Aftermath Entertainment
- First Appears
- Late 1990s Era (The Slim Shady LP, 1999)
- Status
- Active
- Origin
- Compton, California
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The creation of this track stems from a unique moment in studio history. Eminem's lyrics were originally intended for Snoop Dogg. Eminem wrote the verses and recorded them as "reference vocals" so Snoop could hear how they should sound. However, Dr. Dre listened to the take and liked the delivery so much that he kept Eminem's version instead of replacing it with Snoop's. This decision solidified the dynamic between the two artists on the record.
In Their Own Story
The music video was directed by Philip G. Atwell and filmed between December 24–26, 1999. Released on January 9, 2000, it opens at night with Dr. Dre rapping in front of a city newsstand while Eminem walks through a dark street. The visual narrative includes specific edits to manage content; explicit lines in Eminem's verse are replaced by a skit where he answers reporter Jane Yamamoto's questions about a fire he and Dre started. The video concludes with an unexpected switch to "Last Dayz" by Hittman, who raps most of the first verse as the clip ends. This visual effort earned significant recognition, winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video in 2000.
Reader's Guide
Critics have widely praised the track for its energy and historical context. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called it a standout track, specifically highlighting Eminem's unpredictability. NME wrote that the song "jogs [listeners'] memories" regarding Dre's accomplishments and keeps his legend simmering. Chris Massey of PopMatters noted that the frantic rap of Eminem truly stands out as the freshest voice on board. Greg Tate of SPIN observed that Dre uses the song to ensure everyone recognizes his majesty, with Eminem standing by him "like a cartoon pitbull." The track is widely regarded as one of Eminem's best songs, with both Rolling Stone and The Guardian ranking it number three on their lists of the greatest Eminem songs.
Did You Know?
- Eminem's verses were originally written for Snoop Dogg but kept because Dre liked Eminem's reference vocals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Dre?
He is a legendary rapper and producer from Compton who serves as Eminem's primary mentor and executive producer. As the founder of Aftermath Entertainment, he has shaped the careers of numerous hip-hop legends.
How did Dr. Dre help launch Eminem?
Dre signed Eminem to his label in the late 1990s, providing crucial production and industry guidance during The Slim Shady LP era. This partnership established Eminem as a major force in mainstream rap music.
What is the significance of Forgot About Dre?
Released on the 2001 album, this track features Eminem and addresses criticism regarding Dre's career choices at the time. The lyrics boast about his production legacy by naming artists he helped elevate to fame.
What specific role does Dr. Dre hold in the music projects?
He functions as an executive producer who oversees the creative direction and quality of the recordings. His involvement validates Eminem's talent within the wider hip-hop community.
Is Dr. Dre still active in the industry?
Yes, he maintains an active status in the industry and continues to support his protégé through Aftermath Entertainment. Their long-standing collaboration remains a cornerstone of modern rap history.
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