BY: Jean Louis

People can face serious health issues, and celebrities are people, so they are affected too. The latest is hip hop artist Dr. Dre, who is now recovering from a brain aneurysm. And, there’s no better time in light of recent events than to uncover the rapper/producer’s best under-the-radar hits. Let’s find the gems from different phases of his career. 

The 80s 

He’s Bionic – World Class Wreckin’ Cru, 1986 

Today, few would link Beats’ head by Dre to these supersonic sounds of the 80s, let alone the World Class Wreckin’ Cru apparel. 

However, the legend did get his start earlier than fans would imagine. 

While his fame seemed to gain traction in NWA, his time with the World Class Wreckin’ Cru gets cast aside. With its two albums, many songs have since been under the radar for Dre, but one that stands out is the 1986 track He’s Bionic in its second and final album. 

With many of his unique sounds commonplace today, the production value emulated Afrika Bambaataa and others from yesteryear. Definitely a song for the times and a vibe that perhaps many can rock with today. 

The 90s 

Zoom – Dr. Dre & LL Cool J (Bulworth Soundtrack), 1998 

At this point, the then Dre was well into his musical prime, making a mark in rap with fellow California artists Snoop Dogg, Tupac, and Ice Cube (give or take an internal feud or two). However, some of his 90s best  are with some of the East Coast’s finest. 

 

Having a hand in many projects for artists like Kurupt and Nas, he established himself as the premier producer. 

There was one combination worth a listen within all of it, and it was 98’s Zoom with LL Cool J. Two greats from the East and West Coast, respectively, delivering a gem. It’s worth a listen for enthusiasts of 90s rap.

The 00s

Fight Music – D12, 2001 

It wouldn’t be a piece on Dre if we didn’t mention Eminem. He’s a white kid from Detroit who Dre took under his wing in the late 90s and would have a meteoric rise, extending the NWA member’s legacy. 

While linked to many of Eminem’s projects, he had a hand in Em’s affiliations. An example is D12’s debut album, Devil’s Night, Fight Music. 

The 10s 

Cheers – Anderson Paak ft. Q-Tip, 2018 

And for the last decade, we have the Grammy award-winning star Anderson Paak, who worked alongside Q-Tip and Dr. Dre to complete a modern gem for rap enthusiasts. Dre’s influence is heard within the beat, and you hear the jazzy but bar-friendly beat of the track. It’s a modern-day marvel itself.