7 Songs You Didn't Know Dr. Dre Had A Hand In Creating
The 'Good Doctor,' Dr. Dre turns 50 years-old today, marking another major milestone in the life of an artist who has seen it all. Who would've ever thought the man sonically responsible for such classics as The Chronic and Doggystyle, would end up a billionaire with a global brand as recognizable as the golden arches?
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Regardless of how much success Dre achieves outside of the studio, he'll always be revered as one of the greatest hip-hop producers to ever do it. He's obviously known for his work with names like Snoop, Eminem, and a plethora of others. But with a career that spans three decades, Andre Young has a few songs in his catalog that are sure to surprise you.
1. "Supersonic" - JJ Fad (1988)
This Cali trio struck gold figuratively and literally,when "Supersonic" dropped back in 1988. The production team of Dre, Arabian Prince and DJ Yella, combined with J.J. Fad's bouncy delivery, helped to create a party anthem that would be resurrected 18 years later by Fergie for her 2006 smash, "Fergalicious."
2. "Rich Girl" - Gwen Stefani featuring Eve (2004)
After the success of Eve & Gwen Stefani's "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" in 2001, it was only right Dre link up with the duo three years later, this time for Stefani's Love. Angel. Music. Baby album in 2004. Dre remakes a reggae classic, giving it new life for a new audience.
3. "Even Deeper" - Nine Inch Nails (1999)
Before Trent Reznor signed on with Beat by Dre as their Cheif Creative Officer in 2013, he and Dre worked together on Nine Inch Nails' 1999 double album The Fragile. This time around Dre took on engineering duties instead of production, as mixing assistant on the track "Even Deeper."
4. "We're All In The Same Gang" - The West Coast Rap All-Stars (1990)
The crack epidemic of the 80's ravaged American cities from coast to coast, turning local neighborhoods into full-blown war zones. Many rappers of the era took to wax to shed light on the grave matter, whether on their own or by teaming up for super collabs. The Stop The Violence Movement out of New York City sparked the classic "Self Destruction," while the west coast also released a classic with the call to action, "We're All In The Same Gang." Ice T, N.W.A, Digital Underground and MC Hammer are just some of the impressive names who made their voices heard over this Dr Dre production.
5. "Just Be A Man About It" - Toni Braxton (2000)
Dre doesn't only have to program drums or rap a few bars to make his presence felt on a song. The Doc lent his two-timing voice to Braxton's slow jam for her The Heat album. The song's producer Teddy Bishop, stated in a 2012 interview that either Will Smith or Martin Lawrence was originally supposed to be appear on the song. But due to scheduling conflicts neither could record, so the producer asked Dr Dre who was working out of the room next door.
6. "Miss You (Dr Dre Remix)" - The Rolling Stones (2002)
Straight off of the Austin Powers in Goldmember soundtrack, a classic Stones song gets the Dr Dre makeover. Is it me or does the beat sound like an unofficial remix of Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair?"
7. "Danger" - Burt Bacharach (2005)
In 2005 legendary songwriter/producer Burt Bacharach released At This Time which surprisingly featured some production from Dre. Apparently, Dre gave Bacharach some drum loops and bass patterns that he could use as he saw fit. The end result wasn't only "Danger" but two other songs also featured on the album; "Is Love Enough" and "Go Ask Shakespeare." The album would go on to win the Best Pop Instrumental Album at the 2006 Grammys.