Dr. Dre and DJ Mustard, two major names in West Coast music and hip hop in general, reunited in an unexpected way this week.
Against the backdrop of a busy Grammy Week, Dre presented Mustard with the prestigious Vanguard Award during Billboard and the National Music Publishers Association’s Songwriter Awards ceremony.
From Mentor To Proud Presenter
DJ Mustard was honoured for his wide-reaching impact on the music industry. Known for his work with artists like YG, Roddy Ricch, and Kendrick Lamar, the Grammy-winning producer has helped shape the sound of a generation.
Dr. Dre, often seen as a guiding force in many producers’ careers, took the stage to present the award. However,rather than delivering a typical speech, Dre used the opportunity to reflect on a rare misjudgment.
“A few years ago, Mustard called me”, Dre recalled. “He said, ‘Hey, Big Bro, I wanna play you some of my new music.’ I said, ‘Alright, pull up. Just don’t play me the same old thing”. Dre had some words of choice about tired tropes used in the music now. DJ Mustard could have taken it on the chin and shut down the project. However, he went in the opposite direction. So, with a smirk, Dre added, “Fast forward, and he put that music out. He played the music, and it was basically his way of telling me to shut the fuck up”.
Admitting When You’re Wrong
That track turned out to be “Not Like Us”, Kendrick Lamar and Mustard’s massive 2024 hit. It dominated streaming platforms, reached No. 1 in 10 countries, and swept five Grammy Awards, just like Eminem predicted. It also helped secure Kendrick and Mustard spots in the Super Bowl Halftime Show lineup.
Having listed all these achievements, Dre said, “I have no problem admitting when I was wrong. And I fucked that up”.
The speech drew laughs and applause, but also underlined Dre’s respect for Mustard’s vision and growth.
A Moment Mustard Won’t Forget
Even though Mustard knew the award was coming, winners were announced weeks ago, he wasn’t prepared for the emotional weight of the moment. After the event, he posted on X:
“DR DRE JUST PRESENTED ME WITH A VANGUARD AWARD WTF 🤯”.
DR DRE JUST PRESENTED ME WITH A VANGUARD AWARD WTF 🤯.
— Mustard (@mustard) January 29, 2026
Admittedly, this award in itself is a big deal. It might impact you even harder when one of the biggest names in hip hop hands it to you. And to hear Dr. Dre saying that he was wrong, and you were right – that’s the next level.
