Dr. Dre just sat down for a rare interview that took a trip down memory lane, exploring the golden age of hip-hop and the West Coast sound.
Dr. Dre, known for being elusive with interviews, appeared on the premiere episode of “Behind the Patrol”, a spin-off of The Rhythm & Soul Patrol show hosted by the young Detroit star Lindsey Renee. As Dr. Dre said, he has been following her on Instagram for some time now, amazed by her deep knowledge and understanding of old-school music. So, together, they dive deep. They discuss the music that shaped him, the evolution of different eras, and the impact of technological advancements on creativity.
Dr. Dre shares his love for 70s soul music, particularly Curtis Mayfield’s “Super Fly”. He credits the rise of multi-track recording in the 70s with unlocking a new level of creativity in music.
The interview also offers some interesting insights into Dre’s creative process. He talks about his love for music, recording not just for commercial success but for the joy of creation, and his preference for working with up-and-coming talent.
You never know until the audience lets you know. No matter what you do in the studio, no matter how good you think it is, you don’t know until the audience tells you.
I started recording in 1985, and maybe 20 or 30 per cent of the music I’ve recorded has come out. My music isn’t for everybody. I just love recording for my friends and family. And really, it’s just for me. Some of this to hold, some of this to be sold. That’s what I do.
I like discovering new talent. I’m pushing 40 years of my career right now, and there are just a few artists that I’ve worked with that were established. Those being 2Pac, Mary J. Blige, and Busta Rhymes. Those are the only artists that I worked with in my entire career that were already established. I like working with new, up-and-coming talent.
In a surprising turn, Dre reveals a major regret: selling his massive record collection:
I had a collection of records. I had over 80,000 albums that I stored in the warehouse. And at a certain point, I think it was the early 2000s, I sold all of my wax. I’m still kicking myself about that. It was a warehouse, I had a turntable in there, and a bar, and everything. And all of a sudden it just turned into a bill because I was never going. It took me ten years to decide to sell. I finally did, and I’m really pissed off at myself about that.
This interview is a rare occasion for Dr. Dre to speak so warmly and candidly about the subject he is passionate about: music. And if you are upset to learn that we would never hear at least 70 per cent of the music this hip hop genius created in 40 years of his career, remember that Eminem’s new album will feature several tracks produced by the Good Doctor and rejoice. We will hear it later this year, according to the announcement Dr. Dre made himself after his Hollywood Hall of Fame induction.
Watch the video below:
