Dr. Dre isn’t inspired by modern hip-hop.
The 59-year-old rapper and producer admits that he has little interest in the genre at present because none of the material excites him. As one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, with over 300 million records sold worldwide, his opinion carries substantial weight in the industry.
“I don’t want to be disrespectful to anybody right now, but I’m not really inspired by what’s happening with hip-hop these days,” Dre told Complex magazine. This statement comes from an artist whose production work has shaped the sound of modern hip-hop for over three decades.
“It’s not for me. I’ve always said I’m not going to disrespect it or anything like that, but I haven’t heard anything that makes me go, ‘F***, why didn’t I do that?’ I haven’t heard that in a long time, which makes my job easy, to be honest.” Dre’s critique echoes similar sentiments expressed by other veteran hip-hop artists about the genre’s current direction.
Dre has collaborated with Snoop Dogg on the new album ‘Missionary‘ and believes that it is amongst the finest work of his career. The pair’s partnership spans over 30 years, dating back to Snoop’s debut album “Doggystyle” in 1993, which sold over 11 million copies worldwide.
“Snoop came in and allowed me to get down the way I get down,” he explained. Their collaboration history includes numerous platinum-selling hits and has significantly influenced West Coast hip-hop’s sound.
“You know, I feel like this is some of my best work. Because my mentality for the musicianship and everything that goes into doing this s*** within those 12 notes has just advanced so much. So, yeah, I feel like right now, today, this is some of my best work.” Dre’s production techniques have earned him seven Grammy Awards and shaped countless artists’ careers.
Meanwhile, Dre revealed that he isn’t interested in listening back to his old music because of the time he invests in the recording process. This approach is notable considering his catalog includes groundbreaking albums like “The Chronic” and production work for Eminem, 50 Cent, and other major artists.
“I don’t listen to any of the songs I’ve ever made since 1985, which is when I started. I don’t even allow my family or anybody to play that s*** around me,” the ‘Let Me Ride’ rapper said. His work since 1985 includes founding Aftermath Entertainment and helping launch several successful hip-hop careers.
“I think that just the process of recording is what I really enjoy. Just recording the albums, and I’m listening to it enough while we’re recording, and when we finish recording, I wake up listening to that s*** once it comes out. I’m ready to listen to the next s***.” This perfectionist approach has helped Dre amass a net worth estimated at over $800 million.
Dre‘s comments come during a period of significant change in hip-hop, with streaming platforms and social media dramatically altering how music is created and consumed. His perspective as a veteran producer who has witnessed the genre’s evolution from its early days to its current commercial dominance offers valuable insight into the industry’s transformation.
The producer’s critique of modern hip-hop coincides with ongoing discussions about the genre’s direction, authenticity, and artistic merit in the streaming era. His comments particularly resonate given his role in developing the careers of some of hip-hop’s most successful artists and his contribution to defining the genre’s sound through revolutionary production techniques.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dre has been known for his meticulous attention to detail and high production standards, having worked with artists across multiple generations of hip-hop. His influence extends beyond music production to business ventures, including the sale of Beats by Dre to Apple for $3 billion in 2014, demonstrating his impact on both the artistic and commercial aspects of the music industry.
