On November 16th 1999, West Coast hip hop producer Dr. Dre released 2001, his second solo album since leaving seminal rap group N.W.A. Little did the music community know that this would be Dre’s last album for 16 years.
But last night marked the good doctor’s musical return, as his new album Compton streamed exclusively on iTunes. Serving as the soundtrack to the upcoming N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, the record has hip hop lovers going HAM on social media to praise his dope new sound.
“I felt a [great album] coming,” Dre said while speaking to Zane Lowe on Beats 1. “I know that feeling after being in it for so long. “So I just said, ’I’m going for it’ and really started blacking out in the studio.”
He also expanded on the intention of his long-awaited work. “I want this album to be inspiring. I want it to be motivational. So that was the foundation throughout the entire record. The record is just me reflecting and I’m basically just talking to myself.”
It’s remarkable that after so much time, Dr. Dre’s music is still as potent as ever. A lot has changed on the rap scene in the 16 years since 2001’s release. Not only has hip hop’s sound evolved, but so has its role in fashion, dancing, television and more. Read on and see what we mean.
HIP HOP
The culture changed dramatically between 1999 and now.
Then
Now
Ice Cube’s Face
The once hard NWA member stayed mean-mugging every and anyone. Now he’s…happy?
Then
Now
DANCING
When music changes, so do dancing styles.
Then
Now
TELEVISION
Television shows got huge makeovers as well.
Then
The very controversial BET Uncut was a big hit.
And The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was life. People still do the Carlton dance!
106 & Park was THE premiere music countdown show, hands down.
Now
Now, Empire has a cult following (and we’re proud members).
Reality TV is huge right now. Love and Hip Hop is one of most popular series on TV.
50 Cent’s Power is also another mega hit.
FASHION
After the new millennium, outfits slowly began getting more tight fitting for both males and females.
Then
Now
MEDIA
The evolution of the media industry in short a short period of time is absolutely insane.
Then
Now
The world’s changed a lot in 16 years, but one thing has stayed the same: Dre’s ability to drop dope beats. Welcome back, Doc.