Challenges in the Life of Dr. Dre in a Detailed Timeline
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Dr. Dre. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Dr. Dre, born Andre Romell Young, is a highly influential American rapper, record producer, music executive, and actor. He launched his career with the World Class Wreckin' Cru and later gained prominence as a member of the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A., which popularized explicit lyrics depicting the realities of street violence. In the early 1990s, Dr. Dre significantly contributed to the development and widespread appeal of West Coast G-funk, a distinctive hip-hop subgenre known for its synthesizer-driven sound and laid-back production style. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and co-founded Death Row Records.
1976: Started at Vanguard Junior High School
In 1976, Dre began attending Vanguard Junior High School in Compton, but later transferred due to gang violence.
1979: Attended Centennial High School
In 1979, Dre attended Centennial High School in Compton during his freshman year, later transferring due to poor grades.
1990: Jenita Porter Sues Dr. Dre for Child Support
In 1990, Jenita Porter sued Dr. Dre, seeking $5,000 of child support per month.
1990: Tairrie B Claims Dr. Dre Assaulted Her
In 1990, former labelmate Tairrie B claimed that Dr. Dre assaulted her at a post-Grammy party.
January 27, 1991: Dr. Dre Assaults Dee Barnes
On January 27, 1991, Dr. Dre assaulted television host Dee Barnes, resulting in a lawsuit and subsequent legal repercussions.
1991: Departure from N.W.A
In 1991, Dr. Dre left N.W.A due to disputes with Eazy-E, leading to the formation of Death Row Records with Suge Knight.
April 1992: Dr. Dre Shot in Leg
In April 1992, Dr. Dre was shot four times in his leg following a verbal dispute with his engineer.
June 28, 1992: Dr. Dre's Mansion Fire
On June 28, 1992, a fire erupted at Dr. Dre's Calabasas mansion due to a barbecue grill and excessive charcoal. The incident led to over $125,000 in damages and minor injuries to two firefighters.
March 1996: Leaves Death Row Records
In March 1996, Dr. Dre left Death Row Records amidst a contract dispute and concerns about Suge Knight's behavior.
1997: Aftermath Records poor sales
By 1997, Death Row Records suffered poor sales, especially following the death of 2Pac and racketeering charges brought against Knight.
1997: Produced tracks on The Firm's Album
In 1997, Dr. Dre produced several tracks on the Firm's 'The Album', however it was met with negative reviews. Rumors began to abound that Aftermath was facing financial difficulties. Aftermath Entertainment also faced a trademark infringement lawsuit by the underground thrash metal band Aftermath.
2001: Lawsuits Involving Dr. Dre
During 2001, Dr. Dre was involved in several lawsuits, including one from Lucasfilm over the THX trademark.
2001: Aftermath Releases The Wash Soundtrack
In 2001, Dr. Dre's Aftermath label released the soundtrack to the movie The Wash, featuring several artists who ultimately did not release full-length albums with the label, and apparently ended their relationships with Dr. Dre.
March 2002: Jacques Loussier Sues Aftermath
In March 2002, French jazz musician Jacques Loussier sued Aftermath for $10 million, claiming that Eminem track "Kill You" plagiarized his composition.
September 2003: Former Associates Complain About Unreceived Compensation
In September 2003, a group of disgruntled former associates of Dr. Dre complained in The Source magazine that they had not received their full due for work on the label.
2003: Dr. Dre Ordered to Pay The Fatback Band
In 2003, Dr. Dre was ordered to pay $1.5 million to The Fatback Band for alleged infringement regarding its song "Backstrokin'."
2005: Initial Detox Release Date
In 2005, Detox was initially set for a fall release, before being delayed.
August 23, 2008: Death of Andre Young Jr.
On August 23, 2008, Andre Young Jr., son of Dr. Dre and Jenita Porter, died at the age of 20 from an overdose of heroin and morphine.
June 16, 2010: "Under Pressure" Leaks Online
On June 16, 2010, "Under Pressure" leaked online in an unmixed form, leading to lukewarm reception and its eventual removal from the final album.
2014: Sale of Beats to Apple Excluded from Divorce
In October 2021, Dr. Dre was served more divorce papers during his grandmother's funeral. The financial owings in this case excluded his past stock ownership of Beats Electronics, prior to its sale to Apple in 2014.
March 2015: Michel'le Accuses Dr. Dre of Domestic Violence
In March 2015, Michel'le accused Dr. Dre of subjecting her to domestic violence during their relationship, though she did not initiate legal action.
August 2015: Dr. Dre Addresses His Abusive Past
In August 2015, Dr. Dre, in an interview with Rolling Stone, lamented his abusive past, acknowledging some of the allegations against him and expressing regret.
August 21, 2015: Dr. Dre Apologizes for His Abusive Past
On August 21, 2015, Dr. Dre issued a statement to The New York Times apologizing to the women he had hurt and expressing deep regret for his past actions.
2015: Public Apology and Domestic Violence Accusations
In 2015, following the release of his album 'Compton,' Dr. Dre issued a public apology regarding his past actions. Also, in 2015, ex-partner Michel'le accused him of domestic violence.
2016: Release of Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le
In 2016, the biopic Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le was released, portraying the abusive relationship between Dr. Dre and Michel'le. Dre threatened a lawsuit but never took action.
2017: Dr. Dre Discusses Dee Barnes Incident in The Defiant Ones
In the 2017 film The Defiant Ones, Dr. Dre explained about the Dee Barnes incident again, calling it a low point in his life, expressing remorse, and condemning violence against women.
May 8, 2018: Trademark Loss to Gynecologist
On May 8, 2018, Dr. Dre lost a name trademark filing to a Pennsylvania gynecologist named Draion Burch.
September 2018: Cancellation of "Vital Signs"
In September 2018, Apple cancelled the television series "Vital Signs," on which Dr. Dre was an executive producer, due to its graphic content.
June 2020: Nicole Plotzker-Young Files for Divorce
In June 2020, Dr. Dre's wife, Nicole Plotzker-Young, filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
November 2020: Nicole Accuses Dr. Dre of Violence and Infidelity
In November 2020, Nicole Plotzker-Young filed legal claims accusing Dr. Dre of verbal violence and infidelity during their marriage, which Dr. Dre's representative denied.
January 5, 2021: Dr. Dre Suffers Brain Aneurysm
On January 5, 2021, Dr. Dre suffered a brain aneurysm and was admitted to the ICU at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
July 2021: Dr. Dre Ordered to Pay Spousal Support
In July 2021, Dr. Dre was ordered to pay $293,306 a month to Nicole Threatt in spousal support by the Los Angeles Superior Court.
August 2021: Dr. Dre's Daughter Speaks Out About Homelessness
In August 2021, Dr. Dre's oldest daughter, LaTanya Young, revealed she was homeless and struggling to support her four children.
December 2021: Dr. Dre Finalizes Divorce from Nicole Threatt
In December 2021, Dr. Dre finalized his divorce from Nicole Threatt for a reported sum of $100 million of his estate.
December 2021: Dr. Dre Divorce Settlement Finalized
In December 2021, Dr. Dre's divorce from Nicole Young was settled, with Dre keeping most of his assets due to the prenuptial agreement but paying a significant settlement.
2022: Apple Subtracted 200 Million from Beats Deal
In 2022, it was found that Apple had subtracted $200 million from the Beats deal after Tyrese Gibson revealed the news of the acquisition on social media.
March 2024: Dr. Dre Reveals He Suffered Three Strokes
In March 2024, Dr. Dre revealed that during his hospitalization for a brain aneurysm in 2021, he also suffered three strokes.
October 2024: Dr. Dre Sued by Marriage Counselor
In October 2024, Dr. Dre was hit with a $10 million lawsuit by his former marriage counselor, alleging threatening and harassing messages.
