Lasting Legacy of Dr. Dre: A Look at the Influence on History
How the contributions of Dr. Dre continue to shape the world today.
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.
April 2005: Rolling Stone's Immortals List
In April 2005, Dr. Dre was ranked 54th out of 100 artists in Rolling Stone magazine's list "The Immortals: The Greatest Artists of All Time."
2006: Snoop Dogg on Dr. Dre's Perfectionism
In 2006, Snoop Dogg revealed that Dr. Dre had made Bishop Lamont re-record a single bar of vocals 107 times, illustrating Dr. Dre's perfectionism.
May 2013: Donation to USC for Arts Academy
In May 2013, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine donated a $70 million endowment to the University of Southern California to create the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation.
September 2014: Inaugural Class at USC Academy
In September 2014, the first class of the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation began.
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: Dr. Dre Becomes World's Richest Musical Performer
In 2015, Dr. Dre became the world's richest musical performer due to income from the 2014 sale of Beats to Apple.
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.
June 2017: Commitment to Compton High Performing Arts Center
In June 2017, Dr. Dre committed $10 million to the construction of a performing arts center for the new Compton High School.
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.
2020: Expected groundbreaking of Compton High Performing Arts Center
In 2020, the groundbreaking of the performing arts center for the new Compton High School was expected.
March 2024: Dr. Dre Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In March 2024, Dr. Dre was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
