Dr. Dre Insists Hip-Hop Is Evolving, But He Doesn’t Like Most of It

Dr. Dre insisted in a new interview that dropped over the weekend that hip-hop is evolving, but he doesn’t like most of it.

Dr. Dre and Kevin Hart Talk About the Current Hip-Hop Scene

On July 15, Peacock posted a clip from Kevin Hart’s interview with Dr. Dre on the comedian’s tv series, Hart to Heart. In the clip, which can be seen below, the super producer said at the 4:21-mark that hip-hop is evolving after Kevin Hart spoke with him about the current state of the genre. Before adding his opinion on the matter, Dr. Dre stated that hip-hop right now is interchangeable, and anyone who is speaking down on it is up in years.

Dr. Dre expressed in the video, “Hip-hop is what it is. Anybody that’s talking about the state of hip hop right now, when talking about it from a negative place, sounds like somebody’s f**king grandfather.”

Dr. Dre added: “Hip-hop is evolving. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it, you know what I’m saying?”

Shortly after, Dr. Dre admitted that although he isn’t too fond of what’s out right now, he could never hate on the current hip-hop scene.

“I’m keeping it all the way 100 with you. Some of this s**t, most of this s**t, I don’t like. I don’t listen to a lot of that s**t. But I’m not hating on it. I’m never gonna hate on it,” Dr. Dre said.

Later in the discussion, the former N.W.A member called Kendrick Lamar a forever artist after Hart spoke about Dr. Dre and Lamar’s work together.

Back in 2019, Dr. Dre offered his opinion on the current state of hip-hop in an interview with Beats 1. During his discussion with Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre spoke about how today’s musicians are more worried about releasing a bevy of records than dropping something with more substance.

“Right now, I have to really, really search hard to find something I like, as far as hip-hop goes,” Dr. Dre said. “I think it’s just about the substance. Now it feels like it’s a little more quantity over quality. ‘Made a song last night, I need to put it out tomorrow.'”

Nevertheless, Dr. Dre applauds all the rappers who are making a mark in hip-hop on a daily basis.

See the Best Hip-Hop Albums Created by One Producer

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21 Savage and Metro Boom, Savage Mode II

Slaughter Boomin, LLC

21 Savage and Metro Boom, Savage Mode II

21 Savage and Metro Boomin took about four years to deliver their follow-up to Savage Mode, Savage Mode 2, but it was worth the wait. Sequels always have the looming pressures of measuring up to or exceeding the success of its predecessor, but SM2 is the ideal second coming album. And it’s evident by the effort debuting on the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart in 2020. Perhaps, 21 and Metro’s synergy is tied to their Atlanta-based experiences, but either way, the producer knows how to workshop the proper grim yet energetic ATL trap beats or a feel good R&B-tinged production for 21 Savage to float on with his narrative-like flow (“Runnin” and “Mr. Right Now” featuring Drake).

Kanye West, The College Dropout

UMG Recordings, Inc.

Kanye West, The College Dropout

Released: Feb. 10, 2004

Kanye West’s initial introduction to the hip-hop scene was as a producer for the likes of Jay-Z and Talib Kweli. However, in 2004, he made an indelible mark as a rap artist, delivering a groundbreaking debut, The College Dropout, which features notable hits like “Jesus Walks,” the Syleena Johnson-assisted “All Falls Down” and “Slow Jamz.” ’Ye, known for his complex production usually containing samples from various music genres, like the Chaka Khan-interpolated “Through the Wire,” offered warm, soulful, lively vibes on the effort. He shares stories of his triumphs and perseverance over an array of instrumentation including violins, intense base, strings and guitars. The LP, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2005, is fulfilling and a straight through play. It’s clear Yeezy took his time—four years—to develop the effort and it’s a classic, for sure.

Curren$y and Alchemist, The Carrollton Heist

ALC, Jet Life

Curren$y and Alchemist, The Carrollton Heist

Released: Feb. 14, 2016

Curren$y and The Alchemist’s chemistry is magnetic and it translates in their collaborative efforts, specifically The Carrollton Heist. Now, the 2016 project is presumably named after an actual armored truck heist happened in New Orleans on South Carrolton and South Claiborne Avenues back in December of 2013. However, the tape doesn’t necessarily reflect the incident. Instead, it serves as an escape to the jazz famous city through The Alchemist’s flawless use of his signature piano chimes and entrancing bass lines, which is the perfect canvas for Spitta to tell his well-crafted stories. Especially on the track “Fat Albert” featuring Curren$y’s fellow New Orleans native Lil Wayne.

Boldy James and The Alchemist, The Price of Tea in China

ALC / Boldy James

Boldy James and The Alchemist, The Price of Tea in China

Released: Feb. 7, 2020

Boldy James and The Alchemist is almost a cheat code match-up, especially after the Detroit rhymer and veteran beatmaker offered Boldy’s debut album, My 1st Chemistry Set in 2013. However, on The Price of Tea in China, which was a topic of many conversations in the best hip-hop projects of 2020 debate, The Alchemist manufactured minimalist beats that allowed Boldy James’ authenticity and in-your-face, but very much true-to-self rhymes to illuminate. Boldy’s approach is sometimes monotone, but his delivery is hard-hitting, so he obviously needs complementary production, which is what The Alchemist provided with the sometimes melancholy and other times meditative beats that appear on the album. A crowd favorite, “Surf & Turf” featuring Vince Staples exemplifies this to a T.

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, Doggystyle

Death Row

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, Doggystyle

Released: Nov. 23, 1993

Snoop Dogg’s 1993 debut album, Doggystyle, is laid-back, but charismatic. The Dr. Dre-produced album is a soothing vibe. It’s relaxed, but not uptight and it’s brimming with soul. Dre’s utilization of instrumentation works perfectly with Snoop’s calm, but sometimes stoic bars. Dr. Dre’s mastery of making pristine beats stemmed from his N.W.A days and translates into the Doggfather’s effort. The beats are bold, but fun as seen on the Grammy Award-nominated song “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?.” The effort, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, is also chill, but still colorful. It exudes the essence of California-living, which entails the duality of serenity, but also hardships that Snoop was able to tell in a calm, yet attentive manner.

Juvenile and Mannie Fresh, 400 Degreez

Cash Money Records Inc.

Juvenile and Mannie Fresh, 400 Degreez

Released: Jan. 1, 1998

Juvenile’s third studio album, 400 Degreez, goes down in history as an absolute 1990’s classic. Mannie Fresh created some flawless, unforgettable beats for Juve to offer a range of emotions on wax. At times, the approach is minimalistic, like the anthemic party track “Back That Azz Up,” which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. Then, there’s tracks that can lean towards grim. But over 20 years later, Mannie’s timeless production allows for 400 Degreez to not appear dated in the slightest. There’s funk-driven tracks, New Orleans bounce reminiscent offerings with catchy hooks and bass-heavy, club-friendly joints, too. This is a big-time hit—pun intended—that went four-times platinum.

Cash Money Records Inc.

Hot Boys and Mannie Fresh, Guerrilla Warfare

Released: July 27, 1999

The Hot Boys came out the gate with guns blazing on the Mannie Fresh-produced album Guerrilla Warfare that debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1999. In a nutshell, the album helped garner respect for the Louisiana-based rap collective, signed to the Cash Money Records empire. The quad, comprised of B.G., Lil Wayne, Juvenile and Turk, offer vivid storytelling over alluring beats that fused Southern flair with New Orleans flavor on tracks like “We on Fire” and “I Need a Hot Girl.” There’s also times when the crew trades off sinister bars. As for Mannie Fresh, he’s the perfect piece to the puzzle for the fellas from the N.O. to fire off their usually memorable bars.

Pusha-T and Kanye West, Daytona

Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam Recordings

Pusha-T and Kanye West, Daytona

Released: May 25, 2018

Pusha-T’s third studio album, Daytona, in 2018, was exclusively produced by G.O.O.D. Music founder Kanye West. Short, sweet and to the point, Push has a knack for witty lyricism, that’s definitely his wheelhouse and landed him a Grammy nod for the effort. So, Yeezy is clearly the perfect beatsmith to lay the necessary groundwork to accompany this level of rhyme skill. Pusha-T talks the talk with his boastful raps on songs like “If You Know You Know” and ’Ye walks the walk sonically. At only 21 minutes long and seven songs deep, there is still something left to be desired. Either way, King Push delivers his focused bars about drug selling and lavish lifestyles on versatile beats comprised of pianos, synths and anything else that mastermind Kanye creates. Pusha’s pen game is well received here: there’s seriousness, a little venom and a lot of grit.

Key! and Kenny Beats, 777

Hello! / D.O.T.S

Key! and Kenny Beats, 777

Released: May 4, 2018

Atlanta’s Key! teamed up with Kenny Beats in 2018, and delivered a fun and vibrant EP, 777. Kenny’s production is aggressive at times, but it’s enjoyable and noticeable on their standout track “Hater.” The instrumentation is rarely one-note, but there are moments when Key! lacks depth to par up with the foundation of some of the records. Nevertheless, the chemistry is apparent between the duo and rarely do any of the cuts on the effort feel forced. Instead, each track proves that 777 is a solid listen with plenty of slappers to bump as one or a whole.

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Royce 5’9″ and DJ Premier, PRhyme

PRhyme Records

Royce 5’9″ and DJ Premier, PRhyme

Released: Dec. 9, 2014

A collaborative effort from a veteran rapper and an acclaimed producer really means one thing: an album that will stand the test of time. On PRhyme, released in 2014, DJ Premier offers depth with his production and adds scratches like a garnish, similar to cilantro. As for Royce 5’9″, he unapologetically spits on these nostalgic beats. Truthfully, Royce and Preem resurrect the essence of great rap and equally well-made production on tracks like “Courtesy.” Nothing is compromised or left to be desired on PRhyme. In fact, it’s a hip-hop joyride that you won’t want to get off of once the 56-minute effort is over.

MF Doom and Madlib, Madvillainy

Stones Throw Records

MF Doom and Madlib, Madvillainy

Released: March 23, 2004

Madvillainy, a 2004 work of art by the late MF Doom and acclaimed producer Madlib, was an anticipated offering. With avant-garde production, Doom and Madlib clearly worked in tandem because the songs surpass cohesion, namely on “Money Folder,” which arrived before the effort itself was released. MF Doom, known for his lyrical prowess, radiates seamlessly thanks to Madlib’s bass-thumping production. Though Madvillainy isn’t a mainstream project, it packs a major punch that can be appreciated by the most astute rap aficionado. The beats are thorough and sharp, and you can tell they were crafted with the intention of captivating from start to finish.

André 3000, The Love Below

Arista Records LLC

André 3000, The Love Below

Released: Sept. 23, 2003

On The Love Below, André 3000 exhibits his eclectic rap style, polar opposite of Big Boi, who makes up the other half of OutKast. In 2003, the duo dropped their double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, in which 3 Stacks conjoins pop, funk, jazz and more while crooning melodies over guitar strums, pianos and trumpets, like on the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit “Hey Ya.” Sonically, some music fans compare the André 3000-produced project to Prince’s quality of music. However, there are moments of repetitious harmonies and the lack of Big Boi’s presence is sometimes more noticeable than it probably should be. Still, the album is imaginative, ambitious and places an emphasis on 3000’s musical creativity while achieving RIAA-certified diamond status and receiving Grammys for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album in 2004.

Wu-Tang Clan and RZA, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers

Sony Music Entertainment

Wu-Tang Clan and RZA, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers

Released: Nov. 9, 1993

Twenty-seven years ago, the Wu-Tang Clan offered an insurmountable amount of grit, hardcore lyricism and bass-heavy boom baps on their debut album Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers. The Staten Island, N.Y. collective, then-comprised of RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa and Cappadonna, all displayed their distinct rap styles on RZA’s matter-of-fact production. Stellar tracks “Protect Ya Neck,” “Method Man” and “C.R.E.A.M.” get plenty of replay nearly 28 years later. A sound not necessarily heard from the New York rap scene in prior years, the Wu set a tone and foundations for themselves and the hip-hop game as a whole with their breakout effort, which is undeniably considered one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, Piñata

Madlib Invazion

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, Piñata

Released: March 18, 2014

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib first teamed up in 2014 on their joint album, Piñata. Gibbs offers rhymes like the sharpest stainless steel knife and a delivery that glides through tracks like melted butter in a hot cast iron skillet. “Thuggin,” “Shame” and “Deeper” are the outstanding tracks that rise to the top of the project. Madlib, on the other hand, provides sonics that encourage Gangsta Gibbs to be unwavering with his pen. Seventeen songs long, the LP is comprised of Madlib’s esoteric yet funk and soul-driven beats. There’s moments of synths and strings, too. The groundwork Madlib lays out fused with Gibbs’ profound ability to deliver his own street tales is alluring. There is a clear vision here and it was executed properly.

Blu & Exile, Miles

Dirty Science Records

Blu & Exile, Miles

Released: July 17, 2020

Blu and Exile have perfected their rapper-producer formula and on their 2020 joint effort, Miles, you hear why the pair are a one-two punch. Imagine daydreaming with soothing bars permeating the air for about 90 minutes—that’s what Blu & Exile accomplished here. The mellow production is often comprised of captivating piano keys, a variety of woodwind instruments and of course drums. The instrumentation makes sense, though, especially since the effort is named after legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, who was Blu’s grandfather’s favorite musician and the name of Blu’s son as heard on the track “All the Blues.” The LP is a lengthy listen, but you’ll never feel more at ease.

Jay-Z and No I.D., 4:44

S. Carter Enterprises, LLC

Jay-Z and No I.D., 4:44

Released: July 7, 2017

A Jay-Z album is always a great idea. This is an indisputable fact. When Hov dropped his 13th LP, 4:44, produced solely by No I.D., fans were expecting some pure fire since both are stellar artists in their own right. Plus, this is Jigga we’re talking about here. On the effort, rap heads received vulnerability and knowledge from Jay’s life experiences, which he delivers on “4:44,” “Family Feud,” “Kill Jay Z” and “The Story of O.J.” The LP is an audio diary of sorts on beats that reinforce Hov’s complex, yet easily digestible lyricism. Jay and the esteemed beatsmith are a seamless pairing, too, considering their extensive collaborative history. From the distinctive booming bass throughout the effort to comforting guitar strums, Jay-Z offers a mature project, in which he speaks on a number of topics like getting finances straight, but also divulges about infidelities in his marriage. No I.D.’s beats allow him to do so with the perfect beat palette. 4:44 also earned Jigga 2018 Grammy Award nominations for Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “The Story of O.J.”

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, Bandana

Keep Cool / RCA Records

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, Bandana

Released: June 28, 2019

When Freddie Gibbs and Madlib dropped Bandana in 2019, this was the second time the Gary, Ind. rapper and the lauded producer teamed up to make, well, magic. Undeniable, effortless, illusory magic. This time around, Gibbs’ approach is mature and dignified. But also, the beats don’t necessarily sound like production you might expect from Madlib. This time, ‘Lib offers flavorful and powerful beats unlike the boom-bap route he takes at times. Nevertheless, the cerebral beatsmith crafts a sturdy, yet multifaceted foundation for Gangsta Gibbs to spit the hard-hitting rhymes he’s known for, like on “Flat Tummy Tea.” Basically, Madlib concocts the perfect composition of soul, grit, harmonies and melodies.

Big Sean and Metro Boomin, Double or Nothing

UMG Recordings, Inc.

Big Sean and Metro Boomin, Double or Nothing

Released: Dec. 8, 2017

Big Sean and Metro Boomin’s Double or Nothing showcased Sean Don’s signature introspective, free-flowing and usually braggadocious rhymes, while highlighting Metro’s growth and evolution as a producer. Sean keeps it real in his rhymes and holds nothing back on tracks like “Savage Time.” I’ma take that water from Flint and I’ma go up there to D.C./I’ma make the president drink, he wouldn’t even let it touch his sink,” Sean raps on the song. The chemistry is evident and the sounds Metro creates for Big Sean range from audacious to a successful melding of Detroit’s sound with Atlanta’s trap vibe. Listen to “Pull Up n Wreck” featuring 21 Savage as a standout selection. The album is solid and can be played straight through.

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist, Alfredo

ESGN / ALC / EMPIRE

Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist, Alfredo

Released: May 29, 2020

Alfredo, a portmanteau of Freddie Gibbs’ and The Alchemist’s hip-hop monikers, is easily deemed a work of sheer brilliance. Though only 35 minutes at length, Gibbs lays sniper-esque bars that display his elite lyricism. But he’s also versatile and so is The Alchemist, which is why they work so well together. Gangsta Gibbs delves into subject matters like life in the streets, being a Black man in America and more, while the longstanding producer flaunts his range from whimsical, to serene to gritty beats (“1985”). If you’ve ever cheffed up an Alfredo dish in your kitchen, it takes about 30-35 minutes to make, but it’s satisfying. Perhaps, Gibbs and Alchemist’s Grammy Award-nominated LP is a double entendre as well because they maximized their skillsets on this short, yet timeless project.

Pi’erre Bourne, The Life of Pi’erre 4

Interscope Records

Pi’erre Bourne, The Life of Pi’erre 4

Released: June 21, 2019

Playboi Carti’s 2017 hit song “Magnolia” was an unforgettable moment for rap, namely for the “Yo, Pi’erre, you wanna come out here?” producer tagline before Carti’s bars or the beat even sounds off. In 2019, Pi’erre Bourne came to the forefront of the game once again for his own effort, delivering The Life of Pi’erre 4, the fourth edition of his longstanding music series. The LP has a stellar vibe that is appreciated, from melodic tracks to the smooth production. Although the effort is Auto-Tune-heavy, there are some electrifying moments. Pi’erre’s set the bar pretty high for himself as a producer for Carti and other new-gen rappers, but he proved that he excels both on the mic as well as the boards. “Ballad,” “Poof” and “Guillotine” showcase both well. Pi’erre Bourne is a self-contained unit here and does so seamlessly.