West Coast Connection Forum

DUBCC - Tha Connection => West Coast Classics => Topic started by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 12:53:07 PM

Title: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 12:53:07 PM
What's up y'all - I wanted to drop by for a few hours and post a few things today.  The schedule is insane for the coming months so i won't have any time to come around for quite a while.  First of all I will assure you that Dre is hard at work on Detox (again)  ;). 50's album is pretty much finalized, i think Dre is done with his mixing chores for The Massacre.  I think you'll like most of the album, but I guess you'll have to make a judgement of your own when it gets released next month.  My focus is already off that album on back on Detox and Busta's new album.  I really think there is a good chance you'll get Busta's album yet this year, but I'm not gonna guess when it will come out because my track record is not real good when it comes to guessing release dates.  All I know is he's been getting out there on mixtapes and working hard on his new album.  On this topic I will address a few of the questions I get from people who recognize me (fortunatetly not too many yet).  Like I said I'm not gonna stick my nose in on things I need to stay out of.  i learned my lesson after letting you down on my premature excitement and telling you about what i though was going to be the forthcomng release of Oh My God.  So I'll stick to answering questions that I get about Dre. 
Q:  Why did Dre abandon Detox, and why is it taking so long?
A:  On the record Dre abandoned Detox because he wanted to focus on Em, Game, 50, Busta and Eve's albums.  While that is true, off the record there are other reasons.  The truth is Dre has been kicking around ideas and concepts for Detox for a long time.  He changed his mind a few times and was never really happy enough about any of them.  There is immense pressure to make Detox groundbreaking and better than his first two solo albums.  In addition to that this is Dre's final solo album, so there is the additional pressure of going out with a bang that will echo in eternity.  I don't think it ever crossed Dre's mind to actually not do Detox.  Annoucning that he wasn't helped relieve some of the pressure.  It also allowed Dre to step back and get his mind off of it for a while and get a fresh start later on.  That fresh start is now as Detox is definetly back on.  That we are actually putting vocals on some tracks is a very important step.  For the last few years we have been building hundreds of instrumentals for Detox.  They ranged from really sparse and simple beats to some of the craziest and most complex beats you have ever heard. We have all worked very hard together to create something truly original and groundbreaking.  Picking which ones to actually use is easier said than done.   We are striving for 100% live instrumental tracks built completely from scratch which takes a lot of work since we do some many of them before Dre wittles them down later on.  Dre pushes us to dig deep and put our own ideas into the skeleton instrumentals we have made alongside him for Detox over the last couple of years.  We are really pushing the envelope.  In my opinion Dre has thrown out some incredible tracks that we and Dre have built together, but Dre is looking for something specific and if he doesn't hear it he will not use it.   the dilema is how complex of tracks will the listening audience want to hear.  Do they want orchestra like pieces or the tightly focused, yet simple beats you are used to from Dre. Ideally all of us and Dre want the most mindbending and complex original music experience ever heard on record.  But will the audience be happy with that? The last thing we want to do is put out a "concept" album that loses people because it so different than what they are used to hearing.  So thats been a big dilema.  In the end i think you will hear elements of these complex beats but you won't hear the way they originally were created(those versions will go to the "Dr. Dre vault".  At least that is the direction Dre has gone so far.  I think the early tracks are as good as anything Dre has ever done - but it is still too early to tell how the final album will sound. I'm confident you will be very pleased.  Dre is planning something special for the albums last track - if we can keep it within the budget.
I know there are rumours out there that Detox will not be 100% Dre produced.  Dre is accepting tracks for consideration from a limited amount of producers, but the goal is for Dre to either produce or co produce the entire album.  If Dre is having a hard time getting 16-18 quality tracks together of his productions that he likes he may look to someone else's production to fill in the needed tracks.  Dre is humble enough to use someone elses track (like Lord Finesse's The Message beat) if it is dope enough to match the "classic level" of the Dre tracks on the album.  Interscope is breathing down Dre's neck to get Detox out by year end.  But Dre refuses to release it until he is ready.  We have a long way to go but i think Dre is finally at peace with what he/we are trying to achieve on Detox.  One thing to consider is this: The Vibe award incident really had a big impact on Dre.  I have never seen Dre as determined and focused as he is right now.  His anger and will to defeat all those who try to bring him down are having a direct impact on the aggressive nature of his recent productions.  I promise you that no one is as driven as Dre is to make Detox FUBAR the competition or anyone who stands in his way.   I don't know what the outcome of Detox will be, but we all, expecially Dre will work to exhaustion to make Detox the best it can be. 
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Sven on February 10, 2005, 01:02:53 PM
Thanks a lot for the info. Reading threads like this makes me being interested in the process of producing RAP MUSIC again. I have serious doubts about most produces, some are really boring, they aren't diversified enough. Most of them aren't even working with real musicians. That's what makes Dre's music special, that's what makes Dj "one man band" Quik special.

Btw... Mellowman, what do u know about Dre being in europe with Snoop & Game?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Kal EL on February 10, 2005, 01:03:48 PM
What does Dre think about the Jay Z situatiuon?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: UKnowWhatItIs: welcome to my traps....game over on February 10, 2005, 01:05:30 PM
Great news,props on this man.I really appreciate the knowledge u drop.I got one question tho,is 50's Piggybank better than Back Down lyrically & beat wise???
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 01:32:07 PM
Sorry guys i'm too focused on creating music to know about the jay-z situation, i haven't heard dre say anything - i don't have a comment on piggybank as i don't agree with another beef track - and i don't ask dre where he is going or what he does on his time off.  thats his family business.  I know Dre is excited about working with snoop again on detox but i haven't heard him talk about europe.  I know he's gonna be gone some coming up but again I don't ask him what he's doing when he's not here.  We talk a little about family at work but dre doesn't rub it in when he takes off for some exotic place again.  When i'm in the studio with Dre we are working and getting our business handled. there is no time to fuck around at work.  we'll relax when we feel like we've earned some time for fun after getting some quality music done that particular day. We have fun during the process but if you don't want to work when you are here at the studio Dre will tell you to go home - don't waste his time. Now back to the q and a.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Westcoastin' on February 10, 2005, 01:43:30 PM
great posts man, that first bit made me so excited for detox....i cant wait
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Juronimo on February 10, 2005, 01:48:21 PM
Thanks a lot for the info. Reading threads like this makes me being interested in the process of producing RAP MUSIC again. I have serious doubts about most produces, some are really boring, they aren't diversified enough. Most of them aren't even working with real musicians. That's what makes Dre's music special, that's what makes Dj "one man band" Quik special.

Btw... Mellowman, what do u know about Dre being in europe with Snoop & Game?

For real though, Dr. Dre and DJ Quik are so far ahead of every other hip hop producer out there it isn't even funny.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Kal EL on February 10, 2005, 01:51:52 PM
Do you know if NWA will ever do a CD?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Sir Petey on February 10, 2005, 02:11:56 PM
I think it's great that we can finally get some clarity on where things stand with dre and snoop...
If dre is hype about the collabo then snoops probably ecstatic...
the only possible outcome is dope music.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Don Seer on February 10, 2005, 02:21:38 PM
hey mellow.. i thought of a couple questions..


do you have any idea more info on the origins of the 'other' version of xxplosive which was bootlegged under the name "way i be pimpin" and the track it was leaked with that had the name "my life".. which sampled Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine

are they -both- from 2001 sessions as is rumoured?  they surfaced several years after.



and one i'm not sure you can speak on..   what happened with hittman?




Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Conan on February 10, 2005, 02:30:31 PM
While I'm sure a lot of people want to know what happened to Hittman, I don't know if ANYBODY in the ''Aftermath'' camp could (or would) answer that question. That's clearly just me guessing though.

I just got that impression from Game's line on ''The Documentary'': ''Don't stop me in traffic and ask about Hittman''

However, I remember reading a while ago, either in a message or news update, through Hitt's DJ Ben Baller that he was doing some writing for ''Detox'' at one point. I think that was posted on aftermathmusic.com? I'm sure some other people remember hearing that too...

It is bizarre that a rapper who was so hyped and was all over ''2001'' can fade into total obscurity.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: BIGMOZ on February 10, 2005, 02:36:11 PM
Mellow, do you work hand in hand with Dre?  Do you know Mike Elizando?  That man gets far too little credit for as much work as he does on albums.


Is there any way to submit tracks to the Aftermath camp?  Not for Detox, Im just asking in general. 
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Don Seer on February 10, 2005, 02:36:43 PM
everytime i've pressed ben baller or tha formula who have some kind of connect to hittman about it they say he's with dre working on detox..  and has been doing some movie scripts..

i dont believe that anymore.. a while ago they were still saying this BUT interscope told Lil Jay that he'd been dropped... ben flipped and claimed jay was lying etc etc...

its also hard to tell when the 4 or so leaked hitt bootlegs (one rumoured to be his demo of aftermath era tracks he was shopping around) were made.. the last one did have a few newer tracks.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 02:37:10 PM
Q: Who is a better producer, Dre or Quik?
A: That is a question I get on this board and in public a lot.  I don't know why but I will give you my opinion.  Dre is hands down the better "producer".  Before all you DJ quik fans jump all over me, please note that Quik is easily on of the best producers in all of music and I looove his sound. like Sven said quik is a lot like Dre.  While both have sampled, or replayed and expanded like Dre did in the ruthless and death row years, both dre and quik try to create MUSIC using mostly live instrumentations.  Both have used actual live drums on a number of records, as well as live bass of all types, pianos, keys, horns, guitars, flutes, sax, xzylophone, etc.  Quik and Dre have different sounds for the most part but they are almost identical in how they hire musicians for most of the actual played music.  neither really play any instruments. both are incredible on the drum machine and both can play keyboards, quik is arguably a little better than dre on the keys while Dre is agruably better on the drum machine. I do disagree with quik being a one man band.  If you listen to Quik's first four albums you mostly hear the incredible Robert Bacon playing most, if not all of the instruments.  Bacon is Quik's secret weapon.  that doesn't take anything away from Dj quik but I am giving credit where credit is due.  Robert is simply one of the best musicians to ever be involved in hip hop.  Dre has discovered and/or used some incredible musicians during his career - Colin Wolfe, Mike Simms, Sean Thomas, T green, Scott Storch, Camara Kamron - to name a few.  Dre gives all of the musicians he has used a lot of credit for being a big part of his success. Quik has also had other great musicans besides Fonksta Bacon too.  The fact is that Dre and Quik are the top producers in rap MUSIC because they create music and hire some incredible musicians to help them bring their ideas to musical life.
Why is Dre a better producer, in my humble opinion, than quik?  Being a PRODUCER is so much more than being a musician.  Only in rap is a producer expected to play instruments on tracks.  Most music producers don't play anything on the records.  Great producers do however have the "ear" and understand melodies, and how best to mazimize an instruments and the musicians potential. Dre has one of the best ears there is. believe me he has made me a better musician than I ever thought i could be because he knows exactly how to tweak what I play from good to great.   Producers coach, discover talent, mentor, shape, mold, compose, create, adjust, innovate, arrainge, focus, orchestrate, direct and so much more.  Dre does all of that, and as a total package does that as well as or better than any producer in modern music history.
Quik hasn't really changed his sound ever.  He was forced to after Robert left, but its been pretty consistent in direction(this is not a criticism of quik, this is the style he is so good at, and the style we all love).  Dre has changed his music and the sound of music itself more than once.  With NWA and being the main creative force behind Ruthless records he helped change the sound of rap music and what could be said on records.  With The Chronic he was the leader in bringing a fresh sound - g-funk -  to music.  If you bought that album when it came out in dec. 92 it blew you away as it was unlike anything you had ever heard before. The chronic also brought gangsta rap to the masses and made it a cultural phenomenon (along with saving Interscope from folding).  When Dre left to start Aftermath he changed the course of music forever (again) with the discovery of eminem. he also helped make 50 and now game into superstars as well.
Dre has discovered some of the biggest artists in music history and as a producer he molded those artists by taking them from unpolished diamonds to polished muliplatinum selling artists.  Quik has never really discovered anyone who blew up.  As a producer Dre works harder than anyone else and demands more from his artists than anyone else.  He mentors artists and maximizes their talent.  He has the incredible ability to bring the best out of any artist and helps them to perform at incredible levels or career best levels.  And I haven't even brought out the fact that albums Dre has produced on have easily eclipsed the 100 million mark in sales.  Quik hasn't even hit 10 million.  But I don't really want to use record sales as a factor in determining how good a producer is.  Jimmy Iovine calls Dre the most influential record producer in music history.  While I won't put him alone at the top he's definetly on the short list.  
In the end everyone has their own opinion.  There is no right or wrong.  if you think quik is the best great. if he's your favorite great.  Quik is an incredible talent and a better musician but I just don't think its fair to compare him to Dre as a PRODUCER.  Dre, as a PRODUCER, is as good as there has ever been. He is the Michael Jordan of Rap. But like I said i could be completely wrong.  Just enjoy the talents of each man as you won't see the likes of them very often ever again.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: BIGMOZ on February 10, 2005, 02:41:07 PM
Mellow, how can we get in contact with you through email?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 02:54:47 PM
If you want to contact me send me a message through this board.  I will not give e-mail out.  Consider me a Ghost.  I can disappear at any time. Take my posts however you want.  Whether you consider me a hoax, real, or somewhere in between - it don't matter to me.  I don't give a fuck.  I love telling you about the process of making music and some insight about Dre and how he works.  I won't answer most questions about artists because i'll leave that up to people who actually know what happened.  I haven't seen Hittman for a long time so I have no idea what happened.  I would guess Jimmy wouldn't back him so he let him go and allowed him to pursue a new deal with another label.  But thats a total guess.  I don't really care. I just concern myself with creating music with dre to the best of my abilities.  I have no control over anything else.  I got time for 2 more q and a's i want to address, so back to those.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Quadruple OG on February 10, 2005, 02:58:41 PM
the one thing I wanna know is what did dre think about Kurupt going back to Death Row (since Kurupt was on 2001 and dre produced some tracks for him)?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: BIGMOZ on February 10, 2005, 03:07:50 PM
I sent you a private message bro.  If you get a chance, holler back at me.


But one seperate question about Dre.  Do most of the orchestral sounds we hear on the beats come from synths, and samples, or are they real orchestra's playing?  If they are samples, which series are they?  (Vienna, East West Quantum Leap)?


Thanks. 
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Conan on February 10, 2005, 03:08:17 PM
Mellow, I have a question and, whether or not you have a concrete answer, a response would be greatly appreciated. Recently, as you may be aware, the magazine ''Blender'' reached out to both Snoop and Dre about the possibility of the ''Break Up To Make Up'', or 'reunion' album between the two that has been specualted upon for so long coming to fruition. As I recall, both appeared to suggest that they would have no problems with recording such a venture and seemed willing.

My question in simple: do you believe such an album will ever see the light of the day. Another ''Chronic'' where we see the two go back and forth so frequently? Personally, I've had my doubts over whether I'd ever hear another Dre/Snoop collaboration what with all the rumours of a rift between the two circulating. Plus, whether or not those are in any way true, they haven't released any music together publically since ''The Wash'' soundtrack and that was, according to several reports, supposed to be the 'reunion' album.

The pair have an undeniable chemistry. Snoop brings out the best in Dre. Dre, hands down, brings out the best in Snoop. I know that so many would love to see this go down. Unfortunately, it would certainly appear that Snoop is more concerned with working with The Neptunes nowadays...
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Elevz on February 10, 2005, 03:28:38 PM
They were said to be on stage in Ireland together last night... So it seems they're still down! I don't think Snoop is more concerned with working with the Neptunes though. He too realises the power Dre has, and the success a collabo of them two will have.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 03:36:56 PM
Q: Does Dre steal credit?  
A: I hate this f'in question. I know this will always be out there no matter how hard I argue it.  So i'm not going to attempt to win this arguement.  But No Dre does not steal credit from others. In my experience with Dre I have ALWAYS gotten proper credit and full publishing.   Since the first Aftermath album Dre has given proper credit to every songwriter, producer, musician, engineer, whoever. Dre told me he learned how not to run a label during his Death Row days. He vowed to give proper credit to everyone who works on each track.  Whether Dre produces or co produces , Dre's name will almost always go first.  That's just the way it is.  The only time it doesn't is when Dre doesn't actively work on the making of the track. If it is finished and he jumps on and adds or changes he will not be the first name.  But if Dre is active in the true creation of the track he will go first, and rightfully so as Dre is the orchestrator and director of every track.  At death row Dre and every other artist i talked to has told me suge would let Dre get his own publishing but suge would basically steal everyone elses.  In music, getting publishing credit is almost everything.  Whether Snoop or Kurupt or whoever wrote the verse it didn't matter.  Suge publishing would get the credit.  Dre will always admit that creating The Chronic and Doggystyle was a team effort, but that there was no doubt he was the mastermind behind the production of the tracks.  Obviously I wasn't there during the Death Row days but everyone I have talked to during my time with Dre who was actually there said that Dre was the main force, the main producer and orchestrator of every track.  he got a lot of help from musicians and ocassional help from co-producers like sam sneed, and warren g, etc. which Dre credits for helping make those classic records.  In the end though suge would not pay them correctly so a lot of people left.  the original death row is gone, and they almost all left after dre left - even daz - that should tell you something.  suge stole credits and publishing from the musicians and writers all the time.  and although Dre couldn't (although maybe he should have) force suge to change as co owner of death row he was ultimatley responsible, and Dre felt really bad about it. he felt responsible although it wasn't really his fault. That was a major factor in starting Aftermath.  Dre wanted to run a label the correct way and make sure everyone who worked with him got full credit and the correct publishing.  I can honestly say Dre has never cheated me or anyone else i know during my time at Aftermath.  Egos can get involved where some people think they should get more credit than they deserve. Scott had those issues once but he's back and working with us and is very happy to be a part of dre's team.
If you ask anyone who has ever worked with Dre if he treats them fairly they will all say yes.  If you are willing to put in the work it takes to be successful dre will treat you and compensate you like family.  He will reward you for your efforts.
Hopefully this sheds a little light on things.  Dre is far from perfect, even very irritable sometimes, but in this business of music you will find few people as giving and humble as Dre.  
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Timmeeeehh on February 10, 2005, 03:37:37 PM
Mellow, you got any idea what's happening with all those beats/tracks Dre did for 2001 and now doing for Detox that won't be used.
Will they leak one day? Or is Dre putting it back forever in his vaults? I mean even those tracks Dre isn't happy with, a lot of people here will be...

Thanks!
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Mygla on February 10, 2005, 03:47:21 PM
big props for doing this mellowman! i really appreciate reading the stuff you post here :)

q: do you know what song Dre considers to be his best production? which do you think?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Denial! Is Actively Joinin The Revolution on February 10, 2005, 03:57:47 PM
yo mellowmanisback cheers for answering these question but could u answer this question i woz wonderin bout these tracks and another called not many days left.

hey mellow.. i thought of a couple questions..


do you have any idea more info on the origins of the 'other' version of xxplosive which was bootlegged under the name "way i be pimpin" and the track it was leaked with that had the name "my life".. which sampled Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine

are they -both- from 2001 sessions as is rumoured?  they surfaced several years after.


Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Suga Foot on February 10, 2005, 04:00:14 PM
I got a question.....     


From what I understand, Dre's Chronic album basically saved Interscope.  He's been with them since '92.  He's  been there for so long, yet Interscope is always pressuring him.  Why don't they just let him work, and give them the albums when they're done? 
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Hittman2001 on February 10, 2005, 04:05:04 PM
I got a question.....     


From what I understand, Dre's Chronic album basically saved Interscope.  He's been with them since '92.  He's  been there for so long, yet Interscope is always pressuring him.  Why don't they just let him work, and give them the albums when they're done? 

and extension to that question is why dont they trust dre enough to put out what he and the artist wants for example, Rakim's album?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 04:05:58 PM
Good thing I'm not really working today because my hand is shot.  I'm sure I'll still get some work in tonight as I am addicted to music. I promised to give you a few hours of my time so I want to address one final Q and A before i leave - this adresses Adjoo's question
Q: Does "The Vault" really exist?
A: Yes it does.  Dre's vault is the stuff of legend.  It is almost mythical.  I have sworn to secrecy about its location so i won't touch that part.  Have I Ever been in there? Ha, If I told you that I'd have to kill you.  What is in the vault?  The vault basically has every track dre has ever recorded.  He has copies of everything he did on Death Row but can never release.  You can't even imagine how many instrumentals that have accumulated over the years I've been at Aftermath.  It's in the thousands.  Dre keeps all his music for his own personal use and listening.  He basically keeps them as a soundtrack to his life. Most of the leftovers will never be heard.  Most of the unused instrumentals will never be heard, at least while Dre is alive.  There is enough music to release hundreds of albums so Dre could possibly live through music for many additional lifetimes. But you'll most likely never hear them.  I don't know what will happen when Dre passes away. it depends upon who controsl his massive estate.  Hopefully that is many years from now, though.
I have had the privalege to hear a lot of music you will never have a chance to hear and for that i am sorry.  Dre usually does a great job of using the right beats and songs, but some of the unreleased music is some of the dopest shit I have ever heard.  We sometimes are in awe of what Dre tosses out but Dre knows what Dre wants.  Who are we to argue.  We may plead and beg but in the end its Dre's music so he can do with it what he wants.  I truly wish that I could let you hear the music because you are missing out on some the most innovative and dope unreleased music in the history of this business.  From ruthless to Aftermath there is truly some great tracks out there than only Dre will ever hear.  If I knew how to do it I might be able to post some old Ruthless Dr. Dre remixes that are very very rare.  I got these tracks from Dre cause they were released in very limited edition so they qualify as released.
Anyway, The Vault is real and does contain close to the entire Dre creative library.  I am honored to have heard a lot of mind blowing unreleased Dre tracks.  But alas, like you guys I am sure there is a lot of great shit in there that I, along with the rest of the human race, will never hear. Peace.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Young Dan Iza on February 10, 2005, 04:06:15 PM
props 4 answerin ?z mellow, but can u say anything about what producers dre got tracks for or atleast just how many producers he reached out 2? 
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Mygla on February 10, 2005, 04:09:35 PM
aaaw, the money i'd pay to enter that vault with a couple of bags :D
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Timmeeeehh on February 10, 2005, 04:19:15 PM
Thanks a lot for answering my question, I appreciate it!
Peace
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: broken_sword on February 10, 2005, 04:20:04 PM
aaaw, the money i'd pay to enter that vault with a couple of bags :D
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Denial! Is Actively Joinin The Revolution on February 10, 2005, 04:27:48 PM
the money i wud pay jus to enter the vault will gud enuf hey they could even kill me afterwards fuck it!
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 04:31:16 PM
Yes Interscope was on the brink of extinction when Dre and Suge arrived shopping the Chronic.  Yes Dre basically saved Interscope. So why doesn't Jimmy give Dre the final decision making ability on everything? You gotta ask Jimmy that one.  Dre has total control over his solo albums.  But on anything else Jimmy gives the final yes or no.  Is that fair? No.  Jimmy trusts Dre enough to consult him on everything, but when it comes to giving up the final say Jimmy won't budge.  To be fair Intercope won't release anything of Dre's until he is ready.  But if Jimmy thinks a pop single needs to be added to say the MMLP then Dre and em head back to the studio til Jimmy is happy.  If Interscope is backing the project 100% like 50 or Game they will let Dre work.  But on projects they hedge on like Rakim they have more say.  You would think they wouldn't question Dre on anything but they do.  In the end its up to Dre if he wants more control.  He could leave but the reality is that Dre can't really move to a better situation.  Having the Interscope machine take on a lot of the expenses and support the label's releases is hard to pass up.  In reality Dre should run Interscope, but he doesn't want that much pressure and responsibility. He's comfortable in running Aftermath on his own schedule and still having time for his family and to enjoy the rewards for his hard work.  He has a net worth in the 9 figures so he's comfortable.  I wish Jimmy would let Dre have 100% control but he probably never will.  Who knows though, maybe Jimmy will one day hand the keys of interscope over to Dre and Dre can contol everything he does 100%.  Or maybe Dre will be president of another company someday. Maybe then we will get Oh My God.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Mr. Humonculous on February 10, 2005, 04:38:29 PM
Eminem should leave Interscope those pop singles are gay
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: The Watcher on February 10, 2005, 04:43:16 PM
appreciate the info as always
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Jome on February 10, 2005, 05:00:54 PM
Ey mellow, did you peep my Dr.Dre productions C.V. (http://www.dubcnn.com/connect/index.php?board=4;action=display;threadid=30148).. ??
Is there anything I miss that you can think off, or something that really should be on there.. ??
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: _That_Cracka_J on February 10, 2005, 05:21:53 PM
Props on the info man.....

How many instrumental tracks does Dre have in the vault?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 10, 2005, 05:26:44 PM
This is my final post for the day.  Sorry I can't answer all your questions.  To the person who asked if Dre's orchestral instrumentations are made on keyboard or by real orchestra's - right now they are made by a number of different keyboards.  I addressed the possiblility of using a real orchestra on The Rakim and Oh My God topic.  Bottom line one day Dre hopes to use a full orchestra to play a piece of music he composed.  Dre's currently really trying to learn written music, but writing his own orchestral pieces is still many years away. So most orchestral sounds on Dre productions will be composed over the keyboard but you may be surprised with a full orchestra Dre production out of the blue any time ;)

Last question
Q: What does Dre consider his best productions? What do i consider his best? Dre loves stuff like little ghetto boy, those type of tracks.  With the exception of Straight Outta Comptom he likes most tracks he produced.  But I won't speak for him.  What do I think are dre's greatest productions? I won't bore you with the obvious ones like In Da Club or Nuthin But A G Thang or still dre.  I'll list some I think have flown under the radar but I think are classics - so here you go
 
Eazy E    
         Eazy-Duz-It (great dre played keyboard bassline intro and crazy samples)
         Eazy Street
         2 Hard Muthas (perfectly eq'd yella live drums)
N.W.A.

Panic Zone (an old old track - song topic kinda goofy but great production - i keep telling dre to replay, remake and mix the beat so it has better quality
Parental Discretion Iz Advised (monster bass line, great live drums and cool piano)
Dopeman
Sa prize (F the police 2) classic Dre
100  miles and runnin
Approach to Danger
real Niggaz Don't Die  (incredible guitar driven track, the entire album is incredbly produced - this contains my favorite Dre sample ever)

Michelle - no More Lies (dre gets little credit for starting r and b with a hip hop feel. but the sound he produced for michelle paved the way for Mary J)

Above the law  
Murder rap (great dre drums, the sirens are towering during the chorus)
Untouchable (The special Dr. Dre remix - a rarely heard classic - with help I may be able to post it)

D.O.C.
The whole No one can do it better is a unheralded rap classic
Funky enough
the grand final (maybe the greatest posse cut ever)
3 rare dre remixes  (again I may be able to hook up with help)
The formula (dr. dre fm remix)
The D.O.C. and the Doctor (noisy mix)
Mind Blowin (Remix)

Busta Rhymes  trunk Volume
D12- Fight music & revelation
obie trice - Oh (detox style production change ups in each verse) and the set up

Dre solo
The watcher 1 and 2
Some La Niggaz
keep their heads ringin
The beat at the end of the next episode video mix
The Let me Ride remix with george clinton
Natural Born Killaz - maybe my favorite Dre production ever -
  dark creepy and monsterous!!
One Eight Seven (original version)
The Wash
The Day the niggaz took over
little ghetto boy
nigga witta gun
california love remix
Phone tap (the firm) great upright bassline
Xzibit - bitch please -another great upright bass line
Snoop  - the shiznit
Gz and hustlaz  (great use of samples by Dre)
The doggpound - niggaz don't give a f
U can't see me
bad guys always die
all in the same gang (dre added some great production changes for certain artists)
encore, mosh, never enough
business
rich girl (gwen is easily my favorite artist and sexiest (WOW) I've ever worked with - although dre is tough on her they work great with each other)

I think thats it  - i'm sure I can think of more but I am done here today.  
one more thing  - for those who want dre to produce a ghetto metal rock and roll album - don't give up - i'm working on Dre
Peace and continued success and good health to everyone and their familys  - for now I am ghost - talk to you down the line
Thanks for your support - and have no fear Dre will come through for you on Detox - or die trying.
LATER
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: LAZY on February 10, 2005, 05:49:03 PM
im sure sum1 can help you with postin those songs up.. theres always yousendit.com & soundclick and all of those places

all those songs u listed are good beats... i heard the How We Do beat was made in 1983 is the original song out for every1 to hear or is it in 'the vault'?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: -CaliKid- on February 10, 2005, 05:55:50 PM
aaaw, the money i'd pay to enter that vault with a couple of bags :D

that would be a dream come true
 
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Sir Petey on February 10, 2005, 06:31:35 PM
this thread makes for a damn interresting read...
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: The Watcher on February 10, 2005, 07:02:43 PM
im pretty sure Game said the 'how we do' beat sounded like it was from '83.. not it was made in '83
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Dedicato on February 11, 2005, 02:13:55 AM
Tell Kirdis & Focus, Cato said whats up ;) Thanks for posting here Mell ...
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Don Seer on February 11, 2005, 02:37:20 AM
real Niggaz Don't Die  (incredible guitar driven track, the entire album is incredbly produced - this contains my favorite Dre sample ever)

Above the law  
Murder rap (great dre drums, the sirens are towering during the chorus)
Untouchable (The special Dr. Dre remix - a rarely heard classic - with help I may be able to post it)

sorry to add some negative points..

hutch has claimed dre stole real niggaz.. it was on the earlier version of the 100 miles EP, but removed from later runs.. then ended up on EFIL4ZAGGIN

i have a copy of the original 100 MIles CD signed by Dre framed on my wall at home :)

hutch has also claimed dre didnt produce anything on Livin Like Hustlers


i cant find the interview right now.. i've had a good look.. i think it was on the old Above The Law site.. ATLs road manager Damon-X who organised the creation of the site used to post here.. he still reads the forums.. but doesnt post often...  i'd guess he posted it up in the first place



Quote
3 rare dre remixes  (again I may be able to hook up with help)
The formula (dr. dre fm remix)
The D.O.C. and the Doctor (noisy mix)
Mind Blowin (Remix)



i have the mind blowin mix it is nice.. . and maybe one of hte others.. once before you said something about a Whirlwind Pyramid remix?

i've been hunting the others.. :)


as for posting things.. what do you need... can handle gettnig these tracks up if you can get them to me
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Okka on February 11, 2005, 05:14:46 AM
Nice "interview", man i would be happy as HELL of i could ever get to the vault...
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Bomb-A® on February 11, 2005, 06:09:18 AM
its nice to read ur threads as always
i just think that some1 should convince dre to be more approachable and he should do a few interviews....that way people wouldnt just speculate and get away wit saying shit...but i dont suppose any1 can force him to do that



peace
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: dexter on February 11, 2005, 07:16:12 AM
Whats up with the Lawsuits Madonna Etc????
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Juronimo on February 11, 2005, 01:15:25 PM
Snoop  - the shiznit

That track was revolutionary musically. That flute, the baseline, you can hear the chime in the background, how clean the drums sound, back then drums were grimy and shit. Everytime I listen to Doggystyle, I listen to that song over and over and I hear something new.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Rud on February 11, 2005, 01:21:35 PM
Like Overseer Said mellowman, hit us up and we can sort out those tracks being uploaded to the massess for you through dubcnn/dubcnm :)
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: blockstar on February 11, 2005, 02:02:55 PM
thanks for taking the time out and answering questions
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mellowmanisback on February 11, 2005, 02:09:44 PM
What's up funk lovers.  I don't have much time but I wanted to stop in to see if i needed to add anything more to this post and maybe get back to a few people on the messages.  I can't comment much on any lawsuit except to say the madonna one is complete bullshit. just cause not today is sung a little bit like holiday don't warrant a lawsuit  - it was pure coincidence.  the music we put together on that track, in my opinion, sounds nothing like holiday. I don't hear a funky ass live bass on that poppy madonna track.  Oh well thats a huge problem with music as we move forward.  there is only so much you can do when creating to avoid having some similarity to something out there.  there is so much music out there you could probably find a old song that has some similarity to any new song that comes out if you looked hard enough. lawsuits in the music industry could get way outta control over the next few years.
As far as Dre doing more interviews good luck.  dre ain't much on self promotion. he would rather sit back and watch.  when a new record needs to be supported he'll get out there in front of people but other than that he don't want much attention.  Dre really don't give a fuck much about what people say.  he cares when people doubt his production skills but he just ain't the type of cat to worry about all that other bullshit out there.
as far as Big Hutch aka Cold187 always whining about dre stealing from him and claiming this and that I find it pretty funny. Ain't Hutch in jail?  Believe me I have done my research about dre and i think I've talked to somebody about every dre track out there - someone who was involved or around when it was produced.  Ren and DOC have always said dre was the main producer on every nwa project.  I've talked to Mike Simms a few times and he and colin wolfe played most of the live instruments on the 100 miles and runnin ep and efil4zaggin.  Since its one of my favorite productions ever, I've talked to Mike about Real Niggaz Don't Die as he played guitar on it. he was in there when Dre was creating the track and putting in the Rare Earth sample, so I don't believe Hutch at all.  I'll take the word of mike and Dre over hutch any day.  
To be fair i have never met Hutch and I wasn't there when him and Dre were around, I just don't believe him.  I do know a lot of the Living Like Hustlers was near completion when Dre jumped in.  Dre added to the existing tracks that Cold 187 and ATL had put down.  The only 3 above the law tracks Dre produced on his own was The Last Song, Murder Rap and The What Cha Can Prove Untouchable remix.  Dre has always said the rest of the album was mostly Big Hutch.  Dre just did some additional production and added some things to make it better structured.  But if Hutch wants to let his jeolosy of Dre consume his life thats his problem.  The fact is Dre blew up and he didn't.  Hutch is no doubt a great producer, just listen to Deep Az the Root and Black Mafia Life. Good shit.  But Hutch needs to worry about saving his own life not sweat Dre's success.  As for Dre stealing his sound for the Chronic, even though they sampled some of the same p-funk artists there is a big difference in the sound of Black Mafia Life and The Chronic. In my opinion they don't sound anything like each other. If anything Dre was inspired by DJ Quik's just like Compton and Quiks groove 2 as he was working on The Chronic.  
The fact is no one will really know the truth about who produced what.  All the people who try to take credit for Dre are struggling and are bitter of his success.  I base my confidence in Dre never putting his name as producer when he actually wasn't on two things.  The biggeest is that I have worked with him for a lot of years.  When Dre puts his name as a producer of a track trust me Dre is the producer and main orchestrator. The other is that I have talked with artists and musicians who were there before i joined up with Dre.  They witnessed Dre building all those atomic bombs.  But if you want to believe Hutch, Daz and Suge Knight over dre, snoop, doc, em, cube, ren, game, nate dogg, 50, xzibit, busta, Jimmy Iovine and many others go ahead.  
The other DOC remix I forgot wasn't The Whirlwind pyramid, it was Portrait of A Masterpiece remix (The only Dre produced house/techno beat ever)
The How We Do Beat was not from 83, its just suppose to sound like something from back in the day.  Dre pulled out the 808 drums and gave it a old school flavor.
If I get time I'll hunt up the DOC songs out of my Dre catologue.  It might be a week or it might be months but I'll try to get back here someday and get them out there for all y'all. 
But for now I gotta pull a capser and disappear like a        
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Sir Petey on February 11, 2005, 04:06:46 PM
hey man, this is an important question to me...so If you could find the time to answer this one It would mean alot to me...
what producers in the game does dre respect besides the obvious ( dj quik, hi tek, jelly roll, battle cat, scott storch  etc.)  I wanna know about producers from other coasts and producers from camps outside his own that spark his creativity and his competitive nature.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: mauzip on February 11, 2005, 04:14:28 PM
he cares when people doubt his production skills but he just ain't the type of cat to worry about all that other bullshit out there.         

how did he take the negative critics on Just Lose It?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Twentytwofifty on February 11, 2005, 05:41:03 PM
I wanna know if there will be any skits on Detox?  The skits on his previous two albums are nothing but fast forward material now.  They might be funny or entertaining at first, but now I could care less about them and I just wanna get on to the next song.  I hate having to reach for the fast forward button after every track on the second half of 2001.  Hopefully I won't have to do that with Detox.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: M Dogg™ on February 11, 2005, 07:22:17 PM
Hey Mellowman... just a couple quick questions on this shit.

What's up with Dre and Xzibit, and why wasn't any Dre tracks on Xzibit's shit? Is there hard feelings between the two, especially with Game dissing X?

Also, what's Dre think of his artist starting shit now, like 50 Cent and Game basically trying to take over?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Theodore on February 12, 2005, 04:37:33 AM
nice reading, tnx :)
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: 7even on February 12, 2005, 06:25:54 AM
I wanna know if there will be any skits on Detox?  The skits on his previous two albums are nothing but fast forward material now.  They might be funny or entertaining at first, but now I could care less about them and I just wanna get on to the next song.  I hate having to reach for the fast forward button after every track on the second half of 2001.  Hopefully I won't have to do that with Detox.

Word up, I'd even go that far to say that skits longer than 10 seconds downgrade albums in general on a long-term basis.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Ruthless on February 13, 2005, 07:57:56 AM
Props for taking out the time to do this.

If you ever check this thread again, then please tell us; what's a typical studio session like? how is the working process when you're working with Dre?

Peace.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: dpgkingpin on February 13, 2005, 09:22:30 AM
a few q's:

how much does a musician have to be involved with the creation of a beat to earn the title "co-producer"? fx people like scott  storch and mike elizondo has co-producer credits on virtually every dre beat. does it mean that they come up with the basic melody and sounds of the beat?

2nd: when did mark batson get involved with aftermath? he apparently came out of nowhere producing on eminems last album. is he working on detox too?

3rd: was Ron Feemster telling the truth when he said he co-produced all those tracks in the source magazine? cause it seems odd to me, since he got the publishing rights and was mentioned as musician in the booklets.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: 0000000 on February 13, 2005, 10:35:52 AM
Is Mel Man working on the Detox production?

Do u know if Kurupt, Xzibit or Hittman will appear on Detox?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: cpc129 on February 13, 2005, 03:14:54 PM
this guy don't know shit...
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: doubletrouble™ on February 13, 2005, 05:28:29 PM
the one thing I wanna know is what did dre think about Kurupt going back to Death Row (since Kurupt was on 2001 and dre produced some tracks for him)?


^^^^^Good question !!!
I've been pissed since day one when Dre left Death Row i just wish things were runnin' smoothly as i thought it was back in tha days. if everyone from Death Row were still alive and releasing albums it would've been great.
Now it's lots of jealousy all over tha place.
 I will be a Dre and Death Row fan forvever, no matter thwt muthafuckas think coz when Tha Row was together i wasn't dissin' any of tha members and now they aren't all cool witt each other doesn't mean i should choose a side.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: The Big Bad Ass on February 13, 2005, 08:38:42 PM
Thanks for the info Mellow!
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: davyg69er on February 15, 2005, 01:58:33 AM
ya props great read nice to see ya back mel-man.....

Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: k1000 on February 15, 2005, 03:06:47 AM
Quote
ya props great read nice to see ya back mel-man.....
you mean the ghost mellowman is mel-man, dre's co-producer ?!?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: GangstaBoogy on February 15, 2005, 03:12:01 AM
props for this thread, theres some cool info in here
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Nima - Dubcnn.com on February 15, 2005, 04:28:35 AM
Quote
ya props great read nice to see ya back mel-man.....
you mean the ghost mellowman is mel-man, dre's co-producer ?!?

naw he dont know what he saying. we dont know, and mellowman has asked not to be asked about his identity, i ask every body to respect that, and just be grateful that he takes the time to contribute to our forum!

good lookin on the info mellow, and for the dude who said this guy dont know shit, check urself. go read his posts and slap urself hard in the mouth.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: doubletrouble™ on February 15, 2005, 04:56:10 AM
naw he dont know what he saying. we dont know, and mellowman has asked not to be asked about his identity, i ask every body to respect that, and just be grateful that he takes the time to contribute to our forum!

good lookin on the info mellow, and for the dude who said this guy dont know shit, check urself. go read his posts and slap urself hard in the mouth.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: King Of L.A. on March 03, 2005, 01:14:21 PM
why doesn't Dre's beats sound westcoast anymore?  will Detox sound westcoast?
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: 0000000 on March 03, 2005, 01:46:40 PM
if you read this mellowman could u tell dre we'd like to see some of these artist on detox

Snoop
Nate
Kurupt
Hittman
Ren
Cube
King T
The Game
Xzibit
Eminem
Royce
Obie Trice
Knoc-turn'al
Busta Rhymes

please try to get most of these artists want dont stick g unit, stat quo etc. all over this album, we want a westcoast album.
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: AFTERMATHMATIC on March 03, 2005, 07:10:29 PM
if you read this mellowman could u tell dre we'd like to see some of these artist on detox

Snoop
Nate
Kurupt
Hittman
Ren
Cube
King T
The Game
Xzibit
Eminem
Royce
Obie Trice
Knoc-turn'al
Busta Rhymes

please try to get most of these artists want dont stick g unit, stat quo etc. all over this album, we want a westcoast album.

something like that would definitely sound cool, west side!
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: Thuglife on March 03, 2005, 07:27:01 PM
detox is a wack name
im down with chronic 2007
Title: Re: Q and A: questions I'm frequently asked about Dre, first question - Detox?
Post by: dexter on March 05, 2005, 09:29:57 AM
thuglife is a wack name^lol