Still a G thang: 25 all-time classics produced by Dr. Dre

The piano chords heard on Dr. Dre’s 1999 single “Still D.R.E.” make the track one of the best in Dre’s production legacy. Granted, the piano melody is thanks to Scott Storch, and the lyrics are penned by Jay-Z, but the song in its entirety has made it a favorite West Coast anthem. Dre uses the track to call out any haters and let them know he’s still one of the best, even though he takes long hiatuses between albums.

Dr. Dre teamed up with Scott Storch to produce Busta Rhymes' 2001 single “Break Ya Neck.” The complex dynamic and nuances of the production are perfect for Busta’s speedy rhyme delivery. 

One of the interesting aspects of Eminem’s 2000 single “The Real Slim Shady" is how much the production sounds like something that could’ve been used in a cartoon. On the track, Eminem reflects on being the only Slim Shady, and anyone else trying to be like him is simply a phony. 

Since Mary J. Blige is often regarded as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, it’s no wonder she teamed with Dr. Dre on her 2001 single “Family Affair.” On the track, Blige wants people to forget about any worries or drama and focus on dancing and having a good time. 

2Pac teamed up with Dr. Dre on his 1995 single “California Love.” While the West Coast anthem is about telling people how “California knows how to party,” the production would sound like a scary movie soundtrack if it were slowed down.

In 2003, 50 Cent released one of the most recognizable party anthems with his hit single “In Da Club.” The song embodies a number of elements that exude in the party scene, including money, drugs, sex, and nightclubs. 

Dr. Dre may have taken a seven-year hiatus until dropping his sophomore album, 2001, but he came out the gate swinging with each single. He teamed up with Snoop Dogg and co-producer Mel-Man on the album’s third single, “The Next Episode.” Since its release, it has become one of Dre’s best singles and is easily known as a West Coast favorite. 

Dr. Dre and Scott Storch teamed up to produce Eve’s 2001 single “Let Me Blow Ya Mind.” The sounds are pretty similar to a track that Dre would make for himself, but giving it to Eve helped land her Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. 

Dr. Dre got to show his production skills to the world as a member of the hip-hop group N.W.A. The group’s debut album, Straight Outta Compton, showcased the hip-hop sound of the late '80s and early '90s and how West Coast rap was on the rise. 

Some of Dr. Dre’s productions sound like he has an appreciation for classical music. When people hear Xzibit’s 2000 single “X,” the production easily sounds like it could be played by an orchestra to take the song to another level. 

In 1999, Eminem released his critically acclaimed album, The Slim Shady LP. He teamed up with Dr. Dre on the album’s second single, “My Name Is.” On the track, Eminem is ensuring audiences know precisely who he is early in his career. 

On Eazy E’s 1987 single “Boyz-N-The-Hood,” he describes a regular day in the hood. It adds in sounds of record scratching, an element that was prevalent in hip-hop records at the time. 

While Dr. Dre is known to produce mostly for hip-hop and R&B artists, he also dabbled with pop artists. He produced Gwen Stefani’s 2004 single “Rich Girl” featuring rapper Eve. On the track, Stefani details how lavish her life would be if she had more wealth. 

Dr. Dre sampled Charles Aznavour’s “Parce Que Tu Crois” on his 1999 track “What’s The Difference.” The song showcases how great producers can take a song that is completely part of a different genre and still make it their own, Dre was able to add his hip-hop essence to it. 

In 2004, The Game released his debut album, The Documentary. He worked with Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo on the album’s second single, “How We Do.” Not only did the song become one of the year’s most successful tracks, but it became the ultimate party anthem. 

Dr. Dre teamed up with producers Mel-Man and Scott Storch on his hit 1999 single “Xxplosive.” With a sample of Soul Mann & The Brothers’ 1971 track “Bumpy’s Lament,” the track showcases how one of the prime elements of early hip-hop is how much artists were inspired by soul music from decades earlier. 

“Gin and Juice” is the second single from Snoop Dogg’s debut album, Dogġystyle. Not only did the single showcase Snoop as one of the next big stars coming out of the West Coast, but it also helped introduce the world to the G-funk sound. The production of "Gin and Juice" is all thanks to Dr. Dre and Emanuel Dean. 

While Dr. Dre took seven to years to release his sophomore solo album, 2001, many people criticized him for thinking his production fell off. On his 1999 track “Forgot About Dre,” he teams up with Eminem to respond to his critics. 

It wouldn’t be hip-hop without beef between rappers and crews. Dr. Dre produced 50 Cent’s 2003 track “Back Down,” a diss track targeted to fellow New York rapper Ja Rule. On the track, 50 Cent reflects on how he doesn’t back down if he feels attacked or provoked. 

In 2006, Jay-Z released his ninth studio album, Kingdom Come. He worked with producers Dr. Dre and Mark Batson on the album’s second single, “Lost One.” Using a sample of Mel and Tim’s “Keep the Faith,” Jay reflects on different situations he’s lost throughout his life. Although people go through various losses, people are still able to progress and prevail. 

In 2009, Eminem released his sixth album, Relapse, led by the single “Crack A Bottle.” Sampling Mike Brant’s track “Mais dans la lumiere,” the track showcases how Dre takes inspiration from pop and classical and puts his hip-hop twist to it. 

In 2003, Eve released her third album, Eve-Olution. She teamed up with Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo on the album’s second single, “Satisfaction.” On the track, Eve stresses how she’s going after anything she wants until she gets the satisfaction she deserves. 

The Lady of Rage came on the scene with her 1994 single “Afro Puffs.” Although Rage hails from the East Coast, the song had the prime West Coast G-funk sound, thanks to Dr. Dre and Daz Dillinger. The track was the perfect introduction to Rage’s flow and style. 

Snoop Dogg was introduced to the world with his 1993 debut single "Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” Of course, the G-funk sound samples soul legends like George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” and Parliament’s “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker).” While it was an introduction to Snoop, the lyrics were a great way not to forget his name. 

In 1989, N.W.A. member The D.O.C. released his debut album, No One Can Do It Better. Dr. Dre's signature sound was heard across the album, including the lead hit single "It's Funky Enough." The track was a No.1 smash hit on Billboard's Top Rap Songs chart.