Music & business · 1965–
Dr. Dre Life & Career Timeline
A producer who reshaped West Coast hip-hop.
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DDDr. DreMusic & business
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About this timeline
About Dr. Dre
From the World Class Wreckin’ Cru and N.W.A to landmark solo records, Aftermath, Eminem and Beats.
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This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Dr. Dre biography
Dr. Dre timeline: key events
Explore 17 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Compton
Andre Romell Young was born in Los Angeles County.
Source: www.britannica.comWorld Class Wreckin’ Cru
Young began recording and performing with the electro group.
Source: www.britannica.comN.W.A forms
Dr. Dre joined Eazy-E, Ice Cube and others in N.W.A.
Source: www.britannica.comStraight Outta Compton
Dre’s production helped define N.W.A’s confrontational landmark album.
Source: www.britannica.comLeaves N.W.A
Dre left the group and entered a new partnership with Suge Knight.
Source: www.britannica.comThe Chronic
His solo debut established the spacious G-funk sound and introduced Snoop Doggy Dogg widely.
Source: www.britannica.comLet Me Ride wins a Grammy
The Chronic single earned Dre his first Grammy as a solo artist.
Source: www.britannica.comAftermath Entertainment
Dre left Death Row Records and founded Aftermath.
Source: www.britannica.comDiscovers Eminem
Dre began working with the Detroit rapper after hearing his demo.
Connected: Eminem
Source: www.britannica.comProduces The Slim Shady LP
Their collaboration launched Eminem to a global audience.
Connected: Eminem
Source: www.britannica.com2001
Dre’s second solo album paired meticulous production with a large guest cast.
Source: www.britannica.comProduces In da Club
Dre co-produced 50 Cent’s breakthrough single.
Connected: Eminem
Source: www.britannica.comBeats begins
Dre and Jimmy Iovine founded the headphones and audio company Beats.
Source: www.britannica.comApple acquires Beats
Apple acquired Beats in a landmark music-technology deal.
Source: www.britannica.comCompton
His third album accompanied the film Straight Outta Compton.
Source: www.britannica.comSuper Bowl halftime show
Dr. Dre led a landmark hip-hop showcase with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.
Source: www.britannica.com Source: www.nfl.comHollywood Walk of Fame star
Dr. Dre received the 2,775th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the recording category, joined at the ceremony by long-time collaborators and protégés.
Why it matters: The honour recognised his influence as a producer, artist, entrepreneur and architect of multiple generations of hip-hop.
Source: walkoffame.comExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Dr. Dre or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Ed Kavishe / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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About the Dr. Dre timeline
Who is Dr. Dre?
From the World Class Wreckin’ Cru and N.W.A to landmark solo records, Aftermath, Eminem and Beats.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 17 sourced moments spanning 1965–.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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