In Honor Of Dr. Dre: 8 Songs You May Not Know He Produced

Bianca Gracie | February 18, 2015 2:16 pm
2015 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction
Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry are among the inductees.

Today (February 18) marks the 50th birthday of Dr. Dre, one of the most respected producers and moguls in the hip-hop community. Sure, he is known for introducing the world to the likes of Snoop DoggEminem and 50 Cent — but Dre’s talents expanded beyond the notable rap genre.

Dr. Dre is the mastermind behind tunes like N.W.A.‘s “Fuck Tha Police,” 2Pac‘s “California Love,” Snoop Dogg‘s “Gin And Juice” and 50 Cent‘s “In Da Club.” Yet he is also responsible for nostalgic favorites by Gwen Stefani and Mary J. Blige! So in celebration of his birthday, we’ve gathered eight tunes from his production discography that may surprise you. Get into the list below!

1. J.J. Fad — “Supersonic” (1988)

Back in the mid-1980s, Dr. Dre was a part of the gangster rap crew N.W.A. But that didn’t stop him from producing tunes for female rapstresses! “Supersonic,” the Grammy-nominated lead single off J.J. Fad‘s self-titled debut album is a funky joyride filled with jangling keyboard effects and DJ vinyl scratches. You may recognize it from its sample in Fergie‘s 2006 single, “Fergalicious!”

2. Eminem — “My Name Is” (1999)

Dr. Dre is responsible for the introduction and initial success of Eminem, yet I was not aware the producer was also behind the rapper’s debut single — 1999’s “My Name Is”! Tunes like “The Real Slim Shady” and “Just Lose It” definitely have Dre’s signature touch, but one wouldn’t necessarily associate the simplicity of “My Name Is” with his previous beats. Particularly because it borrows the folk-tinged bassline from 1975’s “I Got The,” by British poet/musician Labi Siffre. Well, that sample led the single to be certified 3x Platinum while snagging a Grammy in the process!

3. Eve featuring Gwen Stefani — “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” (2001)

This next song has that laid-back Compton vibe to it, which doesn’t make it surprising that Dr. Dre was the man behind it all! Eve’s single “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” with Gwen Stefani made a fiery impression when it dropped in 2001, thanks to Dre’s sharp electronic rhythms, Eve’s chilled flow and the “Spark The Fire” singer’s signature vocals. Critics and fans both loved the song, as it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy in 2002 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.