The time has finally arrived. Dr. Dre’s final album is upon us. Although these days, when many artists may say that they are making a last “anything”, it’s never really the end. Just more of a “I’m wrapped up in so many things right now that I can’t focus on this, but I may be back one day”. Regardless, let’s approach this as if it is his final album.
Out of all three Dr. Dre records, this is easily his best. I never cared much for The Chronic. 2001 was slightly better, but it still wasn’t doing it for me. Compton is his strong point. This is the best solo record that Dre has released throughout his career, hands down.
The album is structured much like a movie, starting off with a cinematic fanfare and a news announcement surrounding the history of the city of Compton. The first official track is called “Talk About It”, starting the album off nicely. The tones of songs are a bit all over the place, but it still retains an element of consistency, making it enjoyable. You really do feel like you’re being taken on a journey through Compton, as told by Dre and his many guests.
Which brings me to the next part: the number of guests that are present is staggering. This can be looked at as beneficial, since it’s clear that everyone from Xzibit to newcomer Kendrick Lamar has a great working relationship with Dre. At the same time though, I’m curious as to why there’s so many guest stars. Dre’s a good rapper! It’s not that hearing Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, King Mez, or the one and only Snoop Dogg on tracks throughout the record didn’t thrill me; I was just surprised. It took me awhile to figure out why he brought in so many guests, aside from the fact that he dubbed it his last album. Then it hit me. It all has to do with the structure.
As I said at the beginning, the album is structured like a movie. Look at is as Dre taking us on a journey through Compton. We’re meeting his friends (the guest stars), all helping add to the script of the film. The ending culminates with the only solo track on the album from Dre, “Talking To My Diary”, and a minute long instrumental segment, fading out like the end credits of our feature length presentation.
This has been another Shameless Promotion.