Reviews (page 3 of 12)
4.8. Great album.
Can’t say enough about how great this album is. Completely changed the rap game, massive flex from Dr. Dre and the West Coast was on top for years. When this popped up, I thought maybe it would be dated and I would just like it for the nostalgia. But no, this album goes so hard still in 2024. I listened to this during peak Kendrick/Drake beef and wonder how much an album like this set the stage for that 30 years later. A big part of this album is all the disses on Eazy-E, Ice Cube and others. But for me seriously the variety of beats done back in the day without so many samples is ridiculous, Dre is easily the best producer at that time and maybe of all time. Deeez Nuuuts!!!
West Coast G-Funk classic album. Some of these negative reviews really showing their bland unseasoned selfs.
I know I shouldn’t like ‘The Chronic’ but I can’t help it. It’s one of those formative albums from my teenage years. A gateway drug into gangster rap. A real eye-opener for a 15-year-old white kid from Melbourne, Australia, ‘The Chronic’ was shocking but exhilarating. In an all-star cast, Snoop steals the show. He’s hungry and nasty here, and his raps and flow are both urgent, clever, and memorable. Dre’s Parliament-Funkadelic inspired beats are innovative and ground-breaking, and most importantly funky, while all the guest raps are on point and just about every track is iconic. Even the skits are decent. ‘The Chronic’ is just one of those seminal rap albums that’s stood the test of time and influenced everyone. I’m not a massive fan of Kanye, but he got it right when he wrote this: “The Chronic is still the hip-hop equivalent to Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life. It's the benchmark you measure your album against if you're serious.”
This album is so good from top to bottom and is a classic. Super stoked to pull this today, 5 stars all the way.
West Coast, no Hip Hop classic! Changed the game!
Until the good doctor prescribed me The Chronic, I had never been on a ride like this before. With a producer who can rap and control the maestro.
If you don't think this is a 5 star album then you’s a penguin-lookin’ motherfucker
Musically not as favorite as Chronic 2001 but Chronic has those west coast beats I love fam.
Look, it’s great. Dude shaped rap, better or for worse, for the next decade with this. Snoop is going crazy too. Really puts in perspective why Dre got so big
I can’t ever give this lower than 5 stars because what it did for hip hop. Specifically west coast Hip Hop. I understand the argument that Snoop carried this but Snoop didn’t produce this album. The beats are absolutely insane especially for 92’. Dre’s ear is almost impeccable man all of these songs sound incredible. Everything from background vocals to transitions are perfectly placed. Its just classic!
Classic. This is the beginning of hop hop as we know it. So much misogyny and homophobia, but if you can set that aside, it still holds up. BTW, Lady of Rage should have been a star.
Bow wow wow yippy yo yippy yay Death Row's in the motherfuckin' hoooouuuuse. The epitome of west coast Hip Hop. Next to Doggystyle of course.
Huge
9.5/10
This album (and it’s spiritual sequel, Snoop’s Doggystyle) are pure gold lyrically and production-wise. Shamelessly pulling samples and interpolations from P-Funk, Dre creates a reality of finding his own path despite the bleak surroundings of his Compton upbringings.
As if Dre needed to prove himself further, his debut Death Row LP showcases some of the flyest beats of the 90s - "that old school motherfuckin' gangsta shit." Some may not be fans of the genre or the harshness of the content but this is pure, well-produced gangster rap. Snoop may be a bit of a poseur, and there may be some excessive talk of testicles in mouths, but one can still bump this in their '64 today (now approved as a legacy recording by none other than the Library of Congress).
Top notch West Coast Hip Hop/Gangster Rap. Super tight beats with pretty good raps, nothing but everything works so well together who cares if some of the lyrics are a little wack. Not a single bad feature pretty much every song the perfect length. Funny skits. Man this record had it all. Classic is an understatement. Absolutely will revisit.
An all time great.
I think this is the first rap album of all time that can be considered a true masterpiece. Dre is a good rapper in his own right, but where this album really shines is in the production. I don't know if it can be overstated how ahead of its time these beats were and how dramatically they would shape the rest of rap history. This album is so good and so influential that Kendrick would dedicate an entire album as a tribute to this project...that album would go on to be his best project (that album is also on this list incidentally). This album is banger after banger- it's a portrayal of the struggles of daily life in the inner cities - it's an album that changed a genre forever. Mad respect for this one- would give it a six if I could.
amazing of course
Perfect album. This is 90s west coast rap at its finest.
A classic. How can you give this album anything less than top marks when it created a whole style of music? Even today it sounds great. Better than I remember from my childhood.
Classic through and through. Fantastic beats with some of the best rappers in their prime. It is raw, creative and in your face.
Wake up, jumped out my bed Murder was the case that they gave me Dear God, I wonder, can you save me? I'm only 18, so I'm a young buck It's a riot, if I don't scrap, I'm getting stuck But that's the life of a G, I guess Eses way deep, shanked two in the chest Best run 'cause brothers is dropping quicker Uh, too late, damn, down goes another nigga Bouncing off the walls, throwing them dogs Getting that rep as a young hog It ain't nothing like the street life You better be strapped with your shank, 'cause ain't no fist fight So I guess I gots to handle mine Since I did the crime, I gots to do my time Them say me grow up to be nothing Look at me now and tell me what you see I am what I am, it's only me Little ghetto boy Playing in the ghetto street What you gonna do when you grow up? And have to face responsibility? Legit hardcore album. Worth every second. 5/5
Alltime Classic
The Chronic (Intro) - GODDAM BOI. Fuck Wit Dre Day - The transition is amazing, the production is awe-inspiring, simply iconic. Let Me Ride - TOO WEST, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAZING, LOVE YA SNOOP WITH 2 GODAMN GS. The Day The Niggaz Took Over - Sounds like Halloween, if there was actual danger, LOL. Nuthin' But A "G" Thang - And here, ladies and gentleman, the G-Funk was invented, and the world became a better place. Deeez Nuuuts - Dre invented the best joke on earth, and the perfect song for trolling someone. Lil' Ghetto Boy - MORE G-FUNK. A Nigga Witta Gun - If I ever get assaulted, this would sound in my mind, FOR THE MOOD, NOT BECAUSE OF DRE. Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat - I would totally imagine this song battling a Rattata in Pokemon Emerald. The $20 Sack Pyramid - Made show games interesthing. Lyrical Gangbang - I felt like my rights were violated. I liked it. High Powered - THE AUTOTUNED MOSQUITO ARRIVED, YEEEEEEEEI, I'M FLOATIN' TO MARS. The Doctor's Office - MOM IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK, it's better. Stranded On Death Row - Dre and Organs are really good combo. The Roach (The Chronic Outro) - OOOOMAAAAGAAAAD, THE CHOOOOOOOORDS, I'M FLOATING. Bitches Ain't Shit - In poetry there is minor art and major art, this is above all of that. Pioneer of the West Coast, and although the East Coast is objectively better, you can't compete with DRE my man (at least in my uninformed opinion) Top 5 (cause long album) Nuthin' But A "G" Thang The Roach (The Chronic Outro) Let Me Ride The Day The Niggaz Took Over Stranded On Death Row
This is for the homies that was down from Day 1. Top 5 hip-hop record. This album snatched my ass from the backside when I was 12 years old … and showed me how Death Row pulled off that hoop ride
Jam after jam after Jam. Can’t stop listening to it and vibing
Absolute Classic, I enjoy revisiting this often.
"Down with the swang"
As I was reading some of the previous reviews, I saw a one star review that said "Offensive, misogynistic, an album of nothing but the N word because he thinks he can and an uncountable amount of mother fuckers." Yeah, pretty much that. 5/5: because fuck you, that's why
Rating: 4.5
5 stars bc of emotional attachment! Makes me think of you Miah!
One of the all time great rap albums from one of the greatest musicians who ever lived. Some of the most memorable features in rap history. An absolute must listen for all fans of music.
Classic.
suuppaaaa groovy damn how the fuck have i never listened to this album in its entirety BANGER. masterpiece of rap media, seriously sets a high bar
гта вайб + йупи йо = 5
сука, какие же красивые биты прям сочно
Great beats, lots of talk about dicks. What's not to love?
A classic. Which I have never listened through all the through. 1992 southern CA is a time and place. I don't know if this album is inline with the actual truth, but there it is.
Classic.
So much swagger, so much arrogance, so much fun
Classique indémodable. Écouté des centaines de fois chez Marc sur la rue Lanaudière avant de sortir. Acheté au H&M et offert en cadeau. Le poster etait fièrement collé sur le mur d'entrée de la cuisine. Good times.
UMMMM, greatest hip hop album of all time??? Also, one of these albums where I’m like, what even more is there to say for me about it. This album started a whole new era of hip hop and so many rappers and producers owe it to The Chronic and to Dr. Dre. So classic.
Culturally significant
Did more for the genre than straight outta Compton and that is a hill I will die on. Some of the greatest beats ever made and I would say there’s a strong argument to be made that this is the greatest gangsta rap album ever made. Easy 5
A classic, seminal album for hip-hop/rap.
Nobody told me it was this funky
Amazing. Dr dre is a legend, haven't listened to this album for a while. Thanks for bringing me back to it. 5/5
Too many skits, but that's what the 90's was like.
Actually amazing album
Classic 90s gangsta rap. Love this album! Such an important part of 90s rap history
Such an ace of an album. If hip hop isn't your thing I get it. But Dr Dre moved the needle for hip hop with this one and set course for 2 + decades of music that has killed it.!
What else can be said about this album that hasn’t already been said
Reminds me of the chronic shirt I used to own which I was not cool enough to pull off. Great album and impeccable distillation of chaotic 90s G-Funk.
Classic!!
Certified classic
This is a cornerstone of hip-hop's golden era a groundbreaking defining west coast sound one of the most influential rap records there is.
Perfect
Classic G-Funk beats. The guest MCs add a lot as far as the rhymes go. Not every song is great but I have to give The Chronic its due for its place in history. This album is the archetype for Southern California rap and the sounds live on today in the works of artists like Kendrick Lamar.
More violent, but also more poignant than I recall. An album of almost shocking depth and sincerity.
All time classic. The synth and funk samples are amazing and iconic of the West coast scene. Nuthin But a G Thing is probably a top 10 rap song for me. Sure there are immature parts but Deez Nuts still makes me Smile and are more emblematic of the era.
Make my sh*t the Chronic.
Classic
This record’s unfadeable, so please don’t try to fade this record (hell yeah).
very good 95/100
💪🏼
“The day the niggaz took over” might be the greatest song Dre has ever created. I think this where Sublime got the inspiration for April 29th. I lied, “a Nigga witta gun” goes incredibly HARD!! This instrumental is beautiful. The “rat-tat-tat-tat” instrumental is in some scooby do shit. Fire.
This should be played at high volume, preferably in a residential area.
Bodies being found on Greenleaf With their fuckin’ heads cut off, motherfucker, I’m Dre.
Stone Cold Classic!
Yesterday was a great day, The Chronic is already one of my favorite albums of all time and it’s awesome that I got to listen to it for this club. F Wit Dre Day, The Day the Ns Took Over, Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat are some of my favorite old-school rap songs of all time, not to mention the super popular Nuthin but a G Thang. Did you know that this album was on for-purchase-only sites until it was finally out on streaming only about 3 years ago? This is the first 5 I’ve given so far.
+5 for origin of deez nutz
A generous 5 maybe as it's overlong but damn, so good.
Stacked and classic
One of the easiest 10/10s there is. Some of the best production in rap history and it has a great list of features that have memorable and even iconic verses. Snoop Dogg is at his peak rapping ability on this album and his verses are great throughout the album. Dre has never been the best rapper but his production on this album was absolutely incredible. As someone who loves West Coast Hip Hop and G-Funk, this is an absolute classic to me. The only thing I didn't like on this album was the doctor's office skit because I hate sex sounds in songs but it doesn't really take anything away from the album. Of course, it has massive tracks like "Nuthin' But A "G" Thang", "Let Me Ride" and "Fuck Wit Dre Day" but what really makes this album is its consistency. Those 3 hits are obviously great tracks and I love all of them but there is not a clear difference in quality between any song on this album. I think my favorites are those hits along with "Lil' Ghetto Boy", "Stranded On Death Row" and "The Roach". Easy 10/10 which on my scale means everyone who can listen to this album, should listen to this album.
An absolute classic rap album with a sound that is immediately recognizable. I know some people hate rap, but you can't have a book about "must listen" albums without including this one. It's a window into early 90's LA and the start of the West Coast sound.
Classic.
This is one of the greats I won't go into a deep dive because I am neck deep in work right now. But 5 stars
A+ masterpiece work of art!
DRE!
This album legitimately scared me when it came out when I was 14. It's a damn masterpiece.
All nephews need to listen to this.
West Coast Rap kicked offwith this influential classic. DRE Day everyday motha*ucka!
Now I'm not sure Dre and I have the same values - especially his attitude to violent crime and cats - but we share a love for a some muthatrucking synthesized beats. Every song had some crazy hook, often backed by Snoop D going all in. Aggressive as hell, but it needed to be. Hadn't realised that Doctor Dre, Snoop and NWA were all cut from the same cloth - a cloth wiped on the botbot and thrown in an old lady's face whilst it called her a BIATCH - but glad I found out. Synthesizer a bonus. FIVE STARS
One of the best hip-hop albums ever made. Dre’s production put G-funk on the map. Those loud beeping, distorted synths and funky samples and instrumentals are way more accessible than the gloomy, gritty boom-bap of the East Coast, yet it still sounds like a gangster rap album. Snoop Dogg’s first ever appearance on a record, unreal lyricism and flow at just 19yo. The tail end of the album features less of Dr. Dre and more from the ‘Death Row Inmates’ but they’re still banger-central. The Lady of Rage particularly SLAPS one’s potatoes. No hesitation, this gets a whopping big 5/5
The OG of ‘G-Funk’. Terms of style, influence and popularity not much hip hop comes close. Falls short where every hip hop album does by having a few tunes which aren’t 100%. Yet to find one that doesn’t. Sot The Chronic (intro) Fuck Wit Dre Day Nuttin but a “G” thang Little Ghetto Boy Rat-tat-tat-tat High Powered Bitches Ain’t Shit 4.5/5
shame that it’s not on apple music or spotify anymore
Had the cassette when it was new. Still good.
No listen necessary. This album has been burned into my brain for a LONG time. Dre set the standard with this one and mainstream rappers have been trying to match that for a long time. I was never huge on Dre as a rapper in general. His flow is fine, his lyrics are fine, he's good. But Dre always seemed to know what sounded good for a moment in time and how to get the best out of his team. Revolutionized the way hiphop was made, sold, and loved.
Ne možeš vjerovati. Prvo N.W.A. pa ovaj g-funk klasik. Najdraži njegov (definitivno ne može ovo nadmašiti) kao i što Snoop Dogg nije nikad mogao nadmašiti Doggystyle and it shows. Jače je od četvorke, ali nije čista petica, pa tako da...se to uzme u obzir.
I haven’t listened to this in probably 10 years and it is so fucking dope.
Fucking classic.
G-Funk Perfection! 9/10
Dre's first album, he's only done three solo albums One for every time rap needed a doctor Man is a legend
Fantastic record debut for Dr. Dre.
LP
Almost half of these songs are in GTA games so even though this was technically a first time listen it was still nostalgic for me
Delighted to open this one, been meaning to give it a listen for a while now. Hard opening with the squeaky balloon synth. Nuthin' but a "G" Thang is some banger, perfect. And I didn't realise Beastie boys had sampled A Nigga Witta Gun, love that beat. Brilliant album overall, very impressed.
A classic. Changed the entire game.
From the start, you can tell how important this album was and still is for rap. Dr. Dre is certainly well know for being one of the greatest producers of all time, but this album proves he has the chops to make a hard hitting solo record from a rap perspective. His arrangement and feature choices are also top notch and the whole album listen now is one that you can feel forlorn for a grittier, more real time in rap, I'd give this album a 9/10.
5 Smoking weed
ya think snoop and dre ever fucked?
The first half is classic Dre, but the second half took me by surprise, sounding more like Beastie Boys meets Hieroglyphics meets west coast rap. 5/5
It’s for sure in the top 5 best hip hop album of the ‘90s. Maybe top 5 of all time.
8th September 2022 Listened throughout the day on YouTube on the day the Queen died. The production on this is insane as you would expect. One of the greats, vintage west coast rap.
Fantastic album. Love the G-Funk sound. Let Me Ride, Dr. Dre, G Thang...all absolute classics. 4.5/5
The lyrics are at times debatable. Snoop carries a LOT of this album in that regard. But THE PRODUCTION. Jeez. These are the crispest beats of the 90s, hands down. You could write entire dissertations in music theory about the finer arts of sampling on this beast, and people went ahead and did that. If you try to explain hip hop as a genre, as a movement, as a timeline, you can not pass up on the Chronic.
One of the top 5 best West Coast rap albums of all time. Need I say more?
Not on Spotify unfortunately, but on YouTube plenty. A classic, set out a path for hip-hop for years to come, and still the standard everyone is striving for.
An OG Classic!
THE CHRONIC FAV TRACKS: LET ME RIDE, NUTHIN BUT A 'G' THANG, DEEEZ NUUUTS, LIL' GHETTO BOY, A N**** WITH A GUN, RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT, THE $20 SACK PYRAMID [SKIT], THE DOCTORS OFFICE [SKIT], THE ROACH [THE CHRONIC OUTRO], BITCHES AINT SHIT 9/10
An all time classic
Such a bold record
I dont usually listen to rap, and today is no different
Let me ride pops into my head at least once a month
Shame Spotify didn't have the whole album. Well worth seeking it out on YT though
This is my second gangsta rap album in a row. Yesterday, I gave ICE-T's "O.G. Original Gangster" a 5/5 and I actually enjoyed this one even more. Stop giving me good rap albums or I'll have to go down a rabbit hole I never envisioned myself peeking my head into. The only thing I didn't like were the cheesy skits. I've also noticed that hip hop albums in general happen to be really long. This one, at around 63 minutes, was one of the shorter ones.
An all time classic that of course had to be tarnished by crypto culture. Thanks Snoop Dogg.
This album is like Kind of Blue (the first Wu-Tang is too) in that so much talent appears on the album and almost everything AFTER this album from the people on it is great.
A classic. Dre may not be the greatest rapper out there but Snoop carries a lot of the load for him. The G funk sound is just amazing. While Dre may be a bit deficient in mic skills he is a God of beats. Some of the greatest songs in the history of the genre are found here. The only real negatives I can think of are when Snoop is absent from the tracks. It's most notable in the second half of the album. The lyrical content is also a bit iffy. I'm not a big fan of some of the choices made, but it was 30 years ago. Times were different. Even so the gangsta era of rap was always a bit of a double edged sword. There were some absolute brutal lines delivered that just sounded awesome or ice cold but one has to wonder how much damage might have been done by glorifying this lifestyle. I'm not some uptight Tipper Gore type but I don't thinknit can really be ignored either. Just something to think about or debate. Uh, anyway this album is an all time great. It helped put Snoop on the map and is just so damn fun to listen to. Any negatives are immediately offset by legendary beats and songs. 5 stars all the way. The only real
5/5
Classic! Definitely dated in parts but still has some great tracks.
Nice album, de gros souvenirs d’enfance. J’adore 5*
Have this one on vinyl. A classic
Bem mais tranquilo que aqueles que as meninas ouviam nas viagens, mesmo tendo um monte de motherfucker.
This album is so good. The sampling is amazing. And it really laid the tracks for all of the great rap that has come after it. Loved it!
The Chronic does what it needs to do. The song is best listened to on a hot summer's day, preferably in an automobile. Yes, feel it. It introduced Snoop Dogg and established Dr Dre as both a rapper and a talented producer who could pull together the best bits of the funk era to create a brand new sound straight outta South Central Los Angeles. The album is also rooted in the 1992, in the months after the LA riots when the city was still coming to terms with what had happened. One of the most refreshing things is that this is not purely a boy's club. The Lady of Rage and Jewell feature on several tracks, a perspective not often heard on gangsta rap. There's also the frequent odes to weed. In a time when a teen idol like Justin Bieber can be at the top of the charts singing about getting his weed from California, here's a reminder of the blunt force (lol) that The Chronic unfurled. Also " Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" is such a good song.
Iconic, you know? Not much more to say there.
Legendary. G-Funk 4 Lyfe.
Cult Classic
yes
Doesn’t get much better. This is rap music everything else is second best.
It has been a while since I last listened to this, but beats, choice of samples, flow ..so much better than that album of the Streets a few days ago.. It is the Funkadelic/Parliament 70s feel of it.
Classic rap album one of my favorites
Classic.
"This ain't Areosmith" It's probably not this simple but it felt at the time like this album changed hip hop overnight. Groundbreaking sonically and commercially.
Hard-hitting bars, the upbeat west coast flow is timeless. This is a true classic
Rating: 10/10
classic
Had me in a west coast mood all day!
4/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dr-dre/the-chronic/ Hip-hop classic for a reason, and that reason is mainly the beats and the general vibe of the album. Lyrically, for as much as I really paid attention to it, it's not very strong. But it's so hella groooooovyyyyy.
Not something I would usually listen to, but it was pretty good
Funny thing getting this album today. Within a few weeks of it coming out back in the day I bought it on cd. The cd itself had a huge marijuana leaf on it. I knew my parents would not approve and I had to hide it all kinds of ways. Nowadays I’m torn on it. The sound of it is still great to me. The lyrics are 😬 a lot. It’s still a 4 ⭐️ though just because its importance cannot be ignored. And it gave us Snoop.
Misogynistic but of it’s time. Musically a 4
Violent lyrics didn't age well particularly given what we know about the real life violence committed by Dr Dre but the beats still bump and this is still a classic
This gets a nostalgia bump for me. And it was pioneering. There was nothing that sounded quite like this when it came out.
On listening to this, it's clear how interwoven this album is into my memories of the 1990s. Is it a good album? I dunno. I think so. Giving it a conflicted 4.
Incredible listen. Never sat down to actively listen to Dr Dre, and this was the perfect introductory album for me. Everything from the big name features, to the immaculate transitions between songs made this a great experience. My only reason for not giving it a 5 is that I found the transitionary tracks like $20 Pyramid and Doctors office to be abrasive. This might also be what ppl love/this isn’t even the music so it shouldn’t hold that much weight. But that was my experience with it. Would definitely revisit and grateful I know this collection now.
5/5 for the music. The skits were too much
Didn’t drag on like most rap albums from the early 90s. Really just two standout tracks but one is an absolutely all time classic.
I just listened to Parliament yesterday, and now they're being sampled in the third track of this album...I live for these connections. ANYWAY - West Coast rap reigns supreme (yes, I am very biased) and this album is a perfect example of that fact. The fact that this album was Dre's explosion onto the scene as a solo artist is nothing short of legendary. A great performance from Snoop across the album as well. Favorite tracks: Let Me Ride, Nuthin' But A "G" Thang
An album that should def be on this list and where all of the praise and criticism (save for the blatantly racist stuff) is valid. The beats are incredible.
Hmm yes quite. These "bitches" do seem to be creating issues in Andre M.D's life and tend to provide little to no solution to said issues outside of violence. Tragedy of the modern man
West Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap, G-funk.
Classic g funk west coast hip hop from Dre and Snoop.
You can hear what is still being referenced today in it, as fresh and new.
It's the chronic. It's a titan of gangster rap. Might as well be a Snoop Dogg Album with Dre Production but both gentlemen have made good careers for themselves. I don't love it all the way through but it is a landmark album for the time. Is this the origin of deez nuts?
круто, классика
Very good
Would have been a 5/5 if weren't for these awful skits
My whole household enjoyed listening to this. I don’t find the content offensive, I see it as a snapshot of a life completely foreign to me, like anthropology. Beats are great. Obviously hugely impactful.
Just banger after banger.
A seminal hiphop/rap album, truly changed popular music as we knew it
Definitely a must-listen album, but not because it's a stunning replay-worthy piece of work, more because of how it sets up future Dr. Dre projects. I must have listened to this some 15 or 20 years ago, and the lack of obvious singles put me off. Listening today, it adds context to future Dr. Dre projects like Snoop's Doggystyle or 01. It was fun hearing context for The Next Episode which comes out some 7 years later. I'm glad I gave it another listen today. I don't think I'll be listening too frequently, there's better Dre albums, but I love how this sets up his œuvre. 4/5
Didn’t listen too intensely but what I heard I liked
Production is great, love the flute. The skits are okay but could probably do without them. Really fun album overall.
Énorme classique, quelques musiques ont un peu vieillies et le poids de la nostalgie n'est pas présent chez moi. Cependant, on comprends de très loin l'impact qu'il a pu avoir sur le hip-hop
It's classic 90s rap, but if I'm being honest it's not his best work. It's a pillar of the genre but aside from Nuthin But a G Thang there's not a lot that's very memorable. The production is good, the flow and overall lyricism is good. But I don't like it as much as I do other albums of the time, or Dre's earlier or later work.
The absolute best era of rap. Anyone who disagrees is simply wrong. You only have to be mildly familiar with this era to know that this album is one of the cornerstones for the genre. I need to listen to it a few more times to really feel it, but even still, exactly what you want out of a 90s hip hop record. This launched snoop, theres a couple classic bangers, and there’s some of that 90s rap beef wrapped up in there too. More of an east coast guy myself, but you can’t deny the vibe of the west coast. On only one listen, I’d say it’s somewhere between a 3-4, but closer to 4 than 3 — anything lower would be a massive discredit. Like I said, you don’t have to know much to know how influential this project was.
Overall pretty good production on this album, I found some of the songs sounded pretty similar. But overall there was good rapping, beats and lyrics.
Production is so damn clean on this. Tons of groovy beats with deep, funky basslines that still sound fresh to this day. It's only held back a bit thanks to the skits which are riddled all over Hip-Hop from this era. Lyrically, it's Gangsta Rap through and through. That is to say, not particularly interesting, but who really cares about any of that when the delivery and vocals flow like silk. Lyrical "depth" has always been overrated anyway.
처음 들어보는 노래 였는데 힙합은 옳다는 것을 느끼게 해줬다. 알아들을 수 있는 단어가 욕 밖에 없었는데 신나고 기분 좋았다 ㅎㅎ It was a song I’d never heard before, but it made me realize that hip-hop is the right choice. The only words I understood were swear words, but it was exciting and made me feel good haha.
A strong album. 3.5 for the lyrics and 5's for the production and beats. Wish I could rate this a 4.5
I feel like you either hate or love this one. Its dated but not the point where I tought it was hurting the album. Its part of its charm I guess. Ive heard better hip hop but I liked it. Deez nuts/5
great listen, but has a few too many skits/long "bits" that apparently are all the rage in rap/hip-hop albums of this time that I think detracts from the album as a whole
Another West Coast winner.
i love g funk
Iconic 4.5/5
We've been blessed by the West Coast gods lately. Dr. Dre's production has always been some of my favorite -- the raps might sound a little dated, but the production always feel timeless. "Let Me Ride" just sounds like the sun shining.
I fucks with the G Funk sound. One of you nerds knows what that synth sound is, so please tell me thanks. Docking for length, as usual.
A fun album, but it didn’t age well
Felt kinda samey theoughout and liked Snoop’s parts more than Dre’s. It did refine the west coast sound though
Yeah, I was one of those white kids that discovered this album at 14, right when I was experimenting with green herbs, and yeah, I thought it was the greatest thing ever. The amount of pearl clutchers that think this is still an affront to their ears with GASP dick jokes GASP can do one. One of the best hip-hop albums created, bar none. Those beats are still so tasty. Nobody did it like Dre. Not so much anymore.
Classic hip-hop heavy hitter. As always, I could do without the skits but the rest is a nostalgic journey.
Holds up a lot better than Doggystyle did. My new working theory is that Snoop works better as a wing man than a solo artist. Regardless, definite classics to be found here.
Nostalgia is almost certainly coloring this take but, man, I don't know that anyone nailed west coast hip hop and with SUCH catchiness. Dre remains pretty unparalleled for marrying great samples with flowing rhymes that are almost impossible not to sing along to - especially if you had the CD on repeat back in high school.
I rlly like dr Dre idk why particularly i don’t really listen to rap/hip hop on a daily basis. However i do prefer 90’s rappers over more modern ones so i really appreciate the guy. Would revisit this album it was good (with the exception of that one intro).
First Listen: NA, didn't take notes. OVERALL: It's kinda hard not to like this album. There's quite a few lyrics that have not aged well, Dre's own rapping isn't always a feature, and there's a sex skit that goes on way too long, but besides those sticking points the album is a lot of fun front to back. I love that you can hear the Parliament influence on a bunch of tracks - even moreso than 2001 - and the production is something you can't get anywhere else from anyone else. 8/10 T3: The Roach, FWDD, TDTNTO
Bon, je ne vais pas tourner autour du pot pendant des plombes : cet album est un putain de chef-d'œuvre, un monument incontournable de l'histoire de la musique et une plaque tournante majeure des trente dernières années. C'est le parrain absolu et définitif du son West Coast, point barre. Moi qui suis né en 1970 et qui ai passé les années 90 à écumer les radios et les disquaires indés au milieu du post-punk et du neofolk, je dois bien l'avouer : cet album m'a collé une baffe monumentale. Pourtant, Dieu sait que le hip-hop n'est pas ma chapelle d'origine, mais face à un tel rouleau compresseur sonore, on s'incline et on ferme sa gueule. Remettons les choses dans leur contexte d'origine pour bien piger la teneur du bordel. En 1992, le bon docteur Dre vient de claquer la porte de N.W.A. parce qu'il en avait plein le cul des embrouilles de thunes et de contrats avec Eazy-E. C'était la guerre ouverte, ultra violente, vicieuse et sans pitié entre les deux anciens acolytes. C'est là que le terrifiant et colossal Suge Knight entre en scène pour épauler Dre, et ensemble, ils fondent l'empire de la Death Row dans le sang, la sueur et le business. Leur toute première ogive nucléaire envoyée à la face du monde s'appelle The Chronic, et ce disque est un immense, un magnifique règlement de comptes public, une exécution en règle en direct sur les plateaux du Billboard où Dre passe son temps à défoncer son ancien pote. Du premier sample d'intro jusqu'au dernier morceau de la galette, les piques fusent dans une dentelle fine brodée à la hache de guerre et au fusil à pompe. C'est agressif, extrêmement ciblé, vindicatif, parfois d'une vulgarité sans borne, mais bordel de merde, qu'est-ce que c'est bien foutu. Pourquoi c'est génial ? Parce que Dre invente tout simplement un genre à lui tout seul : le G-Funk. Terminé la saturation bruitiste, industrielle et étouffante à la Public Enemy, ou les agressions stridentes du rap hardcore de la East Coast. Dre décide de ralentir radicalement le tempo de la rue, prend le soleil de la Californie et le fout directement dans les potards de la console en allant piller sans aucune vergogne le catalogue de la funk des années 70, ressuscitant Parliament et Funkadelic à sa propre sauce. Il injecte de la soul rétro à très haute dose, remplaçant la brutalité par de la rondeur, et pose des lignes de basse ultra lourdes, épaisses, grasses et merveilleusement huileuses. Par-dessus tout ça, il balance ces sifflements de synthétiseur stridents devenus cultes, ce fameux Moog aigu qui va devenir la marque de fabrique indélébile d'une époque. Le son devient incroyablement laidback, lourd, planant et profondément hypnotique, taillé sur mesure pour rouler au ralenti dans les rues de Los Angeles, le coude à la portière et un énorme joint de weed coincé entre les lèvres. Et puis, il y a la botte secrète absolue du docteur pour emballer l'affaire, son arme de destruction massive qui va braquer les charts de la planète entière : un gamin longiligne, ultra charismatique et magnétique nommé Snoop Doggy Dogg. Ce mec est un pur extraterrestre du micro à ce moment précis de l'histoire, sa voix glissant sur les beats comme une caresse venimeuse et addictive. Il possède un flow d'une fluidité absolument insolente, presque magique, restant d'un calme royal en toutes circonstances, nonchalant, presque léthargique, mais ses rimes font mouche à chaque putain de seconde. Les empreintes de Snoop sont partout, imprimées sur toute cette galette magique, au point que c'est autant son album que celui de Dre, soyons parfaitement honnêtes deux minutes. C'est sans doute la plus belle rampe de lancement de l'histoire moderne du rap. Dès l'intro, on comprend qu'on va assister à un véritable hold-up auditif. "Fuck Wit Dre Day" démarre les hostilités sans prendre la peine de sonner une sommation ; c'est vicieux, c'est lourd, c'est terriblement et affreusement addictif, te chopant par les tympans pour te forcer à bouger la tête comme un damné du groove, même si tu passes tes nuits solitaires à écouter du post-rock ou du folk dépressif. Derrière, ça déroule le tapis rouge impérial avec l'imparable "Let Me Ride" où Dre sample Parliament avec un culot monstrueux pour en faire un hymne intemporel pour toutes les lowriders qui collent au pavé. Et que dire de l'immense, de l'indétrônable "Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang" ? C'est le sommet absolu, orgasmique et indiscutable de tout le disque, le morceau qui a tourné en boucle sur toutes les radios mondiales en 1993, affichant la symbiose parfaite entre la prod chirurgicale et la nonchalance traînante de Snoop. Un classique parmi les classiques, indéboulonnable, éternel, d'une pureté folle où l'enchaînement des titres se fait comme dans un rêve éveillé sous THC, entrecoupé d'interludes comiques comme "The $20 Sack Pyramid" qui posent un décor de film de quartier ultra vivant. Mais ne croyez pas que Dre se limite à copier sagement ses glorieux aînés, le mec est un véritable alchimiste des consoles de mixage modernes. Prenez le superbe morceau "Lil' Ghetto Boy", où il va chercher un sample magnifique du grand Donny Hathaway pour y injecter une mélancolie poignante, presque désespérée, dressant une chronique clinique, glaciale et terriblement sombre de la rude vie de rue, faite sans aucune fausse pudeur ou larmes de crocodile. Et sur "Lyrical Gangbang", le mec ose carrément taper dans le catalogue de Led Zeppelin pour un assaut sonore absolument et totalement dévastateur où une meute de jeunes MCs affamés comme The Lady of Rage, Kurupt ou RBX crachent du feu pur sur la prod. C'est une démonstration de force brute qui te colle direct au mur du fond. Ce n'est pas juste un disque de rap de plus, c'est une véritable révolution industrielle où le son Death Row est né dans la sueur et la fumée épaisses du studio, un son que tous les producteurs des décennies suivantes ont désespérément essayé de copier sans jamais réussir à en reproduire la clarté parfaite et la lourdeur viscérale. Alors oui, sur le plan strictement musical, c'est un chef-d'œuvre total, un putain de 5 sur 5 net, précis, millimétré et sans aucune bavure, une claque intersidérale qui a redéfini le paysage sonore de toute une époque en regardant Nevermind de Nirvana droit dans ses grands yeux noirs pour partager le trône de la décennie 90 sans jamais trembler d'un poil. MAIS — parce qu'il y a un putain de "mais" gros comme une baraque fortifiée de Compton — nous sommes aujourd'hui installés en 2026. Le monde a heureusement avancé, les mentalités ont bougé, le mouvement MeToo est passé par là pour faire un grand ménage ô combien nécessaire, et quand on réécoute The Chronic avec nos grilles de lecture actuelles, putain de bordel de merde, ça pique quand même très sévèrement les oreilles. La misogynie crasseuse qui suinte de chaque piste de ce disque est tout simplement insupportable, totalement gratuite, parfois d'une bêtise absolue, réduisant systématiquement les femmes au rang d'objets sexuels jetables ou de traîtresses de bas étage sans cervelle. Le point culminant de ce malaise de fin de siècle, c'est le morceau de clôture officiel "Bitches Ain't Shit", un véritable naufrage idéologique complet et un concentré de sexisme pur, dur et bas de plafond, emballé pourtant dans un groove de dingue. C'est tout le paradoxe tragique, fascinant et perturbant de cet album de génie : tu as profondément envie de vomir tes tripes en écoutant ces paroles de merde, mais la ligne de basse est tellement phénoménale que ton pied continue de battre le tempo, provoquant une sensation d'écoute ultra inconfortable et une dissonance cognitive totale qui te tord le bide à chaque putain d'écoute. À cause de cette misogynie crasseuse qu'il traîne comme un boulet infâme, l'album perd une étoile, car on ne peut plus fermer les yeux comme on le faisait si bêtement ou par paresse en 1992 en faisant semblant de ne pas capter ces horreurs verbales quotidiennes qui gâchent une bonne partie du kiff. Cependant, soyons parfaitement honnêtes et d'équerre entre nous deux secondes : si on isole totalement la musique, la pure technique de production de ce génie et l'impact historique monstrueux, ça reste au fond de mes tripes un putain de 5 sur 5 incontestable et absolu. C'est une galette totalement indispensable pour quiconque prétend aimer le son lourd, un jalon intouchable à écouter avant de crever pour piger comment le rap a fini par dévorer toute la pop culture actuelle. Dre a posé les fondations de l'industrie musicale moderne avec ce brûlot légendaire, rendant le genre accessible aux masses sans jamais perdre son ADN de pur gangster, signant le triomphe insolent, magnifique et durable du G-Funk originel. Rangez votre bien-pensance au placard pendant une petite heure, montez le potard des basses, laissez-vous envahir et hypnotiser par la nonchalance magnétique du jeune Snoop Dogg, savourez la science absolue du sample millimétré du grand maître Dre et essayez d'oublier les textes de gros beaufs misogynes le temps d'un ride virtuel à Compton. C'est du pur jus de la West Coast américaine, authentique, crue et sans aucun filtre, un jalon intouchable quoi qu'on en dise ou en pense aujourd'hui. Sur ce, je referme délicatement la page de cette chronique mouvementée pour retourner très volontiers à mes univers post-punk sombres et mes ambiances de neofolk habituelles, mais je sais pertinemment que j'aurai ce sifflement de Moog gravé dans le crâne pour le reste de la journée.
Actually kinda loved it
A piece of music history, I love this album!
Some classics but for some reason I remember it being a full album but ran into songs I felt I could skip. Loved the skit.
Classic 90s rap that defined the era but it just goes on and on. Yes, lyrically everything is offensive, but this Dr. Dre’s first album after N.W.A.! Let me repeat that, N.W.A! What did you expect him to rap about? This album changed music and culture and that deserves some respect. “Respect is collected, so check it.” “Ok… Yes sir, Mr. … err… Dr. Dre, sir. Just please don’t hurt me or do anything you would to Tim Dog.”
Discazo, que beatazos los del dr por favor. Queda guardado
Huge important album, credit where it's due, and for me it was pretty good. Sure the hits are very nice but there are a few really good and interesting tunes on here that aren't really celebrated. Gotta appreciate Dre's creativity with bringing in so many sound bites and samples.
yuppppp
I liked this a lot more than I was expecting to. As is often the case, the misogyny and skits drag it down, but the beats are really good and when Snoop is guesting, he sounds great.
It is impossible to overstate the cultural impact of this album. Music, movies, fashion, politics, language - it was felt everywhere. More so than other epoch defining albums (Sgt Peppers, London Calling etc) this album, through the use of skits and non-traditional, conversation centred verse structure, gave the listener an incredibly granular insight into the culture that stemmed it, including the lexicon, hierarchies and values. Yes, this includes an awful lot of toxic masculinity. But it also includes some astute political observations and a lot of pride. Musically it swings and bangs and teeters on the edge of overstaying it's welcome without ever doing so.
Classic 90's rap record.
Enjoyed listening to this while commuting to my white collar office job
era chimba de álbum la real
Smooth as butter, cool as all hell. I can see why 90s heads still live and swear by this.
Not my favorite of the classic hip hop albums (illmatic ftw) but Dr Dre's production was groundbreaking and still holds up exceptionally well. Mixing the synthesizer into drums led to the creation of that unique california/west coast style hip hop sound. My main critique is the lack of lyrical creativity and superficial ideations for the time, that would change in just a few years time. Dre was always a better producer than rapper and Snoop really shines on this project.
Classic, but musically just a low 4.
Very nice album. Fuck Wit Dre Day, The Day The ****** Took Over, and Stranded On Death Row were my favorites. Very energetic and vivid and vibrant. Did not know Eazy and Dre had beef like that tho lol. 7.4/10
*Begin of Snoop Dre day Let me ride Nuthin but a g thing
This was my lawnmowing album when I was a teen. Holds up pretty well. I kind of forget how little of the album is actually Dre himself rapping. So much Snoop. It's almost a warm up for Doggystyle.
Great beats, some dated lyrics but a definite classic. A little torn on this but not quite perfect album
Classic album. Honestly the only problem with it is that I much prefer the Chronic 2001. 4.5 stars
The chronic (intro) - 3 Fuck wit dre day (and everybody's celebratin') - 5 Let me ride - 5 The day the niggaz took over - 4 Nuthin' but a "g" thang - 5 Deeez Nuuuts - 4 Lil' ghetto boy - 3 A nigga witta gun - 4 Rat-tat-tat-tat - 4 The $20 sack pyramid (skit) - na Lyrical gangbang - 3 High powered - 3 The doctor's office (skit) - na Stranded on death row - 3 The roach (the chronic outro) - 3 Bitches ain't shit - 4
Let me Ride Nuthin’ But a “G” Thang Deeez Nuuutz Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat Stranded on Death Row
classic dre album, amazing production. the hits are hits but there are some parts I wouldn't want to hear all the time. super strong 8/10. First time listen tracklist ranking: 1. Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang 2. Fuck Wit Dre Day 3. Lil’ Ghetto Boy 4. Let Me Ride 5. Deeez Nuuuts 6. Stranded on Death Row 7. The Day The N****z Took Over 8. Bitches Ain’t Shit 9. Lyrical Gangbang 10. The Roach 11. Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat 12. A N***a Witta Gun 13. The Chronic 14. High Powered 15. The $20 Sack Pyramid 16. The Doctor’s Office
Dr Dre es como escuchar a un apóstol predicar la palabra. 4.2
Una estrellita es solo por la 6 y 16
i feel like theyre making me part in something that has nothing to do with me, cant we guys just be fwiendz great production on this, the whistle synth and the funky grooves give the character of this sound; angry and busyt, the consistent features make the whole thing really cohesive, most of the best snoop verses are here and the other collaborators also bring the heat they manage to vividly paint scenes not only about the social context of the time but also about their personal situations and problems with people in their environment that, well, dont seem particularly safe
When I was younger I preferred 2001 but I think I’ve flipped on that now. Some all-timer hard beats on here (some examples: “Fuck Wit Dre Day,” “Lil’ Ghetto Boy,” “Lyrical Gangbang,” “Stranded on Death Row”); G-funk doesn’t get much better than this.
Really good but not perfect
I forgot how much of this album is dedicated to dissing Easy E. This has to be the most lopsided beef of all time, Easy was broke and dead from AIDS within 3 years and Dre became a billionaire and the most influential person in music. Dre’s first reinvention post NWA, the beats are nothing like you really hear before or since (just blatant p-funk samples but still). I can picture Ron Burgandy playing the Jazz flute on almost every song. Close to a 5 but kept it at a 4 as some of the EZ/sex/weed/guns stuff can get a little tiresome (and Dre was never a gangster) and Snoop is so far and away the best rapper on the album, the non snoop verses are pretty weak by comparison. 4.3
3.9
Tru classis of the genre. not a 5 due some lyrical simplicity but a strong 4 and a must listen for those not familiar with gangsta rap in the early 90s.
4.5 stars. Again with the skits though. They loved them back in the day! Would be 5 without.
Though it feels dated at times, the songs stil hit regularly
Good, but a little all over the place with so many collaborations
Classic original, actual OG West Coast sound. Funny skits, good features, other worldly production. Great album. I’ll go 3.9/5.0
Amazingly goofy in the best way possible. Also space in my heart for such comical production, I just wish it push the experimental boat out even further
Classic rap album.
Huh, this is an album I expected ro give a 5, and am now struggling to justify a 4. On the one hand, the production is legendary. G-Funk is obviously of its time, but personally I think it still sounds great. Dre's sound is the epitome of West Coast hip hop. These beats instantly upgrade any MC rapping over them. Dre included, because the other hand is the lyrics were always bad and Dre is a mid MC at best. Also the album is heavily front loaded, skits always suck, and the last track is an embarrassment. But, like, "Let Me Ride" is a fucking all-timer. Okay. 4 justified.
fun album. 7.3/10
yet another album that exposes the weird and puritanical user base on this site. If you use this site long enough, you'll already know that the folks that were here in 2021-2023 were a bizzare group of people with terrible takes, but when it comes to rap, folks here are STILL throwing 1s and 2s at objective classic albums. Wonder why. This album is a cornerstone of the west-coast rap of the early 90s that arguably took over the entire game.
Это весело
De rapmuziek kan simpelweg niet onder dit album uit. Er zat een aardig aantal mensen vast in een zelfgebouwde kooi. Het was voor hen harcore-rap en anders niets. Dit album brak de kooi snel open. Het album bood een heel relaxed muzikale basis. Ik zou bijna zeggen Will Smith achtige klanken. Weliswaar met een overmatige hoeveelheid krachttermen, maar wellicht bood dat dan net de benodigde kracht om de kooi open te breken. Wellicht geldt dat ook voor de voor rap-albums uit deze tijd verplichte kreun, maar daar accepteer ik eigenlijk geen enkel excuus voor. Na het openbreken van de kooi moet je wel zorgen dat er niet een nieuwe kooi gebouwd werd. Ook aan de lange termijn werd gedacht. Het album is niet alleen het solo-debut de van Dré, het lanceerde ook een andere rap-artiest waar de wereld niet omheen kwam. Snoop Dog heeft sindsdien nog steeds een eigen sfeer en geluid en is vanaf dit album een begrip geworden.
mg, muy nigga
Not as good as 2001 but still great!
Very good. Interesting to hear how creative the production was.
Great production
C’est excellent de bout en bout. Mais j’ai pas l’impression qu’on son resorte pour l’instant ? L’ensemble de l’album est cohérent et cool. Ça donne envie de danser et ça sent la virtuosité. Globalement on s’arrête jamais de bringuebaler et chaque son est une bonne surprise, c’est excellent, je crois que c’est un no skip. J’ai envie de liker chaque titre. Snoop dogg est impérial. Quand « Nuthin’ but… » arrive ça PUE le cool, et ça continue un enchaînement de bangers. Mais en fait c’est totalement dans la lignée de l’album, ça ne ressort même pas vraiment. Défauts : parfois des skits un peu chiants et longs, légère baisse sur la fin. Dr dre un peu en dessous en rap. Les chansons sans feat sont moins biens (lyrical gangbang). Ça ne vole pas très haut non plus dans les paroles, rien de surprenant mais ça empê
8/10
I feel like I shouldn't like this, but something about that west-coast flow lures me into a trance
Dr. Dre’s The Chronic isn’t just a debut—it’s a mission statement, a West Coast sonic overhaul that redefined gangsta rap with Dre’s immaculate G-funk vision steering the ride and a young Snoop Doggy Dogg as the effortless co-pilot. “F--k Wit Dre Day” fires off classic disses over irresistible synths, while “The Day the N----z Took Over” folds L.A. riot news clips, reggae-style toasting, and eerie string flourishes into one of Dre’s most ambitious productions. “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” serves as the album’s smooth, undeniable thesis, and “Lil’ Ghetto Boy” adds emotional weight with its soulful hook and haunting flute sample. Posse cuts like “Lyrical Gangbang” and “Stranded on Death Row” round out the project with lyrical heat and cinematic swagger. Some tracks blend together, but the overall impact is undeniable: The Chronic didn’t just shift the culture—it rebuilt the blueprint for West Coast rap.
Classic
I like 2001 more but this is a classic.
Two thoughts. 1. There should be more skits on albums of all genres. 2. Remember when Ben Folds said the N word when covering Bitches Ain’t Shit?
4.5?
Voelde me echt zieke gangster toen ik het luisterde in de supermarkt. Maximum vibings
hell yeah
La cuna del G funk y el parte aguas de nuevos estilos en el hip hop, The Chronic tiene su lugar indiscutible entre los más recordamos, pero ¿será considerado entre los mejores álbumes del género? 0002
Basically created that G funk sound. He is a garbage rapper but the songs are still great
So interesting to think about why they made so many skits like the Dr having sex in his office.
Great album , the lyrics aged horribly , but ithas still some of the sickest beats ever
aguante dr dre wacho, me gusta mucho el boombap q hace y encima lo saco el dia d mi cumple alto capo
Great album of the time, with really good beats and all time classic songs
Gah I love 90’s hip hop!
Top knotch beats and flow. Ichronic songs. The lyrics weren't quite as timeless as other albums from that era
Really strugling to rate this one. On the one hand, it's a 5 because it defined west coast hip hop / gangster rap. Great songs with world-class production and flows. On the other hand, it's incredibly misogynistic, glorifies violence, and is filled with lousy skits. Going with a "4" since a better version of this could exist.
This album is certified, classic, and just fucking hits!
Day 214 I’ll never understand why rap albums have skits on them, even the ones that are mildly funny the first time are a complete waste of time. Very good album otherwise Highlights Fuck wit Dre day Nuthin but a G thang High Powered
Favorite track(s): Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin'), Let Me Ride, Nuthin' But a "G" Thang, Lil' Ghetto Boy
The production is next level and it’s arguably the best Snoop has ever been. Dre was never a great lyricist and that shows up here but the way this album is put together is masterful. Lastly, there’s so many skits which can get tiresome but it’s also reflective of the time and a continuation of his work with NWA and he’s pretty damn good at it. I think my nostalgia might be getting in the way of a lower ranking but also it’s a classic.
The classic of G-Funk westcoast rap, no doubt about that. You can't go wrong with this album. The odd mixture of music, skits, raps, guests can be a bit tiresome after awhile hence I don't give it 5 stars but only 4. Sorry, Dr. Dre!
Classic hip hop album.
I'll search for comprehensive information about Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" album to provide you with an in-depth review. # Dr. Dre's *The Chronic* (1992): An In-Depth Review ## Overview Dr. Dre's debut solo album *The Chronic* stands as one of the most transformative records in hip-hop history. Released in December 1992 through Death Row Records, it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and sold over six million copies to date . More than a commercial success, it fundamentally rewrote the rules of hip-hop production, established West Coast rap as the genre's dominant force, and introduced the world to Snoop Doggy Dogg. --- ## Production & Musical Innovation ### The Birth of G-Funk *The Chronic* introduced G-funk (Gangsta funk) as a fully realized sonic aesthetic. Dr. Dre crafted a soundscape that was distinctly West Coast—laid-back yet menacing, smooth yet street . **Key Production Techniques:** - **Live Instrumentation**: Unlike the sample-heavy East Coast production of the era, Dre employed studio musicians to replay and interpolate grooves from Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown, and 70s funk legends. This created a warmer, more cinematic sound with greater sonic clarity . - **Signature Sound Palette**: High-pitched Moog synthesizer whines, wah-wah guitars, deep rolling basslines, and crisp 808 drums became the album's sonic DNA. Tracks like "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" and "Let Me Ride" exemplify this approach—sparse arrangements where each element breathes . - **Mixing Excellence**: The album set new engineering standards. Dre's perfectionism resulted in a clean, well-balanced mix that sounds as impressive on high-end speakers as it does bumping from car stereos . The production bridged old-school funk with futuristic hip-hop, creating what PopMatters described as "sparse, deep beats where each element is given its own space to breathe" . --- ## Lyrics & Vocal Performances ### Dr. Dre as MC While primarily celebrated as a producer, Dre's rapping on *The Chronic* is workmanlike and effective rather than transcendent. His verses display "spirited cleverness in the phrasing and rhymes"—creative and solidly constructed if seldom mind-blowing . As one reviewer noted, Dre possesses a "gangsta glare with gangsta raps" that makes his delivery compelling even when his technical skills aren't extraordinary . ### The Snoop Dogg Factor The album's true lyrical star is Snoop Doggy Dogg, who appears on eleven of sixteen tracks. His laid-back, melodic flow and distinctive drawl perfectly complemented Dre's production . Snoop's scene-stealing verses on "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" and "Fuck Wit Dre Day" announced the arrival of a major new talent who would dominate hip-hop for decades. ### Supporting Cast - **The Lady of Rage**: Delivered standout verses on "Stranded on Death Row" with technical precision that reportedly outshone her male counterparts - **RBX**: Brought a unique, gravelly voice to tracks like "Lyrical Gangbang" and "High Powered" - **Kurupt & Daz**: Early appearances that foreshadowed their future impact as Tha Dogg Pound - **Nate Dogg**: Provided soulful hooks that became integral to the G-funk sound --- ## Themes & Content ### Street Documentation vs. Glorification *The Chronic* operates in the complex space between documenting street life and glorifying it. Dre maintained he was merely describing reality in its entirety rather than promoting violence . **Key Thematic Strands:** - **Gang Culture**: The album unapologetically explores Compton's gang landscape, with tracks examining territorial conflicts, loyalty, and violence - **Cannabis Culture**: The album's title itself references high-grade marijuana, and tracks like "High Powered," "The Roach," and "The $20 Sack Pyramid" celebrate weed consumption. This played a significant role in shifting youth drug culture from crack toward marijuana in the early 1990s - **Social Unrest**: "The Day the Niggaz Took Over" directly addresses the 1992 LA Riots, incorporating actual news audio and capturing the chaos and anger of that moment - **N.W.A. Beef**: "Fuck Wit Dre Day" functions as a scathing diss track targeting former N.W.A. members Eazy-E and Ice Cube, showcasing the bitter divisions within West Coast rap ### The Darker Undertones Modern critical reassessments have highlighted deeply problematic elements in the album's lyrics. The Quietus noted the record's "fixation with homosexual rape as a means of threatening or actually dishing out punishment," along with pervasive misogyny where "women are wonderful things to have sex with but if they express any independence of thought, word or deed they deserve nothing but contempt" . These elements make the album challenging to engage with through a contemporary lens. --- ## Cultural Impact & Influence ### Reshaping Hip-Hop Geography *The Chronic* marked the moment when West Coast hip-hop stopped competing with New York and began leading the genre. Los Angeles became hip-hop's new creative center, exporting its cultural symbols globally—from khaki suits and Chuck Taylors to lowriders . ### The Producer as Star The album redefined the producer's role in hip-hop. Dre wasn't content to remain behind the boards; he positioned himself as a front-and-center star. This model paved the way for future producer-rappers like Kanye West and demonstrated that producers could build entire empires rather than just create hits . ### Artist Development Blueprint *The Chronic* functioned as a strategic showcase for emerging talent, particularly Snoop Dogg. This approach—using a producer's solo album to launch multiple careers—influenced later collectives like Wu-Tang Clan, Ruff Ryders, and Roc-A-Fella . ### Cross-Regional Pollination The album's influence extended far beyond California. Southern hip-hop acts like OutKast and UGK incorporated G-funk's melodic sensibilities and live instrumentation approach. The album demonstrated how regional sounds could transcend geography through sonic excellence rather than mere imitation . ### Mainstream Breakthrough "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" became a cultural phenomenon that reached suburban households nationwide, proving that street authenticity combined with polished production could achieve massive commercial success beyond urban markets . --- ## Pros & Cons ### **Strengths** | Aspect | Assessment | |--------|------------| | **Production Innovation** | Revolutionized hip-hop sonics; G-funk became the dominant sound of 1990s rap | | **Sound Quality** | Meticulous engineering that remains impressive decades later; set new standards for mixing and mastering | | **Star-Making** | Introduced Snoop Dogg, one of hip-hop's most enduring and influential figures | | **Cultural Documentation** | Captures a specific moment in Los Angeles history—the post-Rodney King riots era—with raw authenticity | | **Musical Cohesion** | Functions as a complete album experience rather than a collection of singles; seamless sequencing | | **Cross-Generational Appeal** | Bridges 70s funk nostalgia with futuristic hip-hop, attracting diverse audiences | | **Business Innovation** | Established the producer-as-mogul template that influenced Master P, Diddy, and Jay-Z | ### **Weaknesses** | Aspect | Assessment | |--------|------------| | **Lyrical Misogyny** | Pervasive contempt for women; female independence is consistently punished in the narrative | | **Homophobic Violence** | Repeated use of homosexual rape as threat/punishment, presented as either "terrifying" or "amusing" | | **Limited Lyrical Range** | Themes can feel repetitive; outside of Snoop's contributions, few verses reach exceptional technical heights | | **Dre's MC Skills** | As a rapper, Dre is competent but overshadowed by his guests; this is essentially a compilation album marketed as a solo debut | | **Moral Complexity** | The balance between documenting and glorifying violence remains ethically ambiguous | | **Dated Elements** | Some skits and interludes feel juvenile; the humor often descends into "puerile" territory | | **Accessibility Issues** | For listeners uncomfortable with gangsta rap aesthetics, the album offers little entry point | --- ## Final Assessment *The Chronic* occupies a complicated position in the hip-hop canon. It is undeniably one of the most important albums ever made—an innovative masterpiece that expanded hip-hop's sonic possibilities, launched iconic careers, and shifted the genre's geographic and commercial center of gravity. The production remains timeless, and its influence echoes through contemporary artists from Kendrick Lamar to Larry Jun . Yet it is also, as The Quietus argued, "repulsive and hate-filled"—an hour of often superb production laced with misogynistic and violently sociopathic lyrics that become increasingly difficult to reconcile with modern values . The album's casual cruelty toward women and its fixation with homophobic violence cannot be dismissed as mere "products of their time" without critical examination. Ultimately, *The Chronic* demands engagement on multiple levels: as a revolutionary artistic statement, as a historical document of 1992 Los Angeles, as a launching pad for Snoop Dogg's legendary career, and as a case study in the moral complexities of gangsta rap. It is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand hip-hop's evolution, even if that listening requires holding multiple contradictory truths simultaneously—appreciating the genius while acknowledging the damage, celebrating the innovation while critiquing the content. As Hip Hop Golden Age concluded: "Love it or hate it, you can't deny its importance in the Hip Hop canon" .
It would be 5 stars if it wasn't for the insane amounts misogyny.
Dre stretches out post-NWA with some serious but funky rhymes #johnsCDs
I've always compared the chronic to terminator. The first one is great and a classic in its own right. But the sequel came and just blew it outta the water. This album is similar to that.
It's importance for hip hop and how it cemented Dr.Dre as a hit maker and one of the top 5 most important figures in Rap history is undeniable. And the production is indeed elite and both leveled up what Dre had already accomplished as well as busting the door wide open for imitators for the next 10 years after this album. Not to mention the immediate coronation of Snoop Dogg. But the lyrical content, Dre's deficiencies as a rapper, the inherent repetitious nature of G Funk sound and production have always made this record fall kind of flat for me. Very important album for hip hop and a time capsule for sure but I just think the genre has evolved past this in a lot of ways and if they made this project today it has room to be vastly improved. The production is better than I remembered though and overall how features and samples are used to elevate Dre and highlight his abilities as a producer is very smart.
This album had some generational bangers and talents. It struck me the wrong way though. Seems like this started or further cemented the trend of featuring a guest artist on every song. I think only 3 were solo Dr Dre and some of those were joke or setup songs. Maybe killed the rap group too cause then everybody went solo. Great album & very influential... but was it for the best?
Rigolo oui, mais un poil lourd.
la biblia en vers
Vaya flow niño. No tengo un inglés tan bueno como para entender las letras al vuelo, pero imagino que será una basura jaja. No importa una mierda.
Surprised that this one holds up as well as it does.
* The album that gave us 'deeeeez nutz' *wipes tear away* * Dropped while i was in college and was the soundtrack to my senior year lol * All the Eazy disses hit different after how that all turned out and seeing the movie and all :(
Classic songs. Skits seemed cool in 92 or whenever but I was bored now.
Great record!
Dre's production is great. Snoop's hilarious. I'd drop "Bitches Ain't Shit," but this unsurprisingly remains a great album to consume cannabis to.
Great rap skits
i want to rate this a 4.5 because it's an amazing album. The album and songs are all iconic, but I want to save the 5's for truly the best of the best. I think this is almost there but has lost it with time.
Did not think I'd like this but actually really enjoyed it. Will listen again!
Fun to listen to; probably the best gangster rap album I've heard so far.
Håller!
Not safe from work rap men det är go
Wegweisend, aber nicht mein Musikgeschmack
Great hip hop album
Fun. A worthwhile cultural experience.
Old but gold
Loved this great beats and the cultural impact of this is huge so have to appreciate that.
7/10
Incredible intro, that west coast sound is so distinct. 8/10 Dre Day - I have a feeling like most of the songs in this album are going to sound similar. I can image the audience this was meant for. West coast black people probably gna listen to this in the car or outside with their friends. So it needs to sound vibey. Something you can bounce to while you talk in the car or something. Even still 7/10. Let me ride - 8/10. Excellent again. Good break. My only complaint is the bass. A stronger bass line would greatly improve this song. The Day The Niggaz Took Over - Holy shit this intro is incredible. 9/10 Nuthin’ But A G Thang - 9/10 Deeez Nuuutz - Weak ass intro but good song overall. 8/10 Lil' Ghetto Boy - So far the weakest song in the album; They're trying to send a message but it really falls flat in the context of the rest of the album. Black liberation and poverty talk, surrounded by songs glorifying the problems in the black community. 6/10 A Nigga Wit A Gun - Great intro, great bass line. Different sound to the rest of the album. A solid addition, keeps it fresh. 8/10 Rat A Tat Tat - 8/10
The beats and the production and the samples and its influence are undeniable. The only question is about the lyrics and what they represent… and they prevent me from giving it a 5. It’s not that they’re “gangsta.” Nas’s Illmatic is an easy 5 for me. Illmatic tells a story with ideas: “Life’s a bitch and then you die.” But much of The Chronic is “Eazy’s a bitch and he should die.” There are moments that make me feel otherwise, especially the track about the LA Uprising. But if we are being honest about enjoying records, I can’t fully enjoy this one because of the hate.
very influential. favorite is rat tat tat tat
+1 for nostalgia
Great to hear an up and coming Dre on this classic Snoop album. Also a decent cover of the classic Ben Folds song
Of course I don't have to mention that Dre is an excellent producer whose beats alone carry most of the points for this album. And while I can admit that this is historic piece of music, I cannot overlook that the texts are pretty mono-thematic for large parts of this album. There are interesting concepts here and there but I can only listen to the rappers talking about their well-endowedness for so long. Best songs are Nuthin' But A "G"-Thang and Lyrical Gangbang 8/10, a monumental accomplishment that shows its age.
it was good i think
4.5
As is the case with so much rap music, the misogyny on display lyrically has aged terribly. The culture has made huge steps to place artists and their creative output in appropriate contexts these days, acknowledging their importance but highlighting problematic themes and behavior in equal measure. I’m no prude, and I still sing the worst of the lyrics from this album joyfully. But my joy is steeped in nostalgia — coming to this fresh, I would absolutely be turned off by the overwhelmingly offensive, outdated lyrics. The production on the other hand is flawless. Still sounds crisp and innovative 25+ years later. This album is like Aja for hip hop heads — an album that reached a high level of perfection in both style and execution. Dre’s obsessive detail-oriented direction is legendary, but so is his prior domestic abuse allegations, a fact that makes the misogyny even worse.
Dre hanging with his homies and rapping back in the day. The lyrics sometimes does not age well but you can feel the beat and his genuineness here. Check out Nuthin' But A "G" Thang, Deeez Nuuutz, Fuck Wit Dre Day
Classic. Changed the game forever.
I still maintain the unpopular opinion that new hip hop is better than old school hip hop, but I can’t deny the artistry on display here or the immense influence of this album. And maybe I’m just getting old but I have a harder and harder time stomaching the glorification of senseless violence and crime. I know it’s not unique to black artists (shit, I grew up on Eminem), but when there’s 14 year olds in my city walking around with guns and jacking cars daily, I can’t help but feel it’s not the message impressionable kids need(ed). 4/5 Highlights: - Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang - Lil’ Ghetto Boy - A Nigga Witta Gun - Lyrical Gangbang