Dr Dre's Debut Album Returns To Streaming Services

Dr Dre's debut album, The Chronic, which features the hit singles Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang and Let Me Ride, turned 30 in December. 

In April 2020, the record was distributed to all streaming services after being an Apple Music exclusive since 2015. In March 2022, The Chronic - as well as other albums released on Death Row Records, of which Dr Dre was a co-founder before departing - was removed from streaming services. 

Speculation led to Snoop Dogg, who acquired the label in February 2022, wanting to turn albums into NFTs. Last month, Universal Music Group and Shamrock Holdings confirmed a deal with Dr Dre to transfer the masters (from Death Row) to Dr Dre. Now, the album has returned to Dre and his original distributor, Interscope Records. Stream the album below.

"I am thrilled to bring The Chronic home to its original distribution partner, Interscope Records," Dr Dre commented about the news (via The Line Of Best Fit). "Working alongside my long-time colleagues, Steve Berman and John Janick, to re-release the album and make it available to fans all over the world is a full circle moment for me."

The album's re-release on streaming services marks its 30th anniversary. To further celebrate 30 years of The Chronic, Dr Dre has opened a special merchandise collection that sells vinyl, cassette tapes, hoodies and t-shirts.

"Dr Dre is without a doubt one of the most iconic and ground-breaking artists in the modern era. He has also used his platform to fuel some very impactful philanthropic efforts that will ensure his legacy is felt for generations to come," Steve Berman, Vice Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, continued. 

"Dre’s solo career all started with The Chronic, one of the most celebrated recordings of all time. To have this album at Interscope once again, where we work with Dre and his amazing team at Aftermath day in and day out, is incredibly gratifying for me personally and all of us at Interscope."

Have a look at the merch collection here.

Last month, Dr Dre's lawyers issued a cease and desist letter to the US representative for the Georgia district, Marjorie Taylor Greene, after she used his hit song, Still D.R.E., in a promotional video.

His representation said, “Mr Young has not, and will never, ever grant you permission to broadcast or disseminate any of his music. The use of Still D.R.E. without permission constitutes copyright infringement in violation of 17 U.S.C. $ 501.

“One might expect that, as a member of Congress, you would have a passing familiarity with the laws of our country. It's possible, though, that laws governing intellectual property are a little too arcane and insufficiently populist for you to really have spent much time on. We're writing because we think an actual lawmaker should be making laws, not breaking laws, especially those embodied in the constitution by the founding fathers.” Check out the rest of the letter here.