Back in the mid-80s, out of the ganglands of South Central L.A, a plump kid named Andre Young formed the electro-hop group, World Class Wreckin’ Cru. Armed with a set of turntables, a microphone and a shiny red jacket, this lad would subsequently change the course of Hip-Hop forever. A founding member of controversial group, N.W.A, he pioneered the sub-genre of Gangsta Rap, collaborating with the likes of 2pac and introducing us all to Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, The G-Funkers and more. In his own words, Dr. Dre has “been there, done that”.
 
However, for the past 12 years the Hip-Hop world has been patiently awaiting the release of his much anticipated 3rd studio album. “Detox” has been on the tips of tongues for so long now that it’s gained mythical status on the rap scene with old timers, like me, anticipating its release like it was the second coming. Dre claimed he produced more than 400 beats for this album over the years but that’s hardly surprising, really. You could give me a set of bongos and in 12 years I’d create a fair few, myself. But how many of those are going to make the cut?

We all remember when 50 Cent hit the big-time with his debut album, “Get Rich, or Die Tryin’”. Now, whether you’re a fan of the lead-jawed rapper or not, the productions on that disc were slicker than Richard Walters, himself.Heavily produced by Dre, it was one of the Doctor’s last great triumphs. So 8 years on, we’re all curious to know whether or not he still has the savvy to drop another classic like The Chronic and 2001.

Detoxification and Detox Chroniclez have been released thus far as little fixes before the main dose and, I suppose, they have sufficed. But I couldn’t imagine any of those tunes bumping from Radio Raheem’s boombox. They were mediocre at best and they’ve already gone with the wind. In terms of previews to the actual album, so far we’ve had a couple of cheeky glimpses in the way of Kush and I Need a Doctor – both sounding pretty tight, with the guest spots being filled by the familiar voices of Snoop Dogg and Eminem.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear Rihanna on the album. And expect Akon to take on another chorus or two - as he seems to be the new generation’s (late and very great) Nate Dogg. Maybe some old school collaborations with Ice Cube or some of the other NWA members? Perhaps even a UK collaboration? Personally, I would love to see Dizzee Rascal or Roots Manuva take to the mic to help bridge that gap a little more. I’m sure the list will be incredible because nobody would realistically turn down the opportunity to work with such a legend.

I’m putting my faith in the man who told us all to “express yourself” and “**** tha police”. There is no way this album can be a flunk. It’ll be interesting to see who is writing the lyrics, as Jay-Z has been rumoured to be Dre’s main ghost-writer in the past. But be it Jigga, Nas or the Cheeky Girls, I predict endless nodding of heads and a 9-point-something-or-other on the Richter, come June 6th. Detox drops very, very shortly and it will surely reignite that fire that has been redundant in all of us ageing Hip-Hoppers since the dawn of the Naughties.

Release date: 06/06/2011