After previously admitting that he was hoping to release his elusive Detox album closer to 2011, hip-hop legend Dr. Dre has now announced that he was planning on speeding up the process, confirming both a 2010 release and revealing the first single from the project. The precursor to the album will be a collaboration with rap giant Jay-Z entitled ‘Under Pressure.’
According to an interview Dre himself gave to CNBC, he was hoping to release the single in the very near future. He explained, “Yes, hopefully we'll be releasing ['Under Pressure'] in the next two weeks or so.” He then continued, “I'm definitely gonna be putting the album out this year. Finally, you know, and I think everybody is gonna be happy with it. That's it right now. I'm just trying to finish this record, finally get it done, get it out and start promoting it.”
Is Detox the Most Talked-about Project in Hip-Hop History?
Since it was initially announced to the world in 2004, Dr. Dre’s supposed masterwork Detox has probably taken up more news headlines and sparked more discussion than any other hip/hop album. Interviews with not only Dre himself but also any artist even remotely connected to the project have seemed to focus on the same goal only, demystifying Detox.
With artists, fans and critics alike all questioning its timing, existence and of course whether or not the album will still be relevant in today’s scene, the legendary producer will really have to show and prove with this album. With the constant media hype and high expectations surrounding the release, it does beg the question whether the project will ever be able to live up to its anticipation.
Is Said Talk Cheap?
The project, which has suffered countless setbacks due largely to his perfectionism, has achieved almost mythical status within the hip-hop world with many wondering whether the project would ever really come into fruition. Whilst it must be said that a certain level of anticipation is beneficial to the marketing of an album, Dre faces the monumental task of creating the classic to end all hip-hop classics with what will allegedly be his final studio effort.
In reality, Detox is almost certainly capable of moving an impressive number of units with everybody eager to see the final outcome; will Dre’s last stand be enough to quiet his critics, however, and cement the legendary status within the genre that he deserves as a pioneering producer? Hopefully all will become clear before the year is out – but holding your breath is probably not advised.
Hannah O'Connor - With several years of experience, gaining a reputation as one of the hardest working and more creative young writers in hip hop ...
