Album Revisited: Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” (1992)

Alan Myszkowski | October 17, 2022

When this album was released I was 10. I only remember it because I somehow had the cassette tape of “The Chronic” and listened to it ad nauseum, that is until my Dad came downstairs and heard what I was listening to. He didn’t have to listen too long until he yelled “TURN THAT SHIT OFF!” And from that point forward, I could only listen to it with headphones and my walkman for fear of getting in trouble (which is arguably a better experience anyway).

While almost impossible to understand the influence of this album at 10 years old (except for being rebellious for rebellious’ sake and knowing how much trouble I could get in) now that I’m 40 and have some hindsight, I can’t think of a more definitive/influential rap album of all-time.

It’s the first rap album to truly crossover and reach unparalleled commercial success. It spawned an entire genre of rap in its wake (East Coast/West Coast), allowed artists like Wu Tang, Biggie and Tupac an avenue to sell albums (let’s not forget introducing Snoop Dogg), and brought a level of artistry to the genre that would undoubtedly inspire rapper/producers like Kanye West in the not too distant future.

If you’re like me and look to channel your inner 90’s kid every once in a while then give it a listen. It’ll bring back all of those baseball card collecting/playing sports with the other kids in the neighborhood/Saved By The Bell and Ninja Turtles watching memories that’s always fun to revisit. 

 

Obvious Musts:

“Dre Day”

“Let Me Ride”

“Nuthin’ But A G Thing”

“Bitches Ain’t Shit”

Really Good But Not Obvious:

“Lil’ Ghetto Boy”

“Lyrical Gangbang”

“Stranded Of Death Row”

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Alan Myszkowski

As the founder of LOCAL 219 in late 2017, Alan has written multiple articles, hosted podcasts, and been on air talent and behind the scenes for LOCAL 219. Alan also graduated from PNW with a B.A. in English. In his personal life, Alan is married to his wife Amber and has two young children, Brooklyn and Jude, and loves spending his free time chasing his kids around, watching sports, reading, and listening to music.