When was The Chronic by Dr. Dre released?
The Chronic was released on the 15th of December 1992 by Death Row Records and Interscope Records, distributed by Priority Records.
Questions about The Chronic
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is G-funk and how did The Chronic define it?
G-funk is a subgenre of gangsta rap built on slow bass beats, melodic synthesizers, P-Funk samples, female vocals, and a laconic lyrical delivery. Dr. Dre pioneered it on The Chronic by blending late 1970s and early 1980s funk influences with original live instrumentation rather than heavy sampling, a departure that shaped mainstream hip hop for roughly four years after the album's release.
How well did The Chronic sell and perform on the charts?
The Chronic peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and spent eight months in the Billboard Top 10. It was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA on the 3rd of November 1993, and by 2015 had sold 5.7 million copies in the United States.
Why did Dr. Dre leave N.W.A before recording The Chronic?
Dr. Dre departed N.W.A and Ruthless Records over a financial dispute with the label's owner, Eazy-E. The split was bitter enough that The Chronic's second single, "Fuck wit Dre Day," directly dissed Eazy-E and fellow former member Ice Cube.
What Grammy Awards did The Chronic win?
"Let Me Ride" won Dr. Dre Best Rap Solo Performance at the 1994 Grammy Awards, which were the 36th Grammy Awards. "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" was nominated at the same ceremony for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group but lost to Digable Planets' "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)."
Is The Chronic in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry?
Yes. In 2019 the Library of Congress selected The Chronic for preservation in the National Recording Registry, recognizing it as culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.