Rapper Ice Cube has revealed Dr Dre’s plans to release a new album on August 1.
In an interview with Philadelphia’s Power 99 radio station, Ice Cube spoke at length about the upcoming NWA biopic film Straight Outta Compton and explained that the new music from Dr. Dre was inspired by the film about his former hip hop group.
“Actually Dre is dropping an album inspired by Compton,” Ice Cube told listeners. “He’s dropping something on August 1st. It’s mega. It’s Dr Dre. It’s what everyone’s been waiting for. It’s definitely a dope record. And he’s dropping it all on the same day. It’s crazy.”
Fans are also eager for confirmation of an NWA reunion tour to support the film’s release, following rumours they would reform for live promotional dates with Eminem as an honorary member.
Despite representatives for both Dr. Dre and Eminem denying plans for any tour dates, Ice Cube commented on the possibility of a new tour, adding, “it’s definitely, definitely possible.”
Dre’s former hip-hop group NWA formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1991. Its members included Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, DJ Yella and Eazy-E. Eazy-E passed away in 1995.
Dr. Dre has gone on to establish himself as a prolific hip hop producer and entrepreneur, working with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and more. Despite multiple Grammy Awards and numerous guest spots and production credits, he has only released two studio albums under his own name, ‘The Chronic’ (1992) and ‘2001’ (1999).
Straight Outta Compton is set to be released in the UK on August 28. Director F. Gary Grew recently confirmed Dr. Dre would appear on the film’s soundtrack alongside Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
Meanwhile, Dr Dre recently discussed his involvement in the film on his Beats 1 radio show, The Pharmacy.
“I don’t want anything to pour water on my legacy, so I was against it at the beginning,” he stated.
“I read a few scripts that were just like kinda corny, but Ice Cube, he actually grabbed the bull by the horns. He went in and got the script done and I read this new script that he brung in and it was like, ‘Oh, ok, I like that.’ Then, when Gary Gray decided he wanted to come on board and direct, I’m like, ‘Ok, we might have something here. Let’s roll our sleeves up, black out and really give these people not only what they want.'”
“Just display everything that it took, not only what it took to put that record together, but the friendship, the love that we have for each other, the betrayal and ultimately, trying to get back together and do a new N.W.A record before Eazy passed away.”
[NME]
