Dre Day

Welcome To Death Row

Dre POV

September 1991

The night was thick with anticipation, hanging in the air like the heavy bassline of a yet-to-be-discovered hit. I found myself in the heart of the city's pulsating music scene, surrounded by the beats and rhythms that echoed the dreams of countless artists. In the dimly lit studio, where creativity danced amidst the flickering candlelight, I stood alongside T.A, D.O.C., and Warren G, my little brother and confidant, the man who always had an ear to the ground, searching for the next big thing for getting Death Row up and running.

Jade, watches with a glint of excitement in her eyes. I laugh at her reaction.

"Girl why you so exicited for?".

Jade rolls her eyes and shoves me playfully. D.O.C. and T.A are busy writing some songs whilst Warren is fishing through his bag for some tapes.

Jade laughs and I rolls my eyes at her. Damn, she has a hold on me. T.A and D.O.C. will roast the fuck out of me if I speak my feelings out. 

"It's just adorable, you know," she said, her voice all soft and warm. "You, hustlin' to build Death Row, always on the hunt for new talent. It's like watchin' a kid in a candy shop."

I raised an eyebrow, fakin' surprise. "Me? Adorable?" I replied, my tone playful. "I ain't playin', Jade. I'm Dr. Dre, remember?"

She flashed a grin, her playful vibe going strong. "Oh, come on, Dre. Deep down, you love this. Findin' fresh artists, moldin' their careers. It's your passion, and it's hella cute. Plus to your fans, you're Dr. Dre, to me you'll always be Andre Young and besides you afriad that T and Doc will rap circles around you."

I sighed and pinched her arm making her yelp before she playfully slaps my chest pretending to be actin' annoyed. "Alright, alright," I said, rollin' my eyes with mock irritation. "But rappin's best left to the pros." I said gesturing at T.A and D.O.C. "I'm the maestro behind the mixing board, creatin' the beats that make magic happen."

Jade nudged me, her eyes filled with love. "Well, just promise me one thing," she teased. "If you ever decide to drop a verse, make sure I'm there to witness it. I gotta be part of history in the makin'."

I chuckled, her excitement contagious. "Deal," I said, throwin' my arm 'round her. "But for now let's focus on getting some talent huh?"

Jade smiled as Warren hands me a tape. I look at him a little confused.

"Yo, Dre, you gotta check this out," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

I raised an eyebrow, my confusion evident. "What's this, Warren?" I asked, taking the tape from his hand.

Warren's smile widened as he said, "It's Calvin, man, aka Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Nate Dogg. They got something special, something real."

Intrigued, I popped the tape into the deck and hit play. The beats thumped through the speakers, and Snoop's smooth rhymes flowed like liquid poetry, weaving a vivid tapestry of street life. Nate's soulful voice added depth, his melodies wrapping around Snoop's words like a comforting embrace. I couldn't help but nod my head to the rhythm, impressed by their raw talent. This nigga Snoop has the laid back flow on lock. He sounds a little like T.A and Slick Rick mixded together. Nate had that voice which just fit so perfect with Snoop's rhymes, he just reminded me of a more refined version of my homie Mix Master Spade, a Compton OG and my mentor back in the Uncle Jamm's Army and Wreckin' Kru days.

"Damn, Warren, this dude is the diamond in the rough." I said and Warren laughs. "How come yo' big headed ass didn't give me this tape sooner huh? Nate on the hook too though, that boy can sing his ass off"