Dre Day

A Slight Altercation

Jade POV

December 1992

The night was electric as "The Chronic" hit the shelves in December 1992, breaking records and sending shockwaves through the music industry. Debuts at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts were nothing short of a triumph. The studio was filled with jubilation, the air buzzing with excitement and pride.

Amidst the celebration, Suge Knight, the man with the vision, suggested they head to Cafe de Alley, a popular restaurant in downtown LA, to continue the festivities. The whole Death Row crew, including Dre, myself, Suge, T.A., D.O.C., RBX, Snoop, Nate, Warren, Daz, Kurupt, Rage, and Jewell, made their way there, ready to enjoy their hard-earned success.

As we walked toward the restaurant, I felt a chill run down her spine. There he was, my ex Dwayne, glaring at her with hostility in his eyes. I could feel my legs go numb and color draining immediately from my face. Dre, noticing my distress grabs my hand before he turned to face Dwayne, his voice firm and unyielding. "Back off, nigga. You don't wanna to fuck with us."

The rest of the Death Row artists rallied behind Dre, a united front against the unwelcome intruder. Snoop stepped forward, his demeanor ice-cold. "You heard him loc. Get the fuck outta here with yo bitch ass before things get ugly."

T.A., his eyes blazing with determination, added, "We don't tolerate disrespect fam. Leave now."

Dwayne, realizing he was vastly outnumbered, slinked away, his taunts fading into the distance. The Death Row family stood together, protecting their own, sending a clear message that they were not to be trifled with. 

As we settled into the restaurant, I found myself seated next to Snoop, the vibrant energy of the bustling eatery surrounding us. With a genuine smile, I turned to him, my heart swelled with pride. "I'm so proud of what we've accomplished, Snoop. 'The Chronic' is a game-changer, and it's all thanks to the talent and dedication of everyone here."

Snoop nodded, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of camaraderie. "We're a family, Jade. We look out for each other."

Curiosity gleamed in his eyes as he asked, "Who was that person earlier, causin' you trouble?"

I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "My ex. He's been causing problems lately, just trying to mess with my head."

Snoop's expression turned serious, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Don't you worry, Jade. If he or anyone else gives you trouble, the LBC and the Rollin 20's Crips got your back. We look out for our own. Dogg Pound for Life!"

His words washed over me, a reassurance that I wasn't alone in this battle. I nodded, feeling a newfound sense of security. "Thank you, Snoop. It means the world to me."

With his silent understanding and the support of the crew, I felt a surge of strength. As I took a bite, the food tasted sweeter, knowing that I was surrounded by a family who had my back, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Amidst the boisterous atmosphere of the restaurant, a sudden, deafening gunshot shattered the glass, sending shockwaves of panic through the Death Row crew. Suge's commanding voice cut through the chaos, ordering the Death Row crew to the ground. I clung to Dre, my heart pounding in my chest, fear etched across my face.

Dre's strong arms enveloped me, his voice steady despite the chaos around us. "Stay low, Jade. We'll be okay," he reassured me, his words a lifeline in the midst of the mayhem.

Meanwhile, RBX, sensing the danger, pulled out his gun and fired back, the sound of gunshots mingling with the chaos. Suge, quick on his feet, directed his Piru homies to guide everyone to safety.