Dr. Dre
2001

"2001", released in '99, is the second "solo" album (it's packed with features and he certainly doesn't do the beats himself) by Dr. Dre, one of the most important artists in hip hop, whether you like it or not.

As for the beats, 2001 is undoubtedly a great album. With minimal sampling, a wide use of keyboards and synthesizers, an excellent sense of rhythm, and great effectiveness both in the more "danceable" tracks and in the darker atmospheres. Dr. Dre (and his team) did an excellent job on the production, as there is a great attention to detail and stylistic "cleanliness."

As for the rap, well, in terms of lyrics, you can't expect much: self-celebration, desire for revenge, "I'm gangsta," etc., except for the final track (dedicated to someone deceased, maybe Eazy-E?); in terms of style, the flow isn't bad: the numerous rappers who participate in the album (the one with the most features is the unknown Hittman, but there are also Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and others) show grit and talent. Certainly, Dr. Dre raps terribly, undoubtedly worse than in The Chronic (and it's not like his flow was memorable there....)

The album is cohesive without being monotonous, gracefully transitioning from the relaxed Fuck You to the arrogant Still D.R.E. (which injects self-esteem into the listener). The highlights of the album are What's The Difference, a perfect base for a perfect execution by Xzibit and Eminem; Forgot About Dre, angry and with another great feature from the blonde of Detroit, and Bang Bang which well describes a Los Angeles where violence reigns.

The rest of the album is at excellent levels, although there are some songs that give the impression of being fillers, like Some L.A. Niggaz (7 rappers managing to say absolutely nothing over one of the worst beats, only good in the chorus) and the very dull diss track Bitch Niggaz.

Apart from the final song, The Message: the only track where the beat isn't composed by Dre (and his team). Indeed, here the beat is by Lord Finesse, and he does a decent job, with Dre's rapping more boring than ever (but the lyrics aren't bad, even though it seems he didn't write them...) and Mary J. Blige whining in the chorus.

In conclusion, a nice hip hop album, ideal only for those who love the genre and want to not think, and who aren't fixated on the east coast.