Hello (feat. Ice Cube & MC Ren)

Dr. Dre Dr. Dre

The Pioneers of Gangsta Rap: Unpacking Dr. Dre's 'Hello'

Dr. Dre's 'Hello' featuring Ice Cube and MC Ren is a powerful track that serves as a reminder of the artists' significant contributions to the genre of gangsta rap. The song opens with Ice Cube's repeated line, 'Look at these Niggas With Attitudes,' which is a direct reference to their former group, N.W.A (Niggas With Attitude), known for pioneering gangsta rap in the late 1980s. The repetition of this line sets a tone of reflection and recognition of their legacy in the music industry.

The chorus, 'I started this gangsta shit, And this the motherfuckin thanks I get?' is a rhetorical question posed by Dr. Dre, expressing a sense of frustration and disbelief at the lack of appreciation for their groundbreaking work. It's a statement of their influence and a call for respect from the industry and listeners who may have forgotten their roots and contributions. The lyrics throughout the song are filled with references to their past, their lifestyle, and the authenticity of their experiences that shaped the genre.

Dr. Dre's verses also touch on his personal success and the skepticism he faces about his continued relevance in the rap game. He asserts his financial stability and independence, emphasizing that he continues to make music not out of necessity but out of passion. The song is a defiant stand against critics and a declaration of their enduring impact on hip-hop culture. 'Hello' is not just a track; it's a statement piece from rap legends reminding the world of their status as originators of a movement that has become a global phenomenon.

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  1. Deep Cover
  2. I Need a Doctor (feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey)
  3. Nuthin' But a "G" Thang (feat. Snoop Dogg)
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