Was Dr. Dre still Dr. Dre?

Sure he was a legend, but following his departure from Death Row Records, middling reception to The Firm’s debut album, and an objectively lackluster Aftermath compilation, the answer wasn’t so clear. In 1999, Dre erased any ambiguities with 2001, a sophomore album that re-established the musical maestro as one of the most compelling forces hip-hop has ever produced.

Released about seven years after he revitalized the West Coast with his debut album, The Chronic, the LP is a powerhouse effort that includes features sleekly nocturnal production, bars from apex Eminem, and timeless Snoop Dogg-assisted anthems designed to reverberate into the ages. While I’d argue it’s a half-notch below the standard he set with his maiden effort, it stands as compelling evidence of why we should never forget about Dre.

Tomorrow, 2001 celebrates its 25th anniversary. To celebrate, Okayplayer ranks every single track on the album.

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