Dr. Dre is an American record producer, actor, and rapper known for signing the likes of Eminem and 50 Cent. He is known for being the CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics.
He is also known for being a key figure in the crafting and popularizing West Coast G-funk, a subgenre of hip-hop characterized by a synthesizer foundation and a slow, heavy beat.
Additionally, he is recognized for being a member of the World Class Wreckin’ Cru and the gangsta rap group N.W.A and is the co-president of Death Row Records.
Dr. Dre Net Worth
Dr. Dre, as one of the most successful artists, has earned hundreds of millions of dollars from his music career and more through various entrepreneurial pursuits. He is ranked among the richest rappers in the world as of today.
As a member of N.W.A and later, as a solo artist, he sold hundreds of albums and singles during his career. He also signed and kickstarted the careers of prominent rappers today, such as Eminem and 50 Cent, through his record label, Aftermath Entertainment.
Dr. Dre made a massive $52 million in 2001 by selling a part of Aftermath Entertainment to Interscope Records and creating hit tracks like “Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige. Rolling Stone named him the second highest-earning artist that year.
In 2004, his earnings totaled $11.4 million, mostly from royalties from G-Unit and D12 albums and the success of “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani and rapper Eve.
By 2012, Forbes valued Dr. Dre’s fortune at $270 million. His wealth skyrocketed that year with a $110 million acquisition, making him the highest-paid artist of 2012.
Apart from making music, Dr. Dre and music producer Jimmy Iovine teamed up to start a company called Beats By Dre that made headphones and other audio products. Apple bought this company in 2014 for a staggering $3.4 billion.
Both Jimmy and Dre had 25% ownership when they sold it, resulting in each receiving $750 million before taxes. After selling it, Dre ended up with $780 million after taxes, combining it with his other money.
In June 2020, Dr. Dre’s wife, Nicole Young, filed for divorce after being married for 24 years, and they didn’t have a prenuptial agreement. In December 2021, Dr. Dre revealed his financial situation in court documents.
According to these papers, Dre controls assets between $450 and $500 million. His average monthly income is around $230,000.
In 2021, he sold Apple shares worth $73 million and held $182,733,809 in his checking/savings accounts. Additionally, he owns $6 million in stocks and has around $270 million worth of personal belongings.
Currently, Dr. Dre has an estimated net worth of $500 million.
Profile Summary
| Net Worth | $500 million |
| Name | Andre Romell Young |
| Age | 59 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Compton, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Theodore Young |
| Mother | Verna Young |
| Siblings | Warren G Tyree Crayon Jerome Crayon Shameka Crayon |
| Ex-Wife | Nicole Young |
| Children | Marcel Young Andre Young Jr. La Tanya Danielle Young Curtis Young Truly Young Truice Young Tyra Young LaToya Young Ashley Young |
| Height | 6’1″ 1.85 m 185 cm |
| Weight | 108 kg 238 lbs |
| Socials | Instagram |
Biography
Dr. Dre, whose full name is Andre Romell Young, was born on February 18, 1965, in Compton, California, to parents Theodore and Verna Young.
His middle name originates from the Romells, his dad’s R&B group. His parents married in 1964, separated in 1968, and finalized their divorce in 1972. Afterward, his mother married Curtis Crayon and had three more children: sons Jerome and Tyree (deceased) and a daughter named Shameka.
Dre experienced frequent moves, residing in Compton, Carson, Long Beach, Watts, and South Central LA. He primarily grew up with his grandma in Compton’s New Wilmington Arms housing project.
His family expanded when his mother married Warren Griffin, gaining Dre three step-sisters and a step-brother, Warren G. Dre, who is related to producer Sir Jinx, attended various schools like Vanguard Junior High, Roosevelt Junior High (due to gang-related issues), Centennial High, and Fremont High (due to academic struggles).
Initially aspiring to work at Northrop Aviation Company, Dre’s grades hindered this plan. Consequently, he shifted his focus towards entertainment and enjoyment.
Skipping school jeopardized Dre’s spot on the school’s swim team. After completing high school, under his mother’s encouragement for work or further education, he enrolled at Chester Adult School in Compton. He briefly attended a radio broadcasting school before moving between his dad’s and grandparents’ homes, eventually returning to his mother’s house.
Career
Dr. Dre’s music journey commenced at Eve’s After Dark club, where he transitioned from an observer to a DJ named “Dr. J,” inspired by Grandmaster Flash’s music.
At the club, he met DJ Yella, and they produced demos in a small studio. Adopting the moniker “Dr. Dre,” amalgamating his old nickname with his real name, he embarked on his musical path as the “Master of Mixology.”
His early tracks appeared on the 1994 album “Concrete Roots,” receiving mixed reviews from critics.
Joining the World Class Wreckin’ Cru proved pivotal, immersing him in the electro-hop scene of early 1980s West Coast hip-hop. His involvement led to their breakthrough hit, “Surgery,” showcasing Dre’s turntable prowess.
It was during this period he crossed paths with Ice Cube, and their collaboration on Ruthless Records pioneered raw depictions of urban life, defining gangsta rap.
Their work, notably N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton,” achieved immense success, albeit accompanied by controversies and an FBI warning due to explicit lyrics, particularly on “Fuck tha Police.”
Departing from N.W.A in 1991 signified a fresh beginning. With support from associates like the D.O.C. and Suge Knight, he co-established Death Row Records.
His debut solo album, “The Chronic,” released in 1992, introduced G-funk and included hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Let Me Ride.” During this phase, he produced for emerging artists like Snoop Dogg, solidifying his reputation as a visionary producer.
The inception of Aftermath Entertainment with Interscope Records opened new avenues. Signing Eminem was a transformative move, leading to collaborations that elevated the label’s prominence.
Dre persisted in music-making, releasing albums, and venturing into business, leaving an indelible mark on hip-hop. He diversified into TV production and collaborated with artists such as Anderson.Paak and Marsha Ambrosius.
Film Appearance
Dr. Dre began his acting career in 1996 with a role as a weapons dealer in “Set It Off.” He appeared in “The Wash” and “Training Day” in 2001. His song “Bad Intentions” featured on The Wash soundtrack, and he collaborated on two other tracks with Snoop Dogg.
In 2007, he announced plans to produce dark comedies and horror films under Crucial Films. Later, he co-produced “Straight Outta Compton” in 2015, a movie depicting N.W.A.’s story alongside Ice Cube.
Business Ventures And Endorsements
Dr. Dre co-founded Beats Electronics with Jimmy Iovine in 2006. The brand launched various headphone models in 2008, partnered with HP for laptop packages in 2009, and introduced Beats Music in 2014.
Apple’s acquisition of Beats for $3.4 billion in 2014 elevated Dr. Dre as the wealthiest figure in hip-hop. He briefly held a top position at Apple, but a $200 million share was reduced due to Tyrese Gibson sharing details prematurely on social media in 2022.
Between 2002 and 2003, Dr. Dre appeared in Coors Light beer ads. From 2009 onwards, he was featured in advertisements promoting Beats Electronics products, including a Dr. Pepper ad offering a sneak peek of his unreleased Detox album.
Subsequent ads in 2010 and 2011 showcased Beats Audio in HP laptops and Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” campaign, respectively.
Charitable Works
In May 2013, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine donated $70 million to establish the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy. This institution focuses on fostering creativity in arts, technology, and business. The inaugural class of students commenced in September 2014.
Moreover, in June 2017, Dr. Dre pledged $10 million for the construction of a performing arts facility at Compton High School. The project, in collaboration with the Compton Unified School District, aims to include a substantial 1,200-seat theater and was scheduled to begin construction in 2020.
Constructions has began in the school and it will be named The Andre Dr. Dre’ Young Performing Arts Center.
Controversies
Dr. Dre has encountered numerous controversies, including allegations of violence against women, legal disputes over copyrights, personal altercations leading to legal issues, trademark disagreements, and reported issues regarding unpaid royalties and financial support for his daughter.
Over the years, Dre has publicly acknowledged his past mistakes and expressed regret in various interviews and statements.
Personal Life
On December 15, 1981, at 16, Dre and his then-girlfriend Cassandra Joy Greene, aged 15, welcomed their son, Curtis. Greene raised Curtis, and he met Dre for the first time 20 years later. Curtis pursued a career as a rapper under the name Hood Surgeon.
In 1983, Dre had a daughter named La Tanya Danielle Young with Lisa Johnson. Dre and Johnson share three daughters.
Dre had a son named Andre Young Jr. with Jenita Porter in 1988. In 1990, Porter filed a lawsuit against Dre for $5,000 per month in child support.
Andre passed away on August 23, 2008, at the age of 20, due to a heroin and morphine overdose at his mother’s home.
Between 1987 and 1996, Dre was in a relationship with singer Michel’le, who frequently contributed vocals to albums of Ruthless Records and Death Row Records. They had a son named Marcel in 1991.
In 1996, Dre tied the knot with Nicole (formerly Plotzker) Threatt, previously married to basketball player Sedale Threatt. They share two children: a son named Truice (born 1997) and a daughter named Truly (born 2001).
Dr. Dre’s Houses
In 2014, Dre bought a $40 million house in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles from its former owners, NFL star Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
He also acquired a lavish four-bedroom property for $2.25 million in 2019. This classic mansion is situated in a highly secure neighborhood in LA known as the gated Summit Club. Each room in this roomy home offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most sought-after properties in LA.
Cars and Other Property
Dr. Dre possesses an impressive collection of vehicles, including a Cadillac Escalade valued at $200,000, a rare limited edition model of the classic Ferrari Testarossa worth $250,000, and a luxurious Rolls-Royce Drophead, a high-end muscle car valued at $480,800.
Moreover, he owns a Private Jet—a Gulfstream V worth an astonishing $36 million—and a Naia Yacht valued at an impressive $60 million. To top it off, he sports a Platinum Rolex Masterpiece worth $225,000.
| Cars, Private Jet and Yacht | Prices |
| Cadillac Escalade | $200,000 |
| Ferrari Testarossa | $250,000 |
| Rolls-Royce Drophead | $48, 800 |
| Private Jet Gulfstream V | $36 million |
| Naia Yacht | $60 million |
| Platinum Rolex Masterpiece | $225,000 |