INDIO, CA – APRIL 23: Recording artist Dr. Dre performs onstage during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella … [+]
2016 Getty Images
Dr. Dre’s seminal 1992 solo album, The Chronic, enjoyed a massive sales increase following its long-awaited debut on streaming services last week.
The era-defining record landed on all streaming platforms April 20, nearly 28 years after first hitting shelves. According to Chart Data, The Chronic puffed up 331% in U.S. unit sales (traditional sales plus streaming- and track-equivalent albums), moving over 5,000 units this week.
Originally released on Dec. 15, 1992 through Dre’s own Death Row Records, The Chronic marked the rapper’s first release following his departure from N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records. It was a commercial smash, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earning a triple platinum certification from the RIAA. The album spawned two Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “F**k Wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’),” both featuring ascendant superstar Snoop Dogg, whose 1993 debut album Doggystyle was produced by Dre and released on Death Row.
The Chronic helped redefine West Coast hip-hop and catapulted G-funk into the mainstream, fusing high-pitched synthesizer melodies, thunderous bass grooves and ‘70s funk samples with Dre’s braggadocious delivery. The album also served as a launchpad for several other West Coast rap stars, including Warren G and Nate Dogg. Last month, the Library of Congress added The Chronic to its National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
Dr. Dre eclipsed the commercial success of The Chronic with his 1999 sophomore album, 2001. Featuring Snoop, Nate Dogg and new superstar protege Eminem, 2001 peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 6x platinum by the RIAA. Dre’s third and most recent studio album, Compton, also peaked at No. 2 in 2015 and has earned a gold certification.
Like what you see? Follow me on Twitter for more.