By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
A tribute to Oakland hip hop is long overdue because their rap scene has many of the biggest legends. Nine years ago, Oakland took a major loss when Mac Dre was killed during a trip to Kansas City. Before that, hip hop fans were glad to have Mac Dre back after a forced four-year hiatus.
Mac Dre started rapping in 1988 and dropped his Young Black Brotha EP debut in 1989 and did not look back. Two years later, Mac Dre returned with his California Livin EP, but his official debut album did not impact until 1992. What’s Really Goin’ On is the debut from Mac Dre and it started his legendary career.
Right when it started getting good, Mac Dre was sent to prison and he served until 1997 and he got out and continued doing his thing with the music. In 2004, Mac Dre had a strong year and he doubled up on the albums. The Genie of The Lamp and The Game is Thick, Vol. 2 were his final two albums.
Oakland and the entire Bay have not forgotten what Mac Dre provided to this game. Two posthumous albums from Mac Dre dropped in 2007 and 2008 in the form of Pill Clinton and Dre Day: July 5th 1970. Such a bright, legendary, career cut short so soon in Mac Dre, it was such a delight when Yo Gotti, Young Jeezy, and YG did “Act Right” as a tribute to Mac Dre and Oakland and none of them are even from the city.
Expanding upon that, Hip Hop Vibe borrowed their line “rest in peace to Mac Dre” and decided to look back on his career with a few music videos and some classic interviews.
See some of Mac Dre’s legendary career below:
Watch “Thizzle Dance” by Mac Dre below:
Watch “Feelin Myself” by Mac Dre below:
Watch “I’m N Motion” by Mac Dre below:
Listen to Mac Dre’s in-jail interview below:
Watch Mac Dre’s Ghetto Celebrities DVD interview below:
Watch Mac Dre’s last interview below:
See Mac Dre’s mural in Oakland below:
Follow K.B. Tindal on Twitter @KBTindal.
