Dr. Dre's 2001 Gets Audiophile Upgrade

08-26-2026

(LPC) Interscope-Capitol Records' Definitive Sound Series (DSS) announces Dr. Dre's 2001 as the newest title in its acclaimed premium audiophile vinyl series. The limited-edition all-analog 2LP 180g One Step will be released October 23 and is now available for pre-order here.

The release marks Dr. Dre's second album to receive a Definitive Sound Series edition, following the acclaimed pressing of his groundbreaking debut, The Chronic. Together, the two releases spotlight albums that helped define West Coast hip-hop while establishing Dre as one of modern music's most influential artists and producers.

Mastered directly from the original analog master tapes with lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, the DSS edition of 2001 was pressed on Neotech VR900-D2 180g high-definition vinyl at Record Technology, Inc. Utilizing the state-of-the-art One Step process, which eliminates multiple plating stages, the edition preserves the album's deep low end, cinematic arrangements, intricate layering, and expansive soundstage with exceptional clarity.

Limited to 4,000 numbered copies, the DSS edition features the original album artwork in a premium heavyweight tip-on double-packet gatefold jacket and is housed in a custom-designed slipcase. Each copy includes a certificate of authenticity detailing the mastering, plating, and pressing chain.

Originally released in November 1999, Dr. Dre's 2001 marked his long-awaited return with his first solo album in seven years. Building upon the revolutionary G-funk sound of The Chronic, Dre expanded his sonic vision with spare, hard-hitting beats, ominous keyboards, orchestral textures, and meticulously constructed arrangements that helped redefine the possibilities of hip-hop production.

Featuring an all-star cast including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Xzibit, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Mary J. Blige, and others, 2001 delivered a succession of enduring tracks, including "Still D.R.E.," "Forgot About Dre," "The Next Episode," and "What's the Difference." The album elevated West Coast hip-hop to an even broader global audience while cementing Dre's reputation as a visionary producer, exacting studio craftsman, and architect of modern rap.

2001 debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and went on to become one of Dr. Dre's most successful and influential releases. "Forgot About Dre" earned Dre and Eminem a GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, while the album further solidified Dre's stature as an artist, producer, and architect of a sound that would reverberate throughout hip-hop for decades to come. More than 25 years after its release, 2001 remains a benchmark for hip-hop production.

Dr. Dre, 2001 Track Listing:

Side A
1. Lolo Intro featuring Xzibit & Tray-Dee
2. The Watcher
3. F*** You featuring Devin a/k/a/ The Dude & Snoop Dogg
4. Still D.R.E. featuring Snoop Dogg
5. Big Ego's featuring Hittman

Side B
1. Xxplosive featuring Hittman, Kurupt, Nate Dogg & Six-Two
2. What's The Difference featuring Eminem & Xzibit
3. Bar One featuring Traci Nelson, Ms. Roq, & Eddie Griffin
4. Light Speed featuring Hittman
5. Forget About Dre featuring Eminem
6. The Next Episode featuring Snoop Dogg

Side C
1. Let's Get High featuring Hittman, Kurupt & Ms. Roq
2. Bitch Niggaz featuring Snoop Dogg, Hittman & Six-Two
3. The Car Bomb featuring Mel-Man & Charis Henry
4. Murder Ink featuring Hittman & Ms. Roq
5. Ed--ucation featuring Eddie Griffin
6. Some L.A. Niggaz featuring DeFari, Xzibit, Knoc-Turn'al, Time Bomb, King T, MC Ren & Kok
7. Pause 4 Porno featuring Jake Steed

Side D
1. Housewife featuring Kurupt & Hittman
2. Ackrite featuring Hittman
3. Ban Bang featuring Knoc-turn'al & Hittman
4. The Message featuring Mary J. Blige & Rell