Interscope Records has joined forces with Trophy to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Dr. Dre’s iconic album “The Chronic”. Together, they are releasing the second installment of “The Chronic Masters” collection, a range of one-of-a-kind and highly sought-after merchandise items for fans to collect.
June will mark the release of the first drop, featuring replicas of three notable session tapes. This upcoming drop delves further into the iconic album by Dr. Dre, offering a limited run of distinctive prints and memorabilia. The standout feature of this recently launched collection, available today, is the “The Masters” Print. This print showcases the official master tapes for “The Chronic” album on both sides A and B. It is an archival pigment print captured by renowned photographer Jeremy Deputat.
In addition to the prints previously mentioned, there are also two more options available. The first one is called “The Session Stacks” which features imagery of the complete session tapes from “The Chronic.” The second option is called “The Session Grid” and showcases the original session tapes from each individual song that made it onto the project. These additional prints give fans a unique glimpse into the creation process behind this iconic album. A highly exclusive collectible from the drop is “The Session Tapes Stacks Replica.” Only 30 lucky fans will have the chance to own this limited item. It offers a life-size replica of the master tapes that were found 30 years after their original recording. In addition to that, you can also find limited edition skateboard decks and tees. These exclusive items are available for purchase through the microsite interscope.com/TheChronicMasters.
Dr. Dre’s debut solo album, “The Chronic,” holds a significant place in hip hop history. Regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop albums ever, it stands out as a memorable milestone for the genre. This groundbreaking record not only introduced the distinctive G-funk sound but also revolutionized production techniques within hip hop, paving the way for a new era in music. Dre’s album is a fantastic display of his expertise as a producer, highlighting his distinctive style characterized by the use of the Moog synthesizer. He seamlessly blends elements of old-school funk with new-school rap, creating a captivating musical experience. It’s worth mentioning that even as a teenage girl, you were captivated by the entire project and found yourself playing the record nonstop.
With the release of “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre not only achieved personal success, but he also played a crucial role in launching the careers of rising stars such as Snoop Dogg and Warren G. This iconic album solidified Dre’s position as one of the most influential producers in the history of hip hop. Dre’s album not only showcased his musical talent, but also shed light on the prevalent issues of gang violence and police brutality in Los Angeles during that time. Through his music, Dre demonstrated a strong dedication to addressing these serious matters within his community.In June of last year, Rolling Stone magazine recognized the cultural significance of The Chronic album by including it in their esteemed list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The publication specifically mentioned how this influential record played a pivotal role in redefining the sound and style of West Coast hip hop.
The Chronic Masters Collection offers a range of prints in a size of 24″ x 24″ for enthusiasts of this iconic album. Each print, captured by Jeremy Deputat, is priced at $150 USD. Every print is meticulously crafted using archival pigment on high-quality Moab Entrada bright white fine art paper. Each print is adorned with a unique chop mark, numbered, and hand-embossed Chronic leaf detailing, adding a touch of elegance to the artwork. To ensure its authenticity, a certificate of authenticity is included with every premium print purchase.
Interscope Records collaborated with Trophy, a creative agency that specializes in crafting customized content and collectibles that go beyond the boundaries of music and culture. Together, they conceptualized “The Chronic Masters,” a unique project. Jason Sangerman, the Senior Vice President of Interscope, collaborated closely with Trophy’s co-founders Jeremy Deputat, James Larese, and Jesse Cory, along with Dan Armand from 1XRUN in Detroit. Since 2014, a team of collectible producers has been partnering with UMG to create an exclusive collection of memorabilia for hip-hop fans. Their collaboration has involved delving into the vast history of the genre, unearthing hidden gems to bring fans a unique and special experience.
“The Chronic Masters” Collection Drop Two includes:
● Three premium 24”x24” fine-art print offerings, with only 92 hand-numbered units available of each at $150 USD. Each premium print purchase includes a certificate of authenticity. Print 1 features: “Session Tapes Grid”, Print 2 features: The Session Tapes Stack”, Print 3 features:
● The Session Tapes Stack Replica: 1:1 Scale Replica which includes 14 session tape boxes with only 30 units available at $1,200 USD. Features five-sided archival UV-cured prints on varnished HD aluminum panels wrapped on a 3⁄4” painted plywood frame.
● Apparel: Four limited edition tees including imagery of the session tapes, Let Me Ride and the Ampex 456 Tape all priced at $42 each
● Four limited edition skateboard decks with only 92 units available of each at $92 USD. One limited edition Chronic album skateboard deck with 310 units available at $92 USD. The designs of the decks feature tape notes, session tape stacks, AMPEX 456 tape image, a “Fuck with Dre Day” deck, and the iconic album artwork
To find out more about this special release, you can visit Interscope Records’ Instagram or check out their website.
