OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Eminem, the Grammy-winning rap legend, has been in the game for over two decades, collaborating with some of hip-hop’s most influential artists, including his longtime mentor and friend, Dr. Dre. Their partnership, which began in the late ’90s, has spawned some of the most iconic moments in rap history. But even someone as legendary as Eminem can have a memory lapse, and recently, Em had one that left fans scratching their heads.
It all started when Eminem was promoting his new song “From the D 2 the LBC,” a collaboration with Snoop Dogg, on Instagram. During a casual chat, Snoop brought up one of Dr. Dre’s most iconic music videos, “Still D.R.E.,” the anthem that has become synonymous with Dre’s enduring legacy in hip-hop. Eminem’s response? Pure confusion.
“Was I in that video?” Eminem asked, clearly puzzled. “Why the f*** would I not remember? What the f***? You gotta show me that s*** because I don’t remember.”
Fans of Em and Dre both know that the music video for “Still D.R.E.,” released in 2000, is one of the most recognizable in hip-hop history. Directed by the legendary Hype Williams, the video featured cameos from some of the biggest names in the game at the time, including Funkmaster Flex, Xzibit, and Warren G. And yes, you guessed it—Eminem was also in the video, chasing women around on a beach.
But apparently, the memory of it didn’t immediately come back to Em. It wasn’t until Snoop reminded him of his scene in the video that Eminem had a “lightbulb” moment.
“Oh yeah!” he exclaimed, as the memories flooded back. “I remember now. For some reason I was thinking ‘Forgot About Dre,’ like I pictured my performance in that.”
While it’s funny to think that Eminem—who is known for his razor-sharp memory and meticulous attention to detail in his music—could forget such a legendary moment, it also shows how much time has passed since the video was made. “Still D.R.E.” remains one of the most important songs of Dre’s career, and despite the years, the video still holds up as one of the best in the history of rap.
For those who need a refresher, “Still D.R.E.” was released in 2000 as part of Dr. Dre’s 2001 album. The song marked Dre’s return to prominence and remains a defining moment in hip-hop. With its iconic piano riff and Dre’s signature flow, the song and video solidified Dre’s position as one of the greatest producers of all time.
The video itself was also a major moment in the careers of everyone involved. From the sleek visuals of Dre’s mansion to the cameos from some of hip-hop’s biggest names, it perfectly captured the lavish lifestyle that Dre had worked so hard to build.
Fast forward to 2022, and Dre and Eminem’s friendship was front and center during the Super Bowl halftime show in Inglewood, California. The show was an all-star affair, with Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and of course, Dre himself, all taking the stage.
As expected, the Super Bowl halftime performance gave a huge boost to Dre’s music catalog, including “Still D.R.E.”, which had originally peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the show, the song re-entered the charts, reaching No. 23, proving just how timeless and powerful the track is, even over two decades later.
Despite the memory mix-up, it’s clear that Eminem’s relationship with Dr. Dre remains rock solid, with the two continuing to inspire and push each other to new heights. Whether it’s their unforgettable collaborations or their legendary Super Bowl performance, their bond is a key part of hip-hop history.
And as for “Still D.R.E.”? Well, let’s just say that Em may have forgotten his role in the video, but there’s no forgetting the impact that song—and his partnership with Dre—has had on the rap world.