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Dr. Dre Praises Iconic Hip-Hop Radio Station as the Inspiration for His Success

Dr. Dre Pays Tribute to KDAY, A Legendary Radio Station That Shaped His Career

BySara Gaini|
65th GRAMMY Awards - Recording Academy Honors Presented By The Black Music Collective
65th GRAMMY Awards - Recording Academy Honors Presented By The Black Music Collective | Johnny Nunez/GettyImages

Celebrating the 40-year milestone of Greater Los Angeles radio station KDAY (now KBLA), Dr. Dre, an iconic figure in hip-hop, expressed his gratitude in a video shared by Xzibit on Instagram. Dre reminisced about KDAY being the platform that kickstarted his journey, giving him an opportunity as a young and emerging DJ with his own show, "The Traffic Jam." The legendary producer acknowledged the pivotal role KDAY played in his early career, especially as the first station to play his inaugural solo production, "Boyz-N-The-Hood."

In the heartfelt message, Dre conveyed the significance of hearing his work on the radio for the first time and the profound impact it had on his career. He credited KDAY as a vital part of his history and legacy, shaping the trajectory of his remarkable journey in the music industry. Dre expressed sincere appreciation for the station's role as a springboard to his present stature, emphasizing its instrumental role in his development.

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"“I have so many reasons to thank KDAY, but I’ll just give you a couple of them right now,” Dre began. “KDAY was the first station that gave me an opportunity when I was a young and up-and-coming DJ. They gave me my own radio show, which was called The Traffic Jam, and I showed up every weekday at 5 o’clock, and every artist out there knows what this is like … the first time you hear your shit on the radio, the feeling is amazing."
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Dr. Dre

Reflecting on Dre's enduring legacy, it's noteworthy that the acclaimed producer faced moments of doubt in 1992, considering quitting music due to challenges. However, LL COOL J's recently released book, "The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip Hop Greatness," sheds light on Dre's resilience during a period when he grappled with financial setbacks and a perceived stagnation in the quality of his work. Despite these challenges, Dre's unwavering commitment to his craft and continuous improvement ultimately solidified his enduring impact on the hip-hop landscape.

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