Dr. Dre

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

In the timeline surrounding "Crack a Bottle," Dr. Dre's role was central to the track's identity and success, despite initial confusion regarding its release status. In December 2008, an unfinished version leaked under the name "Number One" on the mixtape 4th Quarter Pressure Part 2, followed by a final working version on January 6, 2009. While Italian media outlets initially denied it was a single, claiming it was merely promotional, the song was officially released for paid digital download on February 2, 2009. Dr. Dre's production and performance helped drive the record-breaking sales that saw the track climb to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 just three weeks later. The song also featured in a narrative of conflicting album placements; while 50 Cent stated it would appear on Before I Self Destruct, and Universal Music Group eventually confirmed its exclusive presence on Relapse, Dre's involvement remained a constant anchor throughout the promotional chaos.

In Their Own Story

The production environment for "Crack a Bottle" was defined by high stakes and rapid information leaks. The song samples Jean Renard's composition of Mike Brant's "Mais dans la lumière," a detail that connected Dr. Dre's work to a broader musical lineage also utilized by Aesop Rock and Del tha Funkee Homosapien on Wu-Tang Clan's 2005 album, Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture. As the single raced toward its February 12 release date, it shattered the previous digital sales record held by T.I.'s "Live Your Life," securing 418,000 downloads in a single week. However, this triumph was short-lived; the following week, Flo Rida's "Right Round" broke Dre and his collaborators' record again. Despite these fluctuations, the team secured a Grammy win at the 52nd Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The song's legacy also extended into remix territory, with Rick Ross releasing a diss track against G-Unit, while Cashis and Bobby Creekwater appeared on an official remix, showcasing the track's pervasive influence across the hip-hop landscape.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Dr. Dre's involvement in "Crack a Bottle," the music video serves as a unique case study in delayed releases and stylistic representation. Initially, plans for an animated video were discussed during a 50 Cent interview with MTV. A still frame later surfaced on Paul Rosenberg's blog on February 25, showing a homeless person holding a bottle wrapped in a brown bag, directed by Syndrome. Although an unfinished version featuring only Eminem's verse and chorus was released on May 7, 2009, followed by 50 Cent's verse later that day, the full video did not emerge until June 7, 2009, when Cashis shared a link to the complete cut. Notably, none of the three performers—Eminem, Dr. Dre, or 50 Cent—actually appear in the visual; instead, the video portrays their distinct styles: Eminem's chaotic energy, Dre's West Coast flair, and 50 Cent's club-oriented vibe. The official music video was finally released on YouTube on August 1, 2022, thirteen years after its initial creation.

Did You Know?

• "Crack a Bottle" broke the first-week digital sales record with 418,000 downloads, surpassing T.I.'s "Live Your Life."
• The song samples "Mais dans la lumière" by Israeli singer Mike Brant.
• Dr. Dre reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a second time with this track.
• None of the three performers (Eminem, Dr. Dre, or 50 Cent) appear in the official music video released in 2009.