Dr. Dre vows not to forget rough roots

NEW YORK: Dr. Dre has become one of music’s richest entrepreneurs but on the work he has declared as his grand finale, the rap legend vows never to forget his street roots.
Capping one of the biggest waits in rap history, Dr. Dre late Thursday put out his first album in 16 years, timed one week before the release of the biopic “Straight Outta Compton” about his former band, gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A.
“Compton: A Soundtrack by Dr. Dre” offers a wistful look back at the now 50-year-old’s upbringing in the Los Angeles County city long synonymous with gang violence. While in time-tested hip-hop fashion the album’s lyrics are full of bloodshed and boasting, Dr. Dre’s tone is striking for coming off not as angry but inspirational.
“I’m strong — financially, physically / Mentally I’m on a whole ‘nother level / And don’t forget that I came from the ghetto,” he raps on the introspective “Talking to My Diary,” the closer of the album and perhaps his recording career.