What’s the Difference by Dr. Dre. (ft. Eminem & Xzibit)
“What’s the Difference” is a track by Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Xzibit from the album “2001”, released in 1999. The song discusses the artists’ struggles, their rise to fame, and their loyalty to their roots and real friends amidst the chaotic music industry.
Dr. Dre talks about his journey and the differences between his old and new life, while Eminem discusses his loyalty to Dre and his disdain for fake friends.
Xzibit, on the other hand, talks about his tough upbringing and his readiness to confront adversaries.
The track uses a sample from Charles Aznavour’s “Parce Que Tu Crois” and is known for its catchy beat and candid, introspective lyrics. It reflects the artists’ perspectives on their careers, personal lives, and the music industry, providing a glimpse into their worldviews at the time.
Credits
The track “What’s the Difference” showcases a collaborative writing effort from several artists and writers, including Dr. Dre, Eminem and Xzibit, who not only contributed their lyrical prowess but also their vocal performances.
Additionally, the following artists also played pivotal roles in crafting the song’s lyrics, each bringing their unique flair and creativity to the table, amalgamating various styles and influences into the track:
- Phish
- Mel-Man
- Richard Bembry
- Charles Aznavour
This collective input from diverse talents helped shape the song into a memorable piece in the hip-hop genre.
When was “What’s the Difference” released?
This classic was released on 16th of November, 1999. It appears on Dre’s “2001 Sampler”.
Hip-hop tunes like this are hard to find these days!
It’s kind of a bummer how hip-hop has changed, isn’t it? Remember those tracks like “What’s the Difference”? They had those killer beats and really deep lyrics that made you think. There was a time when hip-hop was not just about catchy tunes but also about sharing real stories and messages, talking about society, personal struggles, and more.
The beats were dope and the lyrics were often just as powerful. It was more than music; it was a way for artists to share, protest, and celebrate.
Nowadays, finding that kind of depth and realness in hip-hop can be a bit of a hunt, and it’s honestly missed. That rich, layered kind of music is hard to come by in today’s hip-hop scene and it’s definitely a bit sad for fans of the old-school style.
