Dr. Dre has addressed his reputation as notorious “perfectionist” in the studio, admitting that his so-called pursuit of sonic excellence isn’t as it seems.
Joined by Snoop Dogg, Dre sat down for an interview with Complex to discuss their upcoming album Missionary, as well as their new alcohol brand Gin & Juice, named after Snoop’s classic 1993 song.
Talking about the perfectionist label, which some have used to explain his lack of musical output over the years, Dre said: “I guess you call it perfection, but I want things right. And I’ll be honest with you, [perfectionism] is just something I use to waste time — not waste time, to buy time.
“I don’t know if anything can ever be perfect, you know? I don’t even want it to be perfect because human aren’t perfect so the music shouldn’t be.”
Dre also shed light on the process behind how he and Snoop are finalizing the tracklist Missionary: “It has to be right for everyone that’s involved. Now, there’s three parties involved: me, Snoop and Jimmy [Iovine]. If all three of us are loving it, then we go.”
Snoop added: “But it can’t be two to one; it’s gotta be three to zero […] It’s always perfection when it’s 3-0.”
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre have been hard at work on Missionary in recent years, with the Aftermath Entertainment founder confident that the final product will rank alongside his best work.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight last week, Dre said: “This one’s gonna show a different level of maturity with [Snoop’s] lyrics and with my music. I feel like this is some of the best music I’ve done in my career […] I’m not playing.”
He added: “The musicians I’m working with right now and some of the writers in the studio that are helping us… Snoop is really excited about this and so am I. I think people are gonna really enjoy this.”
Dre also let slip rock legend Sting will appear on the album alongside “an amazing roster of artists.”
While a release date has yet to be revealed, the legendary producer added that he and Snoop are aiming for a November release, which would coincide with the 31st anniversary of their first (and only other) full-length collaboration, Doggystyle.
“As soon as we finish this I have to go downstairs and start mixing. I wanted 14 songs, Snoop wants 16, so we have that thing happening [bumps his fists together],” he said. “I’m on song number 11 as far as the mixes go. I have to be done and delivered by September 1st to have a November release.”
