2001

These songs could have been written just from a ”fuck you too” perspective, but Dre proves that the best revenge is still being around to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Musically, 2001 is about as close to brilliant as any one gangsta rap album might possibly get. The hip-hop rhythms are catchy, sometimes in your face, sometimes subtle, but always a fine backdrop for the power of Dre’s voice.

If this is truly, as he has implied, Dre’s last will and testament as a solo artist, it’s a hell of a way to go out.

No matter how much fun you may have, it's hard not to shake the feeling that this is cheap, not lasting, fun.

The confusingly titled 2001 includes monster gangsta-pop trades such as "The Next Episode" and "Still D.R.E."

2001 proves that Dre's got the depth of soul to rise above his own shit and become a credit to the race.

The album is musically solid, lyrically entertaining (albeit campy) and criminally underrated, pun intended.

It's powerful enough in parts, but not clever enough to give Will Smith the fear.

The catchy, dramatic production and guest spots from Eminem and Mary J Blige are a joy, but it's high time that Dre took the Dogg to the pound.

He is the same old G, still navigating a course bounded by braggadoccio, hollow relationships, and explosive sexism that no longer shocks because we've heard it all before.