No One Can Do It Better

About

The story of the D.O.C. is one of hip-hop's great tragedies. Originally from Texas, he was down with the Fila Fresh Crew, and appeared on <i>N.W.A and the Posse</i>. Befriending Dr. Dre in the late ‘80s, he released his boldly titled debut album in 1989. Produced entirely by Dre, and recorded around the same time as <i>Straight Outta Compton</i>, <i>No One Can Do It Better</i> was an instant classic, absolutely loaded with dizzyingly intricate (but decidedly un-gangsta) lyricism and furiously rugged beat work. It also spawned runaway hits like "The Formula," and "It's Funky Enough." Shortly after receiving a gold plaque, the D.O.C. totaled his car and crushed his larynx, taking away the voice that was just about to make him a superstar. He went on to ghostwrite for Dre for many years, contributed heavily to <i>The Chronic</i>, and acted as mentor for a young Snoop Dogg. He eventually released two more albums over the years, though neither one made much noise. Regardless, <i>No One</i> remains an undeniably essential piece of rap music, as crucial today as it was 20 years ago.

via Apple Music