The opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest stars in popular music may seem like a dream come true for many producers and songwriters.
However, this is not the case for Dr. Dre, the highly esteemed NWA rapper and record producer responsible for kickstarting successful careers such as those of Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube.
On the "Hart To Hart" podcast, Dr. Dre, otherwise known as Andre Romell Young, divulged to Kevin Hart that he prefers to collaborate with up-and-coming artists.
Surprised by the statement, Kevin asked music genius to further explain why he had "bowed out" a couple of times from collaborating with two of the most iconic musical artists - Prince and Michael Jackson.
Kevin inquired in disbelief: "Both of them?"
Agreeing, the native from Compton, California said: "They just asked me to work with them and I was like 'What the f--- am I going to do with them?'"
The "Express Yourself" hitmaker went on to explain how he has a certain understanding of his musical influences that he would never want to meddle with.
Dr. Dre highlighted the distinction between working with new and experienced artists, noting that when it comes to a major artist with a solid body of work, there's less room for producing something unexpected.
On the other hand, in the case of an up-and-coming talent, Dr. Dre stated that more creative experimentation can be done.
Dr. Dre reiterated, "What the f--- am I going to do with them? Those are my heroes."
Kevin then said, "But you're Dr. Dre, Hart said, in bode of confidence for the legendary producer and song crafter."
"Stop, stop," the record producer yelled in disbelief. He then revealed another major artist he had declined an offer from. "Most recently, Stevie Wonder," he exclaimed, with Kevin Hart unable to believe that someone would have the clout to pass up such a legendary figure.
Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Dre has always looked for a certain quality in the people he's worked with - they show up on time and have no ulterior motives.
As he explained, "My entire life and career have been dealing with and working with new artists. That's what I like."
"Nobody comes in with an agenda. These mother f---ers show up on time."
In order to better illustrate how he interacts with his colleagues, Dr. Dre compared it with a sculptor lumping clay at their disposal; an array of creative projects potentially birthed from such artistry.
Before achieving success in the music industry, Dr. Dre began his journey by joining up with a gathering of like-minded young people from Compton, many of whom were still in school. This assembly eventually transformed into the iconic rap group NWA.
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