Draft:Heltah Skeltah (album)

Helter Skelter
Studio album by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube
Released	November 22, 1994 (originally planned)
Recorded	1993-1994
Studio	Audio Achievements
Genre	Political rap Horrorcore
Length	50:30
Label	Death Row Interscope
Producer	Dr. Dre Ice Cube Sir Jinx DJ Pooh Daz Dillinger Torcha Chamba
Dr. Dre and Ice Cube chronology
Express Yourself (1989) Helter Skelter (1994) Natural born killaz (1994)

Overview

• Helter Skelter* was an eagerly anticipated collaboration between two of hip-hop's most influential figures, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. Initially slated for release on November 22, 1994, the album aimed to delve into both political themes and horrorcore elements, showcasing the duo's lyrical depth and versatility. Dr. Dre himself stated that the album would feature 11 tracks, including two solo cuts for both artists, while the remainder would be collaborative pieces involving other acts such as Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg, and 2Pac .

Tracklist

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"Secret Plan"	D. Young O. Jackson	Dr. Dre	4:12
2.	"Endonesia"	D. Young O. Jackson	Sir Jinx	3:45
3.	"Natural Born Killaz"	D. Young O. Jackson	Daz Dillinger	4:17
4.	"Greed" (featuring Ice Cube)	O. Jackson D. Weldon	Torcha Chamba	4:05
5.	"Gimme 50 Feet" (featuring 2Pac and Snoop Dogg)	D. Young T. Shakur C. Broadus	DJ Pooh	4:30
6.	"Can't C Us" (featuring 2Pac, Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, and Snoop Dogg)	D. Young O. Jackson	Dr. Dre	4:00
7.	"Komurshell" (featuring The D.O.C.)	D. McDonald O. Jackson	DJ Pooh	4:25
8.	"Niggas Without Eazy"	D. Young O. Jackson	Rhythm D	3:50
9.	"Grand Finale 2" (featuring The D.O.C.)	D. McDonald O. Jackson	Daz Dillinger	4:10
10.	"Californa Love (Dr. Dre Solo)"	D. Young T. Shakur	Dr. Dre	4:00
11.	"Da Hereafter"	D. McDonald O. Jackson	DJ Pooh	4:35
12.	"Natural Born Killaz (Remix)" (featuring Sam Sneed)	D. Young O. Jackson	Daz Dillinger	4:45
Total length:				50:30

Production

The production of *Helter Skelter* was marked by contributions from a variety of influential figures in hip-hop, including Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Sir Jinx, DJ Pooh, Daz Dillinger, and Torcha Chamba. Each producer brought their unique style to the album, resulting in a diverse sound palette that blended hard-hitting beats with intricate melodies. Dr. Dre's renowned G-funk influence was expected to play a significant role, while Ice Cube's assertive lyrical delivery would complement the production, ensuring a cohesive yet dynamic listening experience. The collaborative efforts promised to create a narrative that resonated with listeners, addressing societal issues while maintaining the raw energy characteristic of West Coast hip-hop .

Themes

Lyrically, *Helter Skelter* was set to explore themes of violence, societal oppression, and the struggles of urban life, all framed within the context of political awareness. The album aimed to challenge listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the realities of living in marginalized communities. Songs like **"Natural Born Killaz"** were anticipated to delve into the complexities of gang culture, while tracks like **"Niggas Without Eazy"** would pay tribute to the late Eazy-E, further solidifying the album's connection to the legacy of N.W.A. and the influence of its members on the genre. This thematic depth was expected to elevate the album beyond a mere collection of songs, transforming it into a statement piece that encapsulated the spirit of the time .

Legacy

Despite its unreleased status, *Helter Skelter* has maintained a significant place in hip-hop history. The album represents a moment when two giants of the genre were poised to create something truly impactful, and its existence has fueled speculation and interest among fans. Many consider the project a lost classic that, had it been released, could have shaped the trajectory of West Coast hip-hop in the mid-1990s. The collaboration not only highlights the chemistry between Dr. Dre and Ice Cube but also serves as a reminder of the potent combination of lyrical depth and innovative production that defines great hip-hop .