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The D.O.C.

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The D.O.C.

Tracy Lynn Curry, known as The D.O.C., is an American rapper from Dallas, Texas. He was a member of the Fila Fresh Crew and a creative force behind the rap group N.W.A.

History

Early career

The D.O.C. contributed lyrics and vocals to N.W.A's second album, Straight Outta Compton and to Eazy E's debut, Eazy-Duz-It. He was recruited as a member of Fila Fresh Crew which turned out successful until he went to California for N.W.A.. When Ice Cube returned, the group remained impressed with The D.O.C.'s work and kept him on board. In 1989, The D.O.C. released his Dr. Dre-produced debut album, No One Can Do It Better. The album was very well received by critics, and sold very well, peaking at #20 on the Billboard 200. [1]. Allmusic gives the album a five star rating and describes it as "an early landmark of West Coast Rap" as well as "an undeniable masterpiece" [2]

Accident

Not long after his debut album was released, his vocal cords were severed in a car accident after a party, which would prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for his continued career as a vocalist. In 2006, Jerry Heller (Ruthless Records) stated that The D.O.C. could have had his voice recovered up to 90% but was suffering from depression and was "lazy", thus causing the voice they now know today.

However, The D.O.C. remained important to Dr. Dre, who used his talents as one of the writers for his debut solo album The Chronic, contributing to the tracks "Lil' Ghetto Boy," "A Nigga Witta Gun," and "Bitches Ain't Shit". He also appeared on the skit track "The $20 Sack Pyramid." The liner notes to The Chronic say "I want to give a special shout out to The D.O.C. for talking me into doin' this album." The D.O.C. also worked on Snoop Dogg's debut album Doggystyle and added some vocals on the song "Serial Killa".

Resurgence

When The D.O.C.'s voice returned (although severely altered), he considered a return to rap. Dr. Dre was skeptical that he was capable of creating successful records with his damaged vocal cords and wanted to keep The D.O.C. as his ghostwriter.[citation needed] In 1996, The D.O.C. moved to Atlanta, Georgia, taking a number of partially-recorded tapes belonging to Dr. Dre that contained the basis for the Ice Cube/Dre album Helter Skelter, which was supposed to be Dre's follow up to The Chronic. D.O.C. recorded his second album with producer Erotic D. The record, Helter Skelter was released to spite Dr. Dre, but it sold poorly. The D.O.C. rapped in a raspy, almost demonic voice. Most of the album's lyrics were by The D.O.C. for Dre and intended for the unreleased Ice Cube/ Dre collaboration. While in Atlanta, The D.O.C. also made major contributions to MC Breed's album The New Breed.

After a major lawsuit, Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. reconciled their differences and once again became friends. Dr. Dre invited The D.O.C. to his 2001 recording sessions. D.O.C. brought his new protégé along, a Fort Worth rapper named Six-Two; Six-Two appeared on two of the album's songs. D.O.C. and Six-Two were also part of the Up In Smoke Tour. He has written for both of Dr. Dre's albums The Chronic and 2001, and it has been confirmed in an interview with DUBCNN that he is working on Dr. Dre's Detox, and in the same interview he confirmed that he might make another solo album, entitled 'Voice Through Hot Vessels'.

In 2003, The D.O.C. released his third album Deuce. The album was more of a compilation than a solo release. The D.O.C.contributed many vocals to the record. Rather, many of the tracks had appearances by Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg, and the D.O.C.'s proteges Six-Two and Up-Tight.

He was the first protégé of Dr. Dre, The D.O.C.'s first protege was Six-Two. (aka 62, 6Two, six2, 6-Duce). The D.O.C.'s other proteges were Up-Tight, Cadillac Seville, and El Dorado. They were featured on The D.O.C.'s 3rd album, Deuce in 2003. His proteges take most of the spotlight on that album.

He worked with Snoop Dogg on four songs for his 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment; That's That Shit, Round Here, Boss' Life, and Imagine. The latter three of these were produced by Dr. Dre.

Surgery

It was revealed by The D.O.C. himself in a 2009 interview that fellow rapper Snoop Dogg persuaded him into seeing a voice therapist in which resulted in him learning that his vocal chords have not been severed nor crushed and could be repaired up to 70%. He is currently undergoing final tests before the surgery takes place, which could possibly be televised.[1]

Media appearances

Discography

Main article: The D.O.C. discography

References

  1. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kpfexqy5ldde~T3
  2. ^ http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kpfexqy5ldde~T0
  3. ^ dubcnn.com // The D.O.C. Interview (Part 2) (May 2008) // West Coast News Network //
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