Thirty years ago, rap music had a cult following at best. Once Dr. Dre burst onto the scene and began creating his music, the genre took off. Adding a message and then silky smooth beats, Dr. Dre gave rap music meaning and purpose along with high quality musical characteristics. After he released The Chronic in 1999, he turned his focus to fostering the talents of Snoop Dogg, Game, 50 Cent, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and other artists who could continue his legacy. All of these musicians would not have been able experience the popularity and the growth of the genre without the work of Dr. Dre.