The D.O.C.

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The D.O.C. is the stage name of Tracy Lynn Curry (born June 10, 1968), an American rapper born in Houston, Texas who moved to West Dallas, Texas, who then later lived in Compton, California, to join the creative force behind the rap group N.W.A. Prior to his move, he was a member of the Fila Fresh Crew.

The D.O.C. was thought of as one of rap's most promising new voices because of his association with N.W.A. and was at the height of his career after penning the majority of the lyrics and contributing vocals to Eazy E's debut and the group's revolutionary album, Straight Outta Compton. He was recruited as Ice Cube's replacement as a writer when Ice Cube briefly left the group to attend an architecture course in Arizona (MC Ren was recruited as Ice Cube's replacement vocalist). When Ice Cube returned, the group remained impressed enough with The D.O.C.'s work to keep him on board. It was the friendly competition between Ice Cube and The D.O.C. that elevated N.W.A's lyrics to new levels of sophistication.

In 1989, The D.O.C. then released his Dr. Dre produced debut album No One Can Do It Better. Dre's production was similar to his production work for N.W.A at the time, but he also included one rap/rock-song and a reggae-influenced track. At a time when virtually every well known California rapper was releasing gangstarap albums, The D.O.C. released an LP with lyrics that more closely resembled the styling of East Coast lyricists. The D.O.C. also wrote many lyrics for NWA, particularly on the album Efil4zaggin. He went on to introduce Dr. Dre to Suge Knight, and he helped mold the career of Snoop Dogg.

Not long after his debut album was released, his vocal cords were severed in a car accident, which would prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for his continued rap career. However, The D.O.C. remained important to Dr. Dre. He used his talents as one of the writers for Dr. Dre's groundbreaking album The Chronic, contributing to the tracks "Lil' Ghetto Boy," "A Nigga Witta Gun," and "Bitches Ain't Shit." In fact, the liner notes to The Chronic say "I wantto 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.

When The D.O.C.'s voice returned (although severely altered), he considered a return to rapping. Dr. Dre did not believe that The D.O.C. was capable of creating successful records with his damaged vocal cords. In 1996, The D.O.C. moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He recorded his sophomore album with producer Erotic D. The record Helter Skelter was released to spite Dr. Dre. The D.O.C. rapped in an almost demonic-like voice. Most of the album's lyrics were originally intended for an unreleased Ice Cube/Dr. Dre colloboration. The album was no where near as successful as his debut release. 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 the 2001 recording sessions. D.O.C. brought his new protege along, a West Dallas rapper named Six-Two. Six-Two appeared on two of the final album's songs. The D.O.C. and Six-Two were also part of the Up In Smoke Tour. The D.O.C. is credited as one of the writers of the track "Housewife."

In 2003, The D.O.C. released his third album The Deuce. The album was more of a compilation than a solo release. The D.O.C. did not contribute many vocals to the record. Rather, many of the tracks had appearances by Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg, and the D.O.C.'s proteges Six-Two, Cadillac Seville, and El Dorado take most of the spotlight.

The D.O.C. is still a ghostwriter for several high-profile artists. It was reported that he is contributing lyrics to Dr. Dre's forthcoming album Detox.

It is commonly believed by most genre aficionados that had The D.O.C. not suffered his vocal cord injury, he would be more readily considered a legendary lyricist in league with Rakim and KRS-One.

The D.O.C. also made a guest appearance in Shyne's music-video for the song "That's Gangsta", which samples the same beat D.O.C. uses for his first hit "It's Funky Enough", Foster Sylvers's Misdemeanor.

Discography

No One Can Do It Better (1989), Ruthless Records
Helter Skelter (1996), Giant Records
Deuce (2003), Silverback Entertainment

Other appearances

N.W.A.'s "Parental Discretion Is Advized" - Straight Outta Compton (1989), Ruthless Records
Dr. Dre's "Bridgette" - First Round Knock Out (1996), Triple X Records
Dr. Dre's "The $20 Sack Pyramid" w/ Big Tittie Nickie, Snoop Dogg, Samara - The Chronic (1993), Death Row Records
"West Side Ridah" w/ Snoop Dogg & Eazy-E - Tribute To the Compton Original Hip Hop Thugsta (2005), Big & Blue Entertainment

External links

[The D.O.C.] at the All Music Guide
[The D.O.C. lyrics on OHHLA.com] (NOTE: Lyrics on this website are supplied by fans, not anyone officially affiliated with the artist. Consequently, not all lyrics are accurate)

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