Dr. Dre revealed in an interview on SiriusXM’s “This Life of Mine with James Corden” that he experienced three strokes during his hospitalization three years ago for a brain aneurysm.
The renowned hip-hop artist and producer, whose real name is Andre Young and is 59 years old, recounted how his condition deteriorated after seeking medical attention for pain behind his right ear.
“Next thing you know, I’m blacking out. I’m in and out of consciousness and I ended up in the ICU. I was there for two weeks,” Dr. Dre recounted. “I’m hearing the doctors coming in and ‘You don’t know how lucky you are.'”
Dr. Dre, a founding member of N.W.A. and a prominent figure in the music industry as a producer and entrepreneur, has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Game, and Kendrick Lamar.
During his two-week hospital stay, Dr. Dre endured three strokes and was informed of his high blood pressure, which came as a surprise considering his dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
“I’m lifting weights, I’m running, I’m doing everything I can to keep myself healthy. I said, ‘Would that have prevented it if I had worked out a little bit harder or ate different or something like that?’ It’s like, no. That’s hereditary,” he reflected.
The ordeal prompted Dr. Dre to value life even more. “When you go through that situation, it’s crazy especially when I was on my way home from the hospital because possibly, that couldn’t have happened,” he remarked. “I don’t know. It’s crazy, so now knowing that I had no control over that. It’s just something that could happen out of the blue.”
Dre’s hospitalization for a brain aneurysm occurred in 2021, according to his lawyer’s statement to NBC News at the time. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and fans for their support and well-wishes in an Instagram post on Jan. 5, 2021.
“Thanks to my family, friends and fans for their interest and well wishes,” Dr. Dre wrote. “I’m doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team. I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars.”
Despite the health challenges, Dre’s achievements continue to be celebrated. He is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.
Dre’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of health issues, even for those who prioritize fitness and well-being. It underscores the importance of regular check-ups and awareness of familial health history, as some conditions, like high blood pressure, may have a genetic component beyond lifestyle factors.
As Dre moves forward from this health scare, his resilience and gratitude for life stand as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
