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Breaking down the standout moments that helped shape one of hip-hop’s most flawless albums.
Dr. Dre’s 2001 is widely considered a masterpiece not just for its production, but for the artists Dre handpicked to bring his vision to life. The album is a showcase of sharp bars, unforgettable hooks, and flawless chemistry—and the features helped turn 2001 into a generational classic.
Here is a countdown of the Top 10 featured appearances on 2001, ranked from 10 to 1, based on impact, performance, and legacy.
10) Knoc-Turn’al on “Bang Bang”
Appearing on the bonus track “Bang Bang,” Knoc-Turn’al brings a clean, melodic flow that helped introduce him to the mainstream. While not on the main album, his performance is smooth, polished, and showed the potential that made him one of Dre’s promising protégés at the time.
9) Hittman on “Housewife”
No artist shows up on 2001 more than Hittman, and “Housewife” is one of his shining moments. His conversational delivery and storytelling give the track its laid-back yet sharp personality, making it one of the album’s most quotable songs.
8) Six-Two on “Xxplosive”
Six-Two’s verse on “Xxplosive” is a fan-favorite sleeper. His smooth Texas drawl glides over the beat effortlessly, bringing a different flavor to Dre’s West Coast sonic landscape. His lyrical coolness anchors the record and helps define its vibe.
7) Eminem on “What’s The Difference”
Eminem shifts gears here from the high-energy chaos he’s known for to a reflective, controlled performance. His verse is cutting, clever, and emotional—showing depth and maturity while still delivering that signature Slim Shady sharpness.
6) Snoop Dogg on “Fuck You”
Snoop brings pure charisma to this gritty record, balancing the song’s raw energy with his effortless cool. His verse is playful, disrespectful, and undeniably smooth—classic Snoop at a time when he and Dre’s chemistry was fully restored.
5) Xzibit on “What’s The Difference”
Xzibit delivers one of the strongest verses of his entire career here. His passion, aggression, and vocal presence cut through the beat with authority. It’s the kind of guest spot that made him a household name in the early 2000s.
4) Kurupt on “Xxplosive”
Kurupt attacks the instrumental with sharp precision, dropping hard-hitting lines that elevate “Xxplosive” into one of the album’s most iconic tracks. His razor-edged flow adds raw intensity and balances perfectly with the song’s smooth hook.
3) Snoop Dogg on “The Next Episode”
One of the most recognizable West Coast performances ever, Snoop’s verse on “The Next Episode” is a cultural artifact. His effortless glide, coupled with his unforgettable delivery, turned this track into an anthem that still rocks festivals and sports arenas worldwide.
2) Nate Dogg on “Xxplosive”
The hook of “Xxplosive” is one of the greatest in hip-hop history, and that’s thanks entirely to Nate Dogg. His melodic authority, silky tone, and unmistakable presence elevated the track into legend status. Nate didn’t just feature—he owned the record.
1) Eminem on “Forgot About Dre”
A career-defining moment. Eminem’s verse on “Forgot About Dre” is pure electricity—fast, sharp, and brilliantly animated. He matches Dre’s intensity while stealing the show with one of the most memorable guest verses ever recorded. It remains a high watermark in his career and a pillar of 2001’s legacy.
