“I’ve worked on pop sessions with artists who have a squeaky-clean image, but what’s behind the scenes is a lot darker than people’s perception of the hip-hop world”: How bassist Mike Elizondo brought low-end and soul to Dr. Dre’s superstar productions

Eminem and Dr. Dre at the UK Launch of 'Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop' at Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace, London on July 18, 2024 in London, England. .

Since the ‘90s, the bass guitar has played an ever-increasing role in hip-hop – from the rubbery grooves of Raphael Saadiq and Pino Palladino to the dirt-fisted funk of Leonard ‘Hub’ Hubbard and Preston ‘P-Groover’ Crump.

Deep within Dr. Dre's Southern California hit factory, another low-end voice – Mike Elizondo – has long been creating waves through the recordings of Dre, Eminem (including the Dre-produced Eminem Show), 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, Busta Rhymes, and Mary J. Blige.