Ep 2. Part 2

The Defiant Ones is a four-part documentary series that explores the partnership between music industry legends Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Episode 2, titled "Part 2," delves deeper into the early years of both men's careers and how they eventually crossed paths.

The episode opens with a focus on Dr. Dre's days in the influential rap group N.W.A. The group's controversial lyrics and brazen attitude were seen as a threat by law enforcement and government officials. Footage from their concerts and interviews with the members themselves paint a vivid picture of this tumultuous time in both the music industry and the nation's history.

The documentary then shifts to Jimmy Iovine's rise to success in the recording industry. Starting out as a studio engineer, Iovine quickly made a name for himself by working with top-notch artists such as Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon. He then went on to co-found Interscope Records, which became one of the most successful labels of the '90s.

Though their paths may seem separate, the episode illustrates how Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine's stories ultimately intertwine. The Beatles' Paul McCartney and U2's Bono weigh in on the cultural and sonic impact of Dre's ground-breaking album "The Chronic," and the role that Iovine played in its creation.

The two men's paths first crossed when Iovine was tasked with handling the distribution deal for N.W.A.'s seminal album "Straight Outta Compton." The successful partnership between the two led to Iovine producing Dre's first solo album, "The Chronic," which went on to become a multi-platinum classic.

But it wasn't always smooth sailing for the duo. The episode explores the contentious negotiations that led to Dr. Dre leaving his longtime label, Death Row Records, for Interscope. The move was seen as a betrayal by some, and Dre even acknowledges that he feared for his life at the time.

Through interviews with both Iovine and Dre, as well as their peers and colleagues, "Part 2" paints a nuanced picture of both men's formidable careers. Their creative partnership pushed boundaries and brought new sounds and ideas to the forefront of the music industry.