What's the Difference

For other uses, see What's the Difference (disambiguation).
"What's the Difference"
Song by Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Xzibit
from the album 2001
ReleasedNovember 16, 1999
Recorded1999
StudioLarrabee (Hollywood)
GenreHip hop
Length4:04
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"What's the Difference" is a song by American rapper Dr. Dre from his second studio album 2001 (1999). It features American rappers Eminem and Xzibit, and was produced by Dre and Mel-Man.

Composition

The song contains a horn section in the instrumental,[1] as well as a sample of "Parce Que Tu Crois" by Charles Aznavour. Lyrically, the rappers talk about the differences between themselves and other rappers. Dr. Dre reflects on three of his friends, Ice Cube, The D.O.C., and Eazy-E in his verse.[2] Eminem's verse sees him considering the hypothetical situation of killing his girlfriend Kim, rapping that he would put sunglasses on her corpse and drive around with her in the front seat.[3] He also defends Dre's legacy, threatening those who doubt him.[4]

Critical reception

Roger Morton of NME praised Eminem's feature, describing him as "cutting through particularly effectively" on the track.[3] Frank Williams of The Source called the song the highlight of 2001.[2] Jackson Howard of The Ringer also praised Eminem's verse, which he described as "mesmerizing, equal parts performance art, battle rap, storytelling, and raw charisma".[4]

Live performances

Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Xzibit performed the song live on March 16, 2000 at MTV Spring Break.

Charts

Chart (2000) Peak
position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[5] 76

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[6] Gold 15,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[7] 2× Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[8] Platinum 600,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ Juon, Steve (November 27, 1999). "Dr. Dre :: Chronic 2001". RapReviews.
  2. ^ a b Williams, Frank (January 2000). "Dr. Dre: Dr. Dre 2001". The Source (124). New York: 185–6. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  3. ^ a b Morton, Roger (November 18, 1999). "Dr. Dre – 2001". NME. London. Archived from the original on January 22, 2000. Retrieved March 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Howard, Jackson (November 15, 2019). "How Dre Forgot About Dre: The Story of '2001'". The Ringer.
  5. ^ "Dr. Dre Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  6. ^ "Austrian single certifications – Dr. Dre ft. Eminem & Xzibit – What's the Difference" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Dr. Dre ft. Eminem & Xzibit – What's the Difference". Radioscope. Retrieved December 18, 2024. Type What's the Difference in the "Search:" field.
  8. ^ "British single certifications – Dr. Dre – What's the Difference". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 5, 2024.