During his hospitalization for a brain aneurysm in January 2021, Dr. Dre revealed that he experienced three strokes.
"It's just something that you can't control that just happens, and during those two weeks, I had three strokes," the rapper and producer shared in an interview with James Corden last week.
Dr. Dre recounted the moment he realized something was wrong, saying, "I got up, and I went on about my day, and I thought that I could just lay down and take a nap." However, a friend of his son's who was present urged him to seek medical attention.
"So they took me to urgent care," Dr. Dre continued, where he was informed of the seriousness of his condition. "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. I'm hearing the doctors coming in and saying, 'You don't know how lucky you are.'
When asked about possible preventive measures for the aneurysm, Dr. Dre mentioned, "Nobody could give me an answer."
"I never realized that my blood pressure was high or anything like that," shared Dr. Dre during a conversation with Corden. "I'm working out, running, doing everything possible to stay healthy."
"High blood pressure in Black men, it's just a reality. They refer to it as the silent killer," he explained. "You're completely unaware."
Strokes, a leading cause of death in the U.S., occur when a part of the brain is deprived of blood supply due to blockage or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strokes can lead to brain damage, long-term disability, and death.
Statistics from the American Stroke Association reveal that Black Americans face higher rates of strokes and stroke-related deaths compared to other racial groups in the U.S.
"The reasons behind the increased risk of stroke in Black individuals are not entirely clear," stated the ASA. "However, we do understand that there are more prevalent risk factors and societal obstacles that contribute to the higher incidence of stroke in Black Americans. Persistent racism leads to ongoing discrimination, stress, and depression which disproportionately affect Black individuals."
Risk factors for strokes that disproportionately impact Black Americans include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking, according to the ASA.
Dr. Dre reflected on the harrowing experience, emphasizing how it has heightened his gratitude for life. He expressed astonishment at the sudden and uncontrollable nature of the event, acknowledging the unpredictability of such situations.
During his recovery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in January 2021, Dr. Dre shared on social media that he was receiving exceptional care and was in good spirits.
He assured his followers that he would soon be discharged and returning home, expressing appreciation for the medical professionals at Cedars. The post concluded with a message of gratitude and unity.
Exactly a year later, Dr. Dre headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside a star-studded lineup including Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.
