The music video for
Dr. Dre and
Eminem's "I Need A Doctor" (featuring vocals from
Skylar Grey), is closer to a short film than an actual music video. This is not unsurprising, with
The Book of Eli's Allen Hughes serving as its director. As the song itself chronicles the impactful relationship that Eminem and Dr. Dre share, the video further highlights this theme of influential mentors and life events.
It stars Dr. Dre, and follows a reflection of his life beginning on February 18, 2001 — his 36th birthday. This montage of flashbacks is interrupted by his car crash on a lonely cliff-side. He is then hooked up on life support, and appears to die while an angel reminiscent of
The Muppet Christmas Carol's Ghost Of Christmas Past floats above him, portraying Skylar Grey's vocals. Enter Eminem, who paces among Dre's still form, passionately rapping to him about the importance of their relationship. All the while, the flashbacks continue to support the deeply reflective elements of the song. As the song progresses, Dr. Dre comes back to life, regains his strength, and the video culminates in his visit to the grave of the legendary Eric Wright, with whom Dr. Dre had a tumultuous relationship.
The cinematic precision of the visuals in "I Need A Doctor" (the beginning of which both looks and sounds like a scene from
Inception), segmented with fitting flashbacks, makes this one of the most intriguing and moving videos so far this year. It definitely should not be missed, so be sure to check it out below:
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Dr. Dre on Myspace