Zynga launches music partnership with Dr. Dre

By Laura Khalil December 21, 2010

The video will stream for free within Mafia Wars beginning today in anticipation of Dr. Dre’s new album, Detox, will will be released in early 2011, marking his first release in over a decade.

“We’re always looking for innovative and interesting ways for fans to discover great music and with an artist of Dre’s cultural significance we really wanted something special that’s never been done before,” said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “We felt it was a perfect fit for Dre to be the first musical experience for the millions of Mafia Wars players to enjoy while gaming.”

mafia wars dr. dre — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Beginning today, Mafia Wars will feature a number of Dr. Dre-inspired game experiences including music and limited edition virtual goods, such as headphones, a vintage car and weapons.

The Dr. Dre in-game music integration isn’t the first of its kind. Recently Zynga partnered with Snoop Dogg to blow up a 4-ton armored truck in the Nevada desert to commemorate Mafia Wars reaching 10 million visitors in two weeks. Both partnerships leverage Zynga’s more than 200 million monthly active users worldwide, providing a unique platform that encourages new fans and old, alike.

Dr. Dre began his career creating groundbreaking music as a member and producer of the hip hop group N.W.A. His two solo albums which followed, The Chronic (1992) and Dr. Dre 2001 (1999) are two of the most influential and essential hip hop albums of all time. Among the artists whose music Dr. Dre has produced are Eminem, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 2Pac and 50 Cent. He has won five Grammy awards including Producer of the Year in 2001. In 2008 Dr. Dre co-founded with Jimmy Iovine, Beats by Dr. Dre, a headphone and sound transmission company.

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