Dr. Dre Breaks His Silence On His Near Death ICU Stint 3 Years Ago

Dr. Dre has finally spoken up about the health challenges he faced in 2021. 

According to the music legend, he experienced three strokes during his hospitalization for a brain aneurysm at the time, leading to his deepened appreciation for life. 

When Dr. Dre joined James Corden for an episode of his "This Life of Mine" podcast, the 59-year-old discussed the severe deterioration of his condition following his admission to the hospital due to pain behind his right ear. As he recalled:

"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 'You don't know how lucky you are.'"

During that two-week period, the producer disclosed that he experienced three strokes. Additionally, he received the unexpected news of high blood pressure, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"I'm lifting weights, I'm running, I'm doing everything I can to keep myself healthy. I said, 'Would that have prevented it if I had worked out a little bit harder or ate different or something like that?' It's like, no. That's hereditary," the "California Love" hitmaker shared.

Highlighting how the experience made him truly value being alive, Dre told Corden:

"It's crazy especially when I was on my way home from the hospital because possibly, that couldn't have happened. I don't know. It's crazy, so now knowing that I had no control over that. It's just something that could happen out of the blue."

Even though Dre avoided going into the details of his hospitalization at a Los Angeles area hospital when the brain aneurysm occurred, he did put out a message on Instagram. In a post dated January 5, 2021, he informed his 7.4 million followers:

"Thanks to my family, friends, and fans for their interest and well wishes. I'm doing great and receiving 

My excellent care from my medical team. I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars. One love!!"

The image above the caption featured the hip-hop artist in what appeared to be a studio donning a hoodie. His back was to the camera 

Since SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden" conversation went public, a few fans have taken to Dre's Instagram post with their well-wishes. 

While one person commented, "Thank God Dre survived. He is a legendary rapper and producer who made a significant impact on hip hop," another effused, "You had us all scared and worried. We crossed our fingers and continued many prayers for a quick recovery. We appreciate you and have nothing but love and respect for you."

"I think God was with you Dre for sure. Yes, he was. Some day maybe we will feel comfortable sharing our brain stories," a third fan wrote, as a fourth stated, "Glad you're still with us Dre. Can't wait for your next moves," and a fifth added, "I'm glad that you're back on your feet!!"

Several months after Dr. Dre's close brush with death, he submitted a new declaration in his divorce case in November 2021. Per The Blast, he disclosed a text message he sent to his former wife, Nicole Young, in August 2020, asserting:

"After I learned Nicole had filed for divorce, I told her I wanted to keep our divorce' classy and fair' and that I did not want to turn it into an expensive fight. My last text to Nicole in early August of 2020 ended with me saying, 'Let's keep it friendly and peaceful. Over and Out. I love you.'"

With the aim of resolving the divorce without any drama on his mind, Dre expressed a strong desire to move forward with his life, end the divorce proceedings, and alleviate the financial burden associated with the legal process. 

The "No Diggity" performer also emphasized his commitment to reaching a settlement and urged the court to schedule another mediation session promptly.

By December 2021, Dre agreed to compensate Young with $100 million, which included an upfront payment of $50 million, with the remaining balance scheduled for disbursement in 2022. 

Despite the substantial net worth of the "Straight Outta Compton" star, The Blast reported that Young did not receive half of these assets as she originally signed a prenuptial agreement. 

Apart from being ineligible for spousal support, the former attorney was also accountable for covering her legal expenses, amounting to several million dollars.

Had the mother-of-two settled in 2020, insiders speculated that the former lawyer could have secured a larger portion of Dre's multi-million dollar fortune.