Anderson .Paak Calls on Dr. Dre for ‘Still D.R.E.’ & ‘California Love’ at FireAid Benefit Concert
Written by djfrosty on January 30, 2025
As if Anderson .Paak didn’t bring enough energy to the FireAid benefit concert at the Kia Forum on Thursday night (Jan. 30), the star turned up the hype meter even more when he brought our Dr. Dre for a celebratory, California-themed set.
The two teamed up for Dr. Dre’s 1999 hit “Still D.R.E.,” trading verses as Sheila E. tore up the drums. The mega-producer then thanked fans for all their love, 40 years into his career. “I appreciate all the first responders and all the firemen who put their lives on the line,” he told the crowd at the show, which supported victims of the wildfire crisis that has devastated the Los Angeles area. “It’s all about love for me tonight.”
.Paak and Dre weren’t done just yet, as the instantly recognizable opening “Caaaaliforniaaa” line of Dre and Tupac’s 1995 anthem, “California Love,” began to play. The two then performed the ode to the Golden State as a wrap-up to their high-energy performance.
Before Dre hit the stage, .Paak performed two songs off of his 2016 album, Malibu: “Put Me Thru” and “Come Down.”
The Jan. 30 event took place at two venues, with Billie Eilish, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Tate McRae playing at Intuit Dome.
Meanwhile, Anderson. Paak and Dr. Dre were joined at the Kia Forum by Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews and John Mayer, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day (with an Eilish duet), John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks and The Black Crowes.
Throughout the broadcast, those looking to donate are urged to visit fireaidla.org. For every pledge made during the broadcast, Connie and Steve Ballmer — owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers and the Intuit Dome — will match it.