It seems Hip-Hop fans awaiting the release of Dr Dre’s serially delayed ‘Detox’ LP will have to wait a while longer:

While Dr. Dre had hoped to drop his long-awaited Detox album this year, the hip-hop icon recently revealed to ABCNews.com that he’s still cooking up the beats.

In an interview to promote his line of Monster headphones, the reporter casually asked Dre what upcoming projects he had. “Only my album that I’ve been working on for the last 10 years, that’s it, Detox record,” he laughed.

While he didn’t go into any specifics, Dre said, “Hopefully, I’ll get it done at the end of this year, and we can hear it next year.”

Asked what was causing the holdup of the album that would be his first solo effort since 1999’s 2001 album, Dre admitted, “motivation, other things getting in the way.” Detox was originally slated for release in 2004 but has been pushed back numerous times as Dre worked on music for affiliated artists including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent and the Game, as well as Gwen Stefani and Mary J. Blige.

A snippet of music from the album debuted earlier this year during a commercial for Dr Pepper. Back in August 2008, 50 Cent told MTV News that he’d recorded some material for Detox with Dre and joked that they were so good “I want the records back.” At the time, even 50 didn’t know when the album might drop, but he was keeping hope alive.

“Hopefully, he’ll get it done and put it out,” 50 said. “I’m waiting for the Detox. All I can say is, Dr. Dre is the best producer in my eyes. Just the consistency over the years. … He knows what he wants. He’s such a perfectionist that it becomes difficult for him to put it out.” {Source}

Granted I know the last year or so has seen the acclaimed rapper/producer suffer a tragic loss in the family, I’m starting to wonder if after all this ‘perfecting’ folk will even still be checking for him like that. I mean, yes he is a Hip-Hop legend, but the industry is a very different place these days.

Your thoughts?