Dr. Dre’s SSL 4000 G+ mixing console — used on landmark albums by himself, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Mary J. Blige, and many others — was auctioned off for $165,000, setting a new record for the sale of a hip-hop instrument or studio item.
According to the authentication and memorabilia platform the Realest, which auctioned off the console, the previous record for a hip-hop instrument or studio item was held by RZA’s E-mu SP-1200 drum machine, used on Wu-Tang Clan’s landmark 1993 debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” which sold for $69,000 in 2023.
The Dre console is currently on exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and was purchased by prominent cultural collector Ryan Zurrer, who posted on X:
“Still the same OG, but low key.
“Grateful to pick up the signature instrument that Dre took the time to perfect the beat… brought the oldies, taught you to smoke trees… still DRE.
“This iconic part of hip-hop history will be available to the public (at the Hip Hop Museum)—because it ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none.”
The SSL console was sold through platform’s “Straight Outta The West Coast Hip-Hop” auction, which featured items from DJ Yella, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and others. Other items included N.W.A’s DJ Yella’s “Straight Outta Compton” RIAA plaque, Snoop Dogg’s handwritten lyrics, Xzibit’s signed scripts and original art proofs, and more.
Beyond hip-hop, the Realest powers memorabilia for teams across the NFL and NBA, FIFA, MLS, the PGA of America, the Tony Gwynn Estate, J Balvin, NBC/Universal, Paramount Pictures, and more.