Getting to Know Dr. Dre’s 10 Children: A Look at His Family Life

Dr. Dre and Nicole Young with their kids Tyler, Truly, and Truice at the premiere of "Straight Outta Compton" on August 10, 2015.
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Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Andre “Dr. Dre” Romello Young, a seven-time Grammy winner, is also the father of ten children. The rapper welcomed his first son, Curtis, on December 15, 1981, with his then-girlfriend, Cassandra Joy Green. Notably, Dre did not meet Curtis until two decades later. Reflecting on their initial phone conversation, Curtis described it as a surreal experience, noting, “You could feel the energy through the phone,” in a 2015 interview.

Dre’s family continued to grow when he had a daughter, LaTanya, two years after Curtis’s birth, with ex-girlfriend Lisa Johnson. In the book Original Gangstas, Johnson reminisced about Dre’s pride during LaTanya’s childhood. By 1984, they welcomed two more daughters, LaToya and Ashley, followed by another daughter, Tyra, with LaVetta Washington.

Tragedy struck in 2008 when Andre Jr., Dre’s son with Jenita Porter, tragically passed away from an overdose at age 20. Dre also has three other sons: Marcel, born to singer Michel’le in 1991; Tyler Young, the son of his ex-wife Nicole Young from a prior relationship; and Truice, born in 1997. The former couple also shares a daughter, Truly, born in 2001, prior to their 2021 divorce.

The complete list of Dr. Dre’s children includes Curtis, LaTanya, Tyra, LaToya, Ashley, Andre Jr., Marcel, Tyler, Truice, and Truly.

Curtis Young, 44

Curtis Young at the Los Angeles Lakers Victory Party.

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Born to Cassandra Joy Greene, Curtis was initially unaware of his father’s identity, learning about it at age 12. Curtis met Dr. Dre for the first time at 20, a meeting he described as “like looking in the mirror.” Raised by his mother and stepfather, Curtis encountered numerous challenges growing up in Compton, ultimately choosing a life away from gang involvement. He has since pursued a music career, releasing tracks under the name Hood Surgeon, and established Forever Young Entertainment in 2014 to assist young artists.

LaTanya Young, 43

Dre’s eldest daughter, LaTanya, was born in January 1983. In 2021, she shared her struggles as a delivery driver and challenges in providing for her four children, highlighting her significant role and resilience as a mother.

Tyra Young, 41

Tyra, born in May 1984, has ventured into the film industry with credits in the TV series Take 6 and the film Ropes of Silicon.

LaToya Young, 41

LaToya, also born in 1984, discussed her relationship with her father in her 2008 documentary Daddy’s Shadow, expressing wishes for more support for her music career while also balancing her life as a mother.

Ashley Young, 40

Ashley, born in November 1985, did not realize her father was famous until later in childhood, as shared in LaToya’s documentary.

Andre Romelle Young Jr.

Born in 1988, Andre Jr. tragically passed away in 2008 from an overdose after a night out with friends. His death profoundly impacted Dr. Dre and his family, with the Los Angeles County Coroner confirming it as an accidental overdose.

Marcel Young, 34

Dr. Dre’s son with singer Michel’le, Marcel was born in February 1991. The relationship between Dre and Marcel strengthened over the years, moving from a lack of involvement to a more established bond by the time Marcel became an adult.

Tyler Young

Born in the early 1990s to Nicole Young and basketball player Sedale Threatt, Tyler was adopted by Dre post-marriage. Tyler is now expanding his musical career, performing as DJ Tyler Young and working on an album.

Truice Young, 28

Truice, born on November 25, 1997, shares a musical passion with his father, documenting their time together in the studio and participating in music-related projects.

Truly Young

Truly, born in 2001, shared how her father chose her unique name and expressed her ambitions in music and film. She recently announced her acceptance to the University of Southern California, following in her brother’s footsteps, and also creates music under the name Imposter Syndrome.