Dr. Dre's story begins in Compton, Calif., where his fascination with dance music, DJ innovations and sound leads him to become part of N.W.A.; Jimmy Iovine works his way up in the recording industry, building a reputation as a talented producer.

N.W.A. evolves into a force to be reckoned with, but a series of calamities leaves Dr. Dre looking to make a fresh start; Jimmy continues to rise up the music ladder via successful collaborations with Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks.

Jimmy begins a new career as co-founder of Interscope Records, cutting a deal with Death Row Records for Interscope to become the label's distributor; Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur become embroiled in a violent feud with East Coast rap rivals.

After some disappointing solo releases, Dre's fortunes turn when Jimmy turns him onto the music of unknown white rapper Eminem; an opportune sit-down between Jimmy and Dre leads to the idea of Beats Electronics, vaulting the partners to new heights.