The Chronic is the solo debut studio album of hip hop producer and rapper Dr. Dre, released December 15, 1992 on his former own label, Death Row Records, and distributed by Priority Records. The album was named after a slang term for high-grade marijuana. The album cover is an homage to Zig-Zag rolling papers. The Chronic was recorded by Dr. Dre following his departure from N.W.A and Ruthless Records over a financial dispute, and consequently featured both subtle and direct insults at Ruthless and its owner, former N.W.A group member, Eazy-E.