The album was first released in 1992 via Death Row Records and was not available for sale or streaming for decades, except for a brief period from April 2020 to March 2022, due to a legal dispute. 

The album contains 16 tracks and represents a pivotal point in rap history. "The Chronic" was, in fact, the entry point to Dr. Dre's solo career after his break with the group N.W.A. and addresses the beef with Eazy-E, the gangsta lifestyle in LA, Death Row's mafia-film-like rise, as well as racial conflicts and political unrest. It also served as a springboard for Snoop Dogg's career.

The wailing Mood synthesizers brought the West Coast its new, distinctive sound, and the album still represents an absolute turning point in the rap scene whose influence continues to this day.

Now available again, the album is an absolute classic in the rap genre and features guest appearances by Warren G, Kurupt and Nate Dogg, among others, in addition to Snoop Dogg.