The Rumored 2026 World Tour Setlist: A Rare “Forgot About Dre” Performance and the Secret Pact Behind It
The hip-hop community is buzzing with anticipation over the rumored “One Last Ride” world tour featuring Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Rihanna, slated for 2026. While the tour remains unconfirmed, with the viral poster debunked as AI-generated, the speculation around a tightly guarded setlist has fans in a frenzy. Among the leaks, one detail stands out: a rare live performance of “Forgot About Dre” with a “surprise twist” that could redefine this iconic track. This article delves into the rumored setlist, the significance of “Forgot About Dre,” the mysterious twist, and how the tour ties to a deeply personal “secret pact” made decades ago, with a special focus on the rumored Dubai show.
The Setlist: A Closely Guarded Secret
According to posts on X and various entertainment blogs, the setlist for the “One Last Ride” tour is “being guarded like nuclear codes,” with no official leaks confirmed by the artists or their teams. However, fan speculation and unverified sources suggest a lineup of classics designed to celebrate the golden era of hip-hop and R&B. Projected tracks include Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” “Stan,” and “Without Me”; Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” and “Still D.R.E.”; 50 Cent’s “In Da Club” and “Candy Shop”; and Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and “Love the Way You Lie” (with Eminem). The inclusion of “Forgot About Dre,” from Dr. Dre’s 1999 album 2001, is particularly exciting, as it’s rarely performed live and holds immense nostalgic weight.
The leak about “Forgot About Dre” suggests a performance featuring Eminem and Dr. Dre, with a “surprise twist” that could involve a guest appearance or a reimagined arrangement. Fans on Reddit and X have speculated that the twist might include 50 Cent joining the stage, given his recent collaborations with the group, or even Kendrick Lamar, who appeared with them at the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Another theory points to a holographic appearance, similar to the Tupac hologram at Coachella 2012, perhaps featuring a late collaborator like Nate Dogg. The secrecy surrounding the setlist only heightens the anticipation, with one X post joking, “If they drop ‘Forgot About Dre’ with a twist, I’m selling my kidney for tickets.”
“Forgot About Dre”: A Rare Live Gem
“Forgot About Dre,” featuring Eminem, is a cornerstone of hip-hop history, showcasing Dr. Dre’s production prowess and Eminem’s lyrical ferocity. Performed live during the 2000 Up in Smoke Tour, it was a highlight, with Dre and Eminem trading verses to electrified crowds. The song also appeared briefly in the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, where Eminem performed a snippet before transitioning to “Lose Yourself.” Its rarity in live settings stems from Dr. Dre’s limited touring since 2000, when the Up in Smoke Tour grossed over $24 million. A 2026 performance would mark a significant moment, especially with a rumored twist that could elevate it to legendary status.
The “surprise twist” remains speculative, but possibilities include a new verse from Eminem, a remix incorporating elements from Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s 2024 album Missionary (which features Eminem and 50 Cent on “Gunz N Smoke”), or a high-tech visual effect tailored for a grand stage like Dubai’s rumored open-air venue. The song’s themes of resilience and legacy align with the tour’s “One Last Ride” branding, suggesting it could serve as a centerpiece for the show, tying into the emotional weight of the artists’ reunion.
The Secret Pact: A Personal Promise
The tour’s narrative is deeply tied to a “secret pact” reportedly made by Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent decades ago. While no verified details exist, the most compelling theory links the pact to Dr. Dre’s 2021 brain aneurysm, which prompted Eminem and Snoop Dogg to resolve a feud. Eminem shared on SiriusXM’s Paul Pod: Curtain Call 2 that the health scare made them realize “this is stupid,” emphasizing life’s fragility. This moment may have sparked a vow to reunite for a final, historic performance, possibly including 50 Cent and Rihanna to amplify the impact. Another theory suggests the pact originated in the late 1990s at Aftermath Entertainment, where Dre mentored Eminem and 50 Cent, and Snoop was a key collaborator. Fans on X speculate they promised to “go out with a bang” when the time was right.
The Dubai rumor adds intrigue to this narrative. The city’s reported record-breaking deal for an exclusive show under the stars—potentially at a venue like the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre or near the Burj Khalifa—could symbolize the fulfillment of this pact. Dubai’s history of hosting extravagant events, like Katy Perry’s 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert, supports the feasibility of a high-budget performance. A rare “Forgot About Dre” performance in such a setting would be a fitting tribute to their shared legacy, especially if the twist involves a nod to their Aftermath days or a fallen collaborator.
The Dubai Connection: Why It Matters
The rumored Dubai show is generating global buzz, with unverified reports claiming the UAE has offered a deal surpassing the $9 million prize pool of the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Dubai’s track record for hosting blockbuster events, from Eminem’s 2012 Abu Dhabi concert to Snoop Dogg’s 2019 sellout show, makes it a plausible stop. The open-air setting, possibly with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, would elevate the performance of “Forgot About Dre,” especially if the twist involves immersive visuals or a guest like Kendrick Lamar, whose 2022 Super Bowl appearance with the group was a highlight. The city’s ability to draw international crowds—evidenced by 2.2 million Indian tourists in 2023—could make it a financial and cultural coup.
However, challenges exist. The tour’s unconfirmed status, coupled with the debunked AI-generated poster, raises doubts. Dr. Dre’s health concerns post-aneurysm and Eminem’s past reluctance to tour due to family commitments (he turned down a $100 million joint tour in the early 2000s to prioritize his daughter Hailie) could complicate a 30+ city schedule. Rihanna’s limited touring since 2016 and 50 Cent’s focus on his Sire Spirits brand add further uncertainty.
Cultural Impact and Fan Frenzy
If the tour and its Dubai stop materialize, the cultural impact would be seismic. A setlist featuring “Forgot About Dre” alongside other classics would bridge generations, appealing to fans of N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP, and 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’. The rumored philanthropy angle—supporting music education programs—aligns with Dubai’s socially responsible events and could amplify the tour’s legacy. The “surprise twist” for “Forgot About Dre” could set social media ablaze, especially if it involves a high-profile guest or a nod to the artists’ shared history.
Fans are already losing it, with X posts pleading for international dates and one user joking, “Aliens need to postpone the invasion for this.” The emotional weight of the secret pact, possibly tied to Dre’s health scare or their Aftermath bond, makes the tour feel like a farewell to an era. A Dubai performance under the stars, with “Forgot About Dre” as a centerpiece, would be a historic moment, blending nostalgia, innovation, and spectacle.
The Verdict: Hype or History?
As of August 31, 2025, the “One Last Ride” tour, including the Dubai show and the “Forgot About Dre” performance, remains unconfirmed. The viral poster’s AI origins and lack of official statements from Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, or Rihanna cast doubt on the rumors. Yet, the artists’ history—through Aftermath, the Up in Smoke Tour, and the 2022 Super Bowl—makes a reunion plausible. The secret pact, whether rooted in Dre’s 2021 health scare or a 1990s vow, adds emotional depth, while Dubai’s rumored deal aligns with its reputation for extravagance.
Until official announcements drop, fans should treat the setlist leaks and Dubai rumors as speculative. However, the idea of a rare “Forgot About Dre” performance with a surprise twist, set against a starlit Dubai sky, is enough to keep the hip-hop world holding its breath. As one X post put it, “If Em and Dre bring that track back, it’s not a concert—it’s a time machine.” Stay tuned to official channels for updates, and brace for what could be the most explosive hip-hop event of the decade.
