IMO it is okay to pay homage to the past, I always do. But the skill comes from taking something from the past and bringing it into now. Its also about innovation and doing things differently.
I say instead of copying the past, try to build on it, take it into the future.
As pointed out by Agent Smith, I have found a mono saw to be the best sound to tune to get that west coast synth. I think the synth goes back to George Clinton, Im not sure.
I dont think that trying to sound like Dre is the best thing, although I have done it myself in the past and learned a lot from trying to imitate others, I think in the competetive world we live, the emphasis needs to be on originality/innovation, to stand out from the oversaturated bandwagons of wannabe Dre's/Primo's/Dilla's etc.
Just my opinion, but I wouldnt knock experimenting with others styles as once you know how they did it, then you can build on it and take it to the next level.