| Eric “Eazy-E’ Wright was the founding member of NWA, the group that pioneered the genre of Gangsta Rap which dominates the music charts to this day. The group that also included his Compton comrades Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, helped provide an outlet for the aggression and frustrations of the urban youth in the late 80s and early 90s through their defiant, anti-establishment lyrics. NWA’s 1988 album, “Straight Outta Compton” went double platinum and even caught the attention of the FBI for its rebellious, anti-police content. NWA was signed under Eazy’s Ruthless Records, the label that was also instrumental in introducing Bone Thugs N Harmony to the world several years later. After Ice Cube’s departure and infighting in the Ruthless camp, Dr. Dre too left and co-founded Deathrow Records in 1991; a highly publicized row between Eazy and Dre followed. Even after the break-up of NWA, Eazy-E’s popularity remained at a high. He translated this popularity into a lucrative solo career with albums such as “Eazy-Duz-It”, “5150: Home 4 the Sick”, “It's On (Dr. Dre) 187Um Killa”, and “Str8 Off the Streets”. Eazy-E’s music is easily identifiable with his signature high-pitched voice, typically west coast delivery and lyrics that focused on sex, drugs, and gang culture. His most recognizable songs include “Boyz-N-The-Hood”, “Gimme Dat Nut”, and the controversial “Real G’s”, aimed at former partner Dr. Dre and his young protégé Snoop Doggy Dogg. Eazy-E died of AIDS in 1995, just when the genre that he was instrumental in creating was at peak popularity. Considered in many circles as the father of Gangsta Rap, Eazy-E will always be remembered for his jheri curl and signature Compton hat. In his memory, Ruthless Records released the “Impact of a Legend” DVD in 2002 with previously unreleased music. Following in Eazy’s footsteps, his son Lil Eazy too has ventured into emceeing, and is being ably advised and assisted by his father’s veteran NWA compatriots. |
