Eazy-E

Today in Hip-Hop History: NWA Founder Eazy-E Died From AIDS 29 Years Ago

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On this day in 1995, gangster rap pioneer Eric “Eazy-E” Wright succumbed to complications of the AIDS virus less than 10 days after making it known to the public.

Many are able to embody the persona of gangsta rap. That’s thanks to the likes of Schooly D, Ice-T, and N.W.A. The difference between the two formers when compared to the latter is Eazy-E. a true entrepreneur and if it wasn’t the rap game, his money would’ve (as it has) been made regardless.

In 1986, Eazy-E went into business with Jerry Heller to create Ruthless Records. It’s often told that Wright used up to $250,000 of his own money, which he made in the streets, to fund this endeavor. Because of this, as Jerry Heller mentioned in his memoir titled, Ruthless, Eazy-E owned 80% of the rights to the company.

Yeah, I was a brother on the streets of Compton doing a lot of things most people look down on but it did pay off. Then we started rapping about real stuff that shook up the LAPD and the FBI. But we got our message across big time, and everyone in America started paying attention to the boys in the hood.

Ruthless Records would present Dr. Dre to a national audience, as well as Ice Cube. Their method; Gangsta Rap. It would be the harsh lyrics and gritty portrayal of the gang activity, crime, racial discrimination, police brutality, and day-to-day life in a predominately black area during the Reagan/Crack-era that would solidify not only the record company but the groups and acts associated as hip-hop royalty.

Nine short years after, 1995 to be exact, the world would lose Eric “Eazy-E” Wright to complications from AIDS.

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Lil Eazy-E Calls Out Dr. Dre For Not Being Present At Street Naming: “All Of The West Coast Should Be”

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In a recent interview with TMZ at the unveiling of the street named after his late father, Eazy-E, Lil Eazy-E had some words for Dr. Dre. In fact, issued a public call to Dr. Dre, urging the iconic producer to revisit his roots and pay a visit to Eazy-E’s mother. The rapper and son of the N.W.A legend expressed disappointment at the absence of Dr. Dre at Eazy-E’s funeral, recalling that DJ Yella was the sole attendee during his formative years. Lil Eazy-E remarked, “30 years later, do you think I care?” His words resonated with a sense of unresolved disappointment. He underscored the significance of Dre’s absence during a pivotal moment in Eazy-E’s legacy.

Lil Eazy-E believes that given Eazy-E’s profound influence on the West Coast rap scene, Dre, along with the entirety of the west coast region, should acknowledge and honor his father’s contributions. Directly addressing Dr. Dre, Lil Eazy-E extended an invitation for him to reconnect with Eazy’s mother, emphasizing the historical ties between Dre and the family. “Dre, you were on her couch when your mom kicked you out. So you could come sit there and say hi. She is still living and well,” he stated, adding a personal touch to the plea for a reconciliation.

Read More: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Greatest Hits

Lil Eazy-E

Lil Eazy-E’s central concern appears to be his grandmother’s well-being, wishing Dre blessings while urging him to recognize and pay homage to the familial connections that played a pivotal role in both his and Eazy-E’s lives. This public call out from Lil Eazy-E prompts contemplation on the part of Dr. Dre. It underscores the importance of acknowledging one’s origins and expressing gratitude to those who played a foundational role in shaping one’s journey.

In the realm of hip-hop, where authenticity and respect are integral, this challenge serves as a reminder that even the most iconic figures should remain grounded in the communities that shaped their ascent. Whether Dr. Dre responds to this to reconnect with the roots of his career remains to be seen. But the challenge has undoubtedly opened a dialogue about the enduring ties between hip-hop legends and the communities that forged them. Do you think Dr. Dre and other west coast legends should have been in attendance? Let us know on HNHH!

Read More: Eazy-E “It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa” Turns 30: A Response To “The Chronic”

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Eazy-E Dedicated His Life To Compton, So The City Is Finally Repaying Him With A Street Named In His Honor

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In January 2020, Ice Cube stopped by Uproxx‘s People’s Party With Talib Kweli and discussed the backstory of the late Eazy-E’s “Boyz N The Hood.” Cube explained that the song was originally meant for a New York-based group named Homeboys Only, but it wasn’t a lyrical fit, so “[Dr.] Dre convinced Eazy to do it.”

But Eazy-E never needed convincing to stump for Compton, California, his hometown that was put on the map by him, Cube, and the rest of N.W.A. Now Compton will make Eazy-E’s relationship to Compton tangibly and permanently inextricable.

According to several Los Angeles-based outlets, such as ABC7 and KTLA, the 100 block of Auto Drive South, located on Alameda Street and runs into the Gateway Towne Center shopping plaza, will be renamed Eazy Street.

Per The Los Angeles Times, “A block party will be held at the street on November 22 to celebrate the moment with performances and appearances from the ‘Boyz-n-the-Hood’ rapper’s children and his former collaborators.” The paper also noted that Compton City Council previously voted unanimously to rename the street in September.

Eazy-E passed away in March 1995 at just 30 years old. Mere days prior he had publicly disclosed his AIDS diagnosis.

“My dad loved where he was from,” Eazy-E’s daughter, Erica Wright, said in a statement, as per The Los Angeles Times. “Nothing could keep him from Compton. Nothing could keep his parents from Compton. This will forever be a highlight in my life.”

Eazy-E’s son, Eric Darnell Wright Jr. added, “The street naming serves as a symbol of recognition and commemoration, ensuring that our father […] has a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

This is far from the first preservation of Eazy-E’s legacy. In March 2017, for example, N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress.

Eazy E, Shunned By Hip-Hop In Death, To Receive His Flowers

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Eazy E

Compton, California, is set to honor Eazy E by renaming a street. The late West Coast rap legend, one of Compton’s first popular rappers and a member of the legendary rap group NWA, will have the city’s Auto Plaza Drive South officially renamed “Eazy Street.” 

Eazy E Honored

Eazy E’s street naming event was partly organized by Alonzo Williams, the mind behind the legendary nightclub Eve After Dark, where NWA members Dr. Dre and DJ Yella performed in their early days. 

The commemorative event celebrating the name change will be held on Nov. 22 and will be open to the public. The location will be in the back of the Chrystal Hotel in Compton. Williams, who is now the President of the Compton Entertainment Chamber of Commerce, took inspiration from former Compton Mayor Omar Bradley’s past efforts to honor Eazy E. 

With this year marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Williams felt it was the perfect time to make another attempt, and this time, their efforts were successful.

Eazy E Shunned

Eazy E’s untimely death in 1995 at the age of 31 due to complications of AIDS-induced pneumonia brought about both controversy and conspiracy theories. 

The rapper had fallen ill just weeks before his passing and was later diagnosed with HIV. Eazy E, also known as Eric Wright, had previously admitted to living a promiscuous lifestyle, and possibly contracted the virus unknowingly. However, the stigma surrounding AIDS as the “gay plague” during the 1980s led to misconceptions and shunning of Eazy E’s legacy by some fans in the hip-hop community.

Controversy surrounding Eazy E’s cause of death continues to this day. In a July 2023 interview with Comedy Hype, Williams expressed his doubts about the official narrative, stating:

“I ain’t buying it. To see somebody who was as healthy as Eazy, go in the hospital, coughing and come up dead after a short period of time, that never sat well with me.” 

Williams also addressed Suge Knight’s past remarks about Eazy E being injected with AIDS, refusing to comment on the matter.

Eazy E’s Legacy

Despite the challenges and misinformation surrounding Eazy E’s legacy, the rapper was honored in the 2015 NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton, with actor Jason Mitchell portraying him on screen. This street naming event in Compton is another testament to Eazy E’s impact on the genre and his hometown, solidifying his place in hip-hop history.

In 2021, Eazy E’s daughter, Ebie Wright, publicly called out rap legend Ice Cube for not speaking about her father in a documentary they were working on together. 

The beef between Ice Cube and Eazy E after the latter’s departure from NWA had strained their relationship, leading Ebie to criticize Ice Cube for ignoring her father’s legacy.

Nipsey Hussle Honored With Platinum Certifications

Nipsey Hussle, another late rapper, was also honored posthumously for his contributions to the music industry. The late artist received multiple platinum certifications from the RIAA for his album Victory Lap and several hit songs.

The post Eazy E, Shunned By Hip-Hop In Death, To Receive His Flowers appeared first on SOHH.com.

Today in Hip Hop History: Eazy-E Released ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’ 30 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Eazy-E releases his second solo EP It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa. Released one year after his first EP and a long five years after his debut album Eazy-Duz-It, this album was a response to Dr. Dre’s prolific debut The Chronic. Tensions became high between the two NWA heavyweights and after the group’s 1991 split, the beef became public.

The West Coast was in a state of civil war. After NWA’s explosive breakup, its ex-members spared no time to air out their grievances on every other record they released. With Ice Cube attacking the Ruthless Records infrastructure and Dr. Dre siding with the enemy (Suge Knight and Death Row) to bring down all Eazy had built, there was no choice but for Eazy-E to respond as he did. He used the bulk of this album to state his opinion on Dr. Dre and his street authenticity, with each of the eight tracks on the EP attacking Dre’s image, originality, past, and current status in the rap game.

Aside from the disrespect that served as the core of this project, Eazy-E truly flexed his musical muscles with every track. Whether the inspiration surged from his emotional reaction to what was going with his ex-bandmates or simply from him being a seasoned veteran of gangsta rap is uncertain. What can be seen and heard however is that Eazy-E ate his Wheaties before hopping on the microphone to lay down this EP. With this project, we hear Eazy more comfortable with his own flow and who knows exactly where his lane is and how to be the fastest in it. As his final completed work in life, it is a great depiction of his growth and maturity as an artist.

Commercially, the album was a success. Peaking at #5 on the Billboard 200 and claiming the #1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart,  It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa sold 110,600 copies in it’s first week and was certified double platinum in 1994.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Eazy-E Released ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’ 30 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Eazy-E “It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa” Turns 30: A Response To “The Chronic”

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In 1993, Eazy-E dropped what is arguably one of Hip Hop’s most notable EPs. After all, it’s not very often artists release an entire project dissing another artist. The EP was a ballsy move from Eazy-E, who had major beef with Dr. Dre. Without a doubt, the project marks one of the most iconic diss moments in Hip Hop history. It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa turned 30 this year. Even after all that time, the project still commands much respect and reverence. It most likely always will, as it was truly a moment to remember in Hip Hop history.

Setting The Stage

Eazy-E and Dr. Dre were embroiled in a highly publicized and bitter feud at the time of the EP’s release. The beef between the two rappers escalated after Dr. Dre left N.W.A. and Ruthless Records over financial disagreements. Subsequently, Dr. Dre founded Death Row Records with Suge Knight, the D.O.C., and Duck Griffey. Consequently, the tension surrounding Dre’s departure led to a series of diss tracks from both parties. Notably, Eazy-E released It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa on October 19, 1993, as a response to Dr. Dre’s album iconic, The Chronic. 

Eazy-E and Dr. Dre Fire With Words

On Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, the MC takes straightforward shots at Eazy-E. On “F**k Wit Dre Day,” he even employed the assistance of his friend, Snoop Dogg. Evidently, Eazy-E didn’t take it lying down. It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa was the late MC’s way of defending his reputation and asserting his dominance in the West Coast rap scene. The EP contained explicit and confrontational lyrics aimed at Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records, and especially Dr. Dre. 

In fact, only three songs of the 8-track EP are free of any lyrical jabs against Dr. Dre. These three songs are “Any Last Werdz,” which was released as a single, “Gimmie That Nutt,” and a G-Mix of the Ice Cube-penned “Boyz N tha Hood.” Eazy-E used this EP to express his anger at Dr. Dre, as well as his frustration and defiance. After he dropped “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s” as a single, not many people expected an entire project dedicated to Dre to follow. It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa is widely regarded as one of the most badass responses to a diss in rap’s history.

Contributors On It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa

Between the producers and featured artists on the EP, it took a small village to put it all together. The entire EP was produced by Rhythm D, DJ Yella, Cold 187um, Dr. Jam, Madness 4 Real, and Eazy-E. Furthermore, the guest appearances include B.G. Knocc Out and Dresta on “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s,” Cold 187um and Kokane on “Any Last Werdz,” and Dirty Red, who features on “Down 2 tha Last Roach” alongside B.G. Knocc Out. 

In addition, the EP heavily employs the use of samples. In detail, only the first track, “Exxtra Special Thankz,” is rid of samples. Every other song on the project contains selections from one or more songs, mainly by Eazy-E or N.W.A. Notably, the track “It’s On” contains a sample from Dr. Dre’s diss track “F**k Wit Dre Day.” Consequently, one could say Dr. Dre contributed to the making and success of this diss project by Eazy-E.

Easy-E’s Diss Project, A Cultural Artifact

Over the last 30 years, the legacy of It’s On has steadily grown stronger. It was Eazy-E’s last project in his lifetime and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard charts. Although other works have been released posthumously, none of them compare to the impact this one has had. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, the EP is now considered historically significant to Hip Hop. Fans are almost grateful for the beef between Dr. Dre and Eazy-E because of the classic projects their feud birthed. Sadly, Eazy-E passed away in 1995, but this EP is one of the ways through which his name will live on forever. 

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Happy Heavenly Birthday To N.W.A./Ruthless Records Founder Eazy-E!

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Despite the fact that the Hip Hop community lost this giant in the game over two decades ago, the legacy of Eazy-E will always be seen, heard and celebrated by the culture of Hip Hop.

Eazy-E was born Eric Lynn Wright on this date in 1964 in Compton, California. As most of his gang-infested Compton neighborhood, Eazy adopted the street life and began a career in selling drugs in the early 80s. Wright earned as much as $250K selling drugs, but quickly reinvested his street profits into the music business, thus starting Ruthless Records.

Not long after, Eazy linked up with O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young and Lorenzo “MC Ren” Paterson and founded “the world’s most dangerous group”, N.W.A. This multi-platinum, Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame group catapulted Eazy’s status to the “godfather of gangster rap”.

Even though the world said goodbye to Eazy in 1995 after his short battle with AIDS, his musical genius continues to live on and influence future generations of Hip Hoppers.

Happy born day Eazy! #RIPEazyE

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Today In Hip Hop History: N.W.A. Released Their Second Project ‘100 Miles And Runnin’ 33 Years Ago

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On this date in 1990, “the world’s most dangerous group” dropped their second album and only EP, 100 Miles And Runnin on the Ruthless/.Priority label.

This was also the first release by N.W.A. sans their lead songwriter and most celebrated emcee O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson after a contract dispute forced the now famed rapper/actor to make his infamous departure from the group. This 5-track project was the first to throw a dart in the beef between between Ice Cube and N.W.A., which led to the Cube’s legendary “No Vaseline” diss.

Even without Cube, 100 Miles reached platinum status in just under two years and for the first time, the crew could actually thank radio play for helping to push the album.

The EP’s title track is probably the most memorable of the project, being that the songs appears on the EP as well as the on N.W.A’s Greatest Hits. “Real Niggaz”, one of the project’s most celebrated b-sides, also appeared on the group’s final album, Niggaz4Life.

Salute to Dj Yella, Mc Ren, Dr. Dre and the late Eazy -E for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

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Today In Hip Hop History: N.W.A. Dropped Their Second LP ‘Straight Outta Compton’ 35 Years Ago

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On 8/8/88, Ice Cube, MC Ren, DJ Yella, Eazy E, along with the legendary Dr. Dre from the World Class Wreckin’ Crew put together the second N.W.A. album called Straight Outta Compton. This album came on the heels of Eazy E’s debut release, Eazy E, and The Posse, which led Eazy E and his Ruthless Records label partner Jerry Heller to put out another release exploiting the gang culture that saturated the West Coast, giving birth to what is known as “gangsta rap’. Their debut release, N.W.A. And The Posse was already certified and had anticipating fans around the world the second time around.

Some of the most lethal, straight no chaser lyrical assaults can be heard on tracks like the “Dopeman” remix, “Gangsta Gangsta,” and the anti-cop anthem “Fuck The Police.” What made this album so unique was that it rose to platinum status with no radio play or major promotion. The album even drew attention from the federal government, with the FBI and U.S. Secret Service sending letters to Ruthless about the violent message of “Fuck The Police.” N.W.A.’s popularity with the law increased their fan base and record sales. This album was also when Dr. Dre was officially recognized as the legendary producer he has evolved into today. Careers from both coasts and everywhere in between was created from the Straight Outta Compton prototype.

The Source salutes Cube, Ren, Dre, the Wright family, DJ Yella, and the Arabian Prince for this unforgettable masterpiece!

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Top 5 Iconic Hip-Hop Songs That Keep On Giving

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Hip-hop is no stranger to sampling, and some songs have become timeless sources of inspiration for newer artists. From Khia’s explicit anthem “My Neck My Back” to Aaliyah’s mesmerizing “One In A Million,” these classic tracks continue influencing and shaping the rap scene.  “My Neck My Back” By Khia Khia’s 2001 hit “My Neck My […]

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