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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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 […]
Emerging with deft artistry in the mid-1990s, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony made their presence felt as they heralded a new rap era. The five friends based out of Cleveland, Ohio, created an indelible impression on fans with their harmonious singing and compelling street stories through their personalities. Consequently, after drawing the attention of Eazy-E, the group signed to Ruthless Records in 1993 and released the EP Creepin’ On Ah Come-up, sparking the greatest Bone Thugs-n-Harmony hits.
However, tragedy struck when Eazy passed away in 1995, yet their music continued to thrive, dominating multiple charts and even earning them a Grammy for Classic E. 1999 Eternal. Not only that, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony changed the expectations for rap stardom in the Midwest and revolutionized the genre for years to come. To this day, Bone Thug’s legacy is remembered in hip-hop culture, confirming their place as one of the most influential acts of the 1990s.
7. “Notorious Thugs” (1997)
Boasting five hours in the studio together, Layzie Bone and Notorious B.I.G delivered the hotly anticipated “Notorious Thugs,” a track featured on the late rapper’s second studio album Life After Death. The song infamously referenced the lingering animosity between Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. and aimed at Three Six Mafia, Do or Die, and Twista via hard-hitting verses from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. In addition to its bold demonstration of Notorious B.I.G.’s mastery of the melodic chopper flow made famous by the Cleveland group, “Notorious Thugs” also highlights the iconic star’s desire to be recognized globally.
6. “Days of Our Livez” (1998)
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s 1998 single “Days of Our Livez” was a remarkable success. Its soundscape, built on the foundations of “Tender Love” by Force MDs and “Making Love in the Rain” by Herb Alpert, evoked an emotive response from fans and critics alike, with its soulful, reflective aura resembling that of the group’s crossover hit “Tha Crossroads.” The track reached admirable heights on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip Hop Singles and Tracks charts, and No. 37 on the UK Singles Chart. Furthermore, it garnered Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Undeniably, “Days of Our Livez” is an understated classic and one of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s most iconic hits.
5. “1st of Tha Month” (1995)
The 1995 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony classic “1st of Tha Month” reached No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, garnering their first Top 20 status. For this reason, nominated for a Grammy Award and certified gold by the RIAA, this upbeat track celebrates the arrival of welfare checks in the hood on the first day of each month. All things considered, friends and family come together to revel in their collective good fortune and enjoy a momentary respite from life’s struggles. It’s an uplifting song that serves as a reminder of hope amidst challenging times.
4. “Foe Tha Love of $” (1995)
For the final time, Eazy-E graced a music video with his presence in the song “Foe Tha Love of $” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. This hustler’s anthem captures all facets of the moneymaking game. Subsequently, it also touches upon its consequences with graphic realism. Its success was widespread, reaching No. 4 on Hot Rap Songs and number 39 on Billboard Hot 100. As an artist who embodied an untainted urban culture, Eazy-E set the tone for many artists to come.
“I Tried” emerges as the uplifting lead single from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s 2007 album Strength & Loyalty. Emphatically featuring soulful vocals from Akon, this anthem brought the group’s story of resilience and commitment to the Billboard Hot 100. It debuted at No. 82 and peaked at a remarkable No. 6 – their highest charting song of the decade. “I Tried” remains an enduring favorite amongst fans, embodying the spirit of perseverance in times of struggle.
2. “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” (1994)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s debut EP features their iconic single “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” with special guest vocals from Cleveland artist Shatasha Williams. The song’s title alludes to their wild and rogue “thug” identities. Lyrically, the track is bold and fiery, showcasing Shatasha Williams’s powerful vocals. It saw recognition when included in the True Crime: Streets of L.A. soundtrack. Later Layzie Bone’s second verse was adapted on Mo Thugs Family first album, Family Scriptures. With authoritative energy, this timeless classic remains a landmark piece in hip-hop, displaying the group’s unbridled talent.
1. “The Crossroads” (1996)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony hits broke genre boundaries 27 years ago, transforming their struggles into a resonating song that captivated many. Capturing the vision Eazy-E saw in them, the group crafted music that would go beyond their Cleveland, Ohio. The group’s signature anthem, “Crossroads,” was a tribute to the beloved Eazy-E following his passing. Crafted initially as “Crossroads” in honor of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s lost friend Wallace, the song skyrocketed in popularity upon its rerelease. It debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. As a result, this iconic hit secured the top spot for eight weeks. The song earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group in 1997. It remains a poignant reminder of the legacy left behind by their beloved mentor.
Menace II Society is a classic teen drama from the 1990s. The directorial debut of the Hughes Brothers (Dead Presidents, The Book Of Eli), the film highlighted the realities of life for Black teenagers in a post-Rodney King LA. The film’s cast featured a wealth of big-name actors, Jada Pinkett-Smith among them. The film also featured Larenz Tate, Samuel L. Jackson, Clifton Powell, and Tyrin Turner in the lead role.
However, a recent interview from one-half of the directorial team has revealed some fascinating new information about the film’s production. Allen Hughes, appearing on The Breakfast Club, spoke about who was meant to star in one of the lead roles. It also shed some light on the eventual breakup of N.W.A.
Eazy-E Was Cast And Later Dropped From “Menace II Society”
O-Dog is the best friend of Menace II Society‘s main character, Caine Lawson (Tyrin Turner). He is played by Larenz Tate (Power) to masterful perfection. However, the casting of Tate was not the production’s first choice. According to Allen Hughes, Eazy-E of N.W.A fame was originally cast in the role. “We wrote that role for Eazy-E,” Hughes said of O-Dog. Hughes and Eazy-E had a close relationship, with Hughes going as far as to call E his “mentor.”
However, Eazy and his business manager Jerry Heller ultimately led to a production change. According to Hughes, E and Heller were overly demanding about changes to the script, eventually forcing the Brothers to find a new actor. They first turned to Ice Cube, who turned down the role for fear of being type-cast after Boyz In The Hood. Eventually, they settled on Tate. “I learned everything from Eazy, but one of the things with him and Jerry is they always try to keep you in a box and control you. And they were trying to control us in the script and I just had to move on, and it was for peanuts. I adore Eazy. He was so giving and so down-to-earth. By the way, great with his fans, too. Very patient with his fans. But I see why Cube left, I see why Dre left. There was a whole thing there.” Hughes said.
It has been three decades since Eazy-E passed away. Still, it seems like new information regarding the late legend’s career comes to light every few days. The rapper was just 30 years old at the time of his passing in 1995. Not long before his death, Eazy publicly revealed that he had contracted HIV/AIDS. He was hospitalized for complications stemming from the disease. Shortly thereafter, he passed away. It was a huge loss for the culture, but Eazy’s influence is felt to this day. In fact, three decades after his death, the legend is still making headlines.
Many things about Eazy’s past have been called into question in recent years – even the cause of his death. His daughter revealed in 2021 that she was working on a documentary about the circumstances around his passing. The four-hour documentary was titled The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E. In the documentary, the reason for Eazy’s death was the subject of much debate. Some allege that the rapper was purposely exposed to the virus. Some, like Too $hort, don’t think that Eazy died of HIV/AIDS at all. If it was different than what was reported, we may never know the truth of his death. Still, some seem keen to share new information about Eazy at every turn. More previously unknown information about his career has come to light recently by way of friends and collaborators.
Eazy-E’s Unreleased Music
Rapper Eazy-E performs during the ‘Straight Outta Compton’ tour at the Genesis Convention Center. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
In a recent interview with Rock The Bells, Eazy-E’s childhood friend Arnold “Bigg A” White revealed that the rap legend had quite a bit of unreleased music. “There is unreleased music still out there,” said White. “We know for a fact that he had two or three or four reels in his car when he went to the hospital.” He went on to talk about what might have been on the lost reels, which may surprise some fans. “He had songs with Slash from Guns n’ Roses,” he said.
White is not Eazy’s only childhood friend talking about the rapper. Keefe D revealed in a VladTV interview that Eazy was actually approached to join Death Row Records before Dr. Dre. However, because Eazy-E already established a name for himself at the time, he didn’t think it was a good idea to be doing business with people who were incarcerated. “Once the phone call went dead, Eazy showed up to my house 30 minutes later,” Keefe recalled, “He like, ‘Dude, them dudes in jail and I’m already established.’” What do you think about all of the new information being revealed about Eazy? Let us know in the comments!
Keefe D has dropped some interesting facts about the early days of Death Row Records in a new interview with VladTV. In the early-to-mid 90s, it was practically impossible to ignore the label. It gave birth to some of the most legendary artists in the hip-hop genre. In the 30-plus years since its founding, Death Row has gone through plenty of ups and downs. After quite a bit of stagnation, it was recently acquired by Snoop Dogg, who released his debut album on the label. At this point in the game, you might think there is nothing left to learn about Death Row’s history. However, in his new interview, Keefe D proved that there’s probably a lot we still don’t know.
Duane Davis, AKA Keefe D, is a former prominent member of the South Side Compton Crips. He was a childhood friend of Eazy-E and was present for or involved with many of the events surrounding the founding of Death Row Records. Keefe was also allegedly connected to the murder of Tupac. In fact, he was behind the claims that Diddy placed a $1 million hit on the late Shakur. Whether or not there is any truth to that claim is still unclear. Still, Keefe seems to have plenty left to say about Death Row. This time, he’s opening up about the founding of the label and how Dr. Dre wasn’t actually the first choice.
Keefe D’s Involvement With Death Row
While speaking to VladTV, Keefe revealed that Death Row Records wanted Eazy-E to join before they approached Dr. Dre. He says that his friend was in prison with Death Row co-founder, Michael Harris. Through this friend, Harris asked Keefe to set up a call with Eazy. The late rapper was not too keen to do business with people behind bars, though. After the call, Eazy apparently showed up at Keefe’s house in person to talk. “Once the phone call went dead, Eazy showed up to my house 30 minutes later,” Keefe recalled, “He like, ‘Dude, them dudes in jail and I’m already established.”
The former gangster says that Harris called Dr. Dre the next day, and he accepted. The acquisition wasn’t quite so simple, as the NWA member was actually signed to Eazy-E’s label at the time. For many years, it’s been said that Suge Knight had to strongarm Eazy to get him to release Dre from his contract. According to Keefe, the truth is a lot less interesting. For the early contract termination, Eazy was allegedly paid $200,000. Once Dre was free of his contract, he joined Death Row, and the rest is history. What do you think Death Row would have been like if Eazy had said yes? Let us know in the comments!
