In the pantheon of hip-hop, MC Ren’s presence looms large, a master craftsman whose words cut through the cacophony to strike the core of the listener’s soul. From the incendiary beginnings in Compton to the halls of hip-hop nobility, Ren’s unyielding dedication to the craft has forged a net worth as formidable as his reputation – $4 million as of 2023, per the insights of CAknowledge.
From Compton Streets To Hip-Hop Elite
CHICAGO – JUNE 1989: Rapper MC Ren from N.W.A. performs during the ‘Straight Outta Compton’ tour. At the U.I.C. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in June 1989. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
MC Ren, known to the world as the villain of hip-hop, has maneuvered through the music industry with the precision of a chess grandmaster. His tenure with N.W.A. immortalized him in the annals of hip-hop, contributing to the groundbreaking Straight Outta Compton. The albums that followed in his solo career, etched with Ren’s signature grit, solidified his status as a vanguard of the West Coast scene. The reverberations of his artistry have earned him a trove of accolades and a devoted following.
The Man Beyond The Mic
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 12: MC Ren, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and DJ Yella attend a Ceremony Honoring Ice Cube. With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on June 12, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/WireImage)
Beneath the fierce exterior, MC Ren cultivates a life marked by introspection and philanthropy. His personal endeavors remain largely away from the prying eyes of the public. Yet, his impact within the community is palpable. Ren’s philanthropy, often conducted without fanfare, aligns with his music’s ethos. It empowers the underrepresented and echoing the voice of the streets that raised him.
Legacy In Lyrics: Ren’s Enduring Influence
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 08: MC Ren speaks onstage during 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on April 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
In concluding MC Ren’s saga, it’s not just the financial milestone that captivates the narrative but the indelible impact of his words and the authenticity of his journey. His $4 million net worth signifies a life spent amplifying the stories of the streets, a reflection of his unyielding spirit and the respect he commands among both peers and disciples.
Amidst the raw energy of Compton’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, DJ Yella emerged as a foundational pillar. He mixed and produced tracks that have thumped through the annals of rap history. With a career transcending the decks, he has been a defining force behind the sounds that have characterized West Coast rap. A pioneer, his beats have narrated the streets’ tales, interweaving the grit and rhythm of an era. His savvy in navigating the tumultuous waters of the music industry has not only earned him a reputation as an influential figure in hip-hop but also culminated in a personal net worth of $1 million in 2023, as reported by Wealthy Gorilla.
The Pulse Of A Genre: Career & Accolades
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 12: (L-R) MC Red, Ice Cube, Dr Dre and DJ Yella of N.W.A. At Ice Cube’s Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony held on June 12, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
The ascension of DJ Yella is a chronicle of relentless ambition and raw talent. As a key member of N.W.A., his craftsmanship in producing beats for the iconic Straight Outta Compton album left an indelible mark on hip-hop. Beyond N.W.A., his solo ventures and collaborations have garnered critical acclaim. His production skills shining on numerous gold and platinum records. Yella’s accolades are not just trophies on a shelf; they are milestones that underscore his influence in shaping the sound of a generation.
Beats Beyond The Booth: Personal Life & Philanthropy
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Rappers MC Ren, DJ Yella, Eazy-E and Dr. Dre. Of the rap group NWA pose for a portrait in 1991 in New York, New York. DJ Yella is giving the middle-finger. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Away from the limelight, DJ Yella’s personal life is characterized by a quieter rhythm. While details of his private endeavors remain closely guarded, it is known that his impact extends beyond music. His philanthropic efforts, though not widely publicized, reflect a commitment to uplifting communities and supporting causes close to his heart, echoing the spirit of his activist-laden lyrics.
The Legacy Continues: A Resounding Conclusion
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 08: MC Ren and DJ Yella of N.W.A. pose with Eazy-E’s mother Katie Wright at the 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/FilmMagic)
DJ Yella’s narrative is not solely about the wealth accumulated but the cultural capital he has created. His sonic signature has left an everlasting imprint on the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists. With a net worth that signifies more than monetary success, it encapsulates a rich legacy built on beats, bars, and the indomitable spirit of hip-hop.
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.
Classic and quintessential rap albumStraight Outta Compton turned 35 this month. For many, the album introduced an emerging genre in 1988: gangsta rap. The album showcased to the world exactly what N.W.A was about. Group members Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC Ren have become household names, but like any others, they had to start somewhere.
For many people, the music they made struck fear into their hearts as they thought the music was not only inappropriate but actually dangerous. Ironically, many of the group’s critics could not even say what the group’s name really was. On the opposite end, supportive listeners embraced the reality of the lyrics as they resonated with the feelings and perspectives they already had. The album’s influence has been felt by many rappers and listeners across the last 35 years.
Straight Outta Compton Brought Controversy
Straight Outta Compton was a seminal album for the Parental Advisory sticker in the United States. This label is expected on rap albums in the present day. People often edit this sticker onto many pictures to give them the comedic – but accurate – effect of an album cover. At the time, the lyrics on the album were simply too profane in multiple aspects for many people. The violence depicted in the lyrics was especially alarming for many groups, prompting the FBI to send a letter to the rap group and their label, Ruthless Records. Naturally, N.W.A took this as a badge of honor, prompting their branding of being the “World’s Most Dangerous Group.” Their lyrics were seminal in the creation of the genre “gangsta rap,” however, they have gone on record several times saying they prefer to call it “reality rap.”
Standout Productions
With its release coming in 1988, Straight Outta Compton has a multitude of samples on its tracks. Production came from Dr.Dre, whose future in production speaks for itself. However, he also worked with group member DJ Yella and temporary groupmate (1987-1988) Arabian Prince for this album. The upbeat and accessible production on the album almost contrasts with the aggressive nature of the lyrics.
The tracks combine soul, funk, and hip-hop sounds, showcasing the power of compiling samples. The title track sounds much more menacing than most of the production on the rest of the album. The album’s final track, appropriately titled “Something 2 Dance 2,” is considerably different from the rest of the album and is very in line with the music from Dre and DJ Yella’s days in the electro group World Class Wreckin’ Cru.
Straight Outta Compton‘s Lyrical Impact
Straight Outta Compton is known for its controversial lyrics. In 2023, the lyrics would sound typical to most rap fans, but in 1988, they were highly contentious. Various groups declared them unacceptable amongst other negative descriptors. These groups took pride in publicly protesting the music, destroying its physical copies with pride. The lyrics were violent, derogatory, and expletive-laden.
Ice Cube wrote many of the lyrics on the album, including other verses for other group members. Different combinations of the members on songs and solo tracks ensured the project would engage listeners. Cube left the group after not being properly compensated for all his writing on the album.
The Classic’s Album’s Imprint On Hip Hop
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Rappers MC Ren, DJ Yella, Eazy-E and Dr. Dre of the rap group NWA pose for a portrait in 1991 in New York, New York. DJ Yella is giving the middle-finger. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Straight Outta Compton is the first gangsta rap album to go Platinum. The group sought to gain more attention to their music like most artists – through radio play. However, for radio play, they had to send in clean versions of their music. In the case of N.W.A., most of the song would be censored, ruining the listening experience. The tracks received little radio play, but word of mouth is how it gained its success. Listeners told others about the album, and it also received news coverage with a negative connotation. Naturally, this would make people curious about the big deal. The news coverage countered itself as it advocated people not to listen to the album, but the attention is why people wanted to hear it – especially younger listeners.
35 Years Of Influence
Straight Outta Compton is an album many rap listeners of multiple generations have called a classic. It may not be in their daily rotation, but its importance will never be forgotten. For many artists, this album paved the way for the music that followed. Several rap artists and groups have named N.W.A. as a primary influence in their quest for a career in music.
Whether explicit lyrics or in-house productions, like the Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A.’s influence continues reverberating in hip-hop culture. The anti-government perspective has been echoed by Black artists before and after N.W.A. Groups like the East Coast-based Public Enemy brought the same urgency with their music. Many artists followed in N.W.A.’s footsteps by saying what they wanted and how they wanted it in their music.
What are your favorite moments and songs from Straight Outta Compton? Let us know in the comments section.
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!
Some classic hip-hop songs will remain timeless no matter when they are played. Whether listeners were alive or not when released, fans know and appreciate their impact on the genre. Many started a new era that evolved, and others are locked in the time capsule they came from. This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and there have been celebrations, documentaries, concerts, and more honoring the genre throughout the year.
With the power of the internet and the passion of our icons passing stories on, hip hop has become the most popular genre in the world. Please note that none of our choices in this article would be possible without songs like “The Message,” “Rapper’s Delight,” and “Planet Rock.” We have omitted them from our list (in no particular order) to leave room for those that will cause little to no debate.
“Protect Ya Neck” – Wu-Tang Clan (1992)
This song is from one of hip hop’s most popular groups. Music lovers who don’t listen to rap know their name, and their logo is iconic. This song showcases several core aspects of the group. This is fitting, considering it was their first single, initially released in 1992. Later, it was re-released in 1993 to much greater fanfare.
The original only brought them success in the underground scene since they released it independently on their own label. The track features RZA’s trademark gritty production as each member brings aggression and wordplay to the dusty drums and minimalist melody. This track helped set the tone for “hardcore” rap and directly contrasted the jazzier outputs from other groups in New York.
“Electric Relaxation” – A Tribe Called Quest (1994)
Multiple generations have celebrated and heard this classic hip hop song. Some know the original track, and others recognize it from the intro for The Wayans Bros. Younger listeners heard its iconic sample from Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew” on ”Forbidden Fruit” by J. Cole feat Kendrick Lamar. No matter when you heard it, the smooth bassline and peaceful melody stuck with you.
Q-Tip and Phife Dawg trade fun and clever verses about interactions with women on the track. The back and forth keeps listeners locked in because they don’t know who will pop in next. Q-Tip produced this one, along with many other songs in their discography. Tracks like this paved the way for artists like Saba, Cordae, Mick Jenkins, and more, who shine on jazz-based hip-hop productions.
“Nuthin But A “G” Thang” – Dr.Dre feat. Snoop Dogg (1993)
Two hip hop titans still active in the rap game today dominated this classic. They gained their titan status by bringing this distinctive West Coast sound to the game. Of course, Dre’s fame origins began in his days as a producer in N.W.A. However, the production of his solo work after that era ended took him to the next level.
Glitzy synthesizers helped lay the groundwork for a new genre called “G-Funk.” Snoop and Dre established a chemistry that would boost their careers. This was their second single together and the first for Dre’s solo debut album, The Chronic. Songs like this paved the way for West Coast artists like Larry June and YG, who take aspects from music and make it work in their favor.
“Straight Outta Compton” – N.W.A (1988)
This is a classic hip hop song that may have reached a new generation through the movie of the same name. N.W.A was a pioneer in the genre of “gangsta rap.” In the song, each group member introduces themselves and details what will happen to those who cross them. The song is abrasive, with production from Dr. Dre and DJ Yella. This track paved the way for aggressive rap artists to say precisely what they wanted, how they wanted.
The early 2000s had many pivotal moments, and Missy was central to several. On this track, she showed how she helped lay the groundwork for women in rap today. While not as explicit as today’s artists, Missy still asserts confidence in her sexuality throughout the song. Her delivery makes the track fun and danceable through her creative delivery, rhymes, and of course, the iconic backmasking used in the song’s chorus. She employs the same technique in the song’s second verse, too. Also, she produced the track with Timbaland. Music moments such as this helped pave the way for artists like Megan Thee Stallion.
Ice Cube’s sudden departure from N.W.A. shook up the hip-hop world. Everything about his stoic and hardened image represented what the group was all about. Straight Outta Compton was uncompromising and groundbreaking, an album that had all of America talking. The album only solidified how divided the working class was from the bourgeoisie. Some hailed the project as a necessary outcry, while others demeaned its violent uptakes on tracks such as “F**k Da Police.” In essence, the Compton group had proved hip-hop’s value as a powerful source of messaging.
How would the group’s follow-up live up to the radical change that Straight Outta Compton instilled in rap? In addition, the loss of a key member was bound to tip the balance of the chemistry that the group developed. Even with the modern-day Brockhampton, it took the group years to adapt after losing Ameer Vann. Ice Cube’s departure from N.W.A. was anything but smooth-going. The two sides had embarked on a public spat that ended up in the press. Also, the Los Angeles Police Department’s racial profiling and officer misconduct against Rodney King erupted riots throughout Los Angeles.
Efil4Zaggin Is The Darkest Of N.W.A.’s Albums
With N.W.A. remaining on the front page in the three years since Straight Outta Compton, fans were clamoring to see how the group would artistically respond to their numerous controversies with Efil4Zaggin. The project wouldn’t deliver on the charts in the same manner that their debut did. However, Efil4Zaggin was still a defining statement from N.W.A. In contrast to the more measured Straight Outta Compton, Efil4Zaggin is the darker of N.W.A.’s two albums. The project is an electric rush of death metal and hip-hop. The diminished N.W.A. is pissed off; they want you to know it.
Efil4Zaggin is purposefully painful in every sense of the word. Even if N.W.A. didn’t want to admit it, they were hurt behind the bravado of their anger directed at Ice Cube. Their sophomore (and final) project aims to instill that pain into their audience. It wouldn’t be out of line to say that N.W.A. had gone utterly insane at this point. This sentiment is clear before even hearing the project. All it takes is a peek at the track-listing, featuring “Kill A Hooker” and “Find ‘Em, F**k ‘Em, and Flee.” It’s also apparent in the disturbing lyricism, with Eazy-E being noticeably enraged from start to finish. “Approach to Danger” mirrors a harrowing Michael Myers Halloween film, blending sampled screaming with screeching guitar riffs and synths.
Multiple Songs Diss Ice Cube’s Departure
Rappers Stacy Phillips, MC JB (Juana Burns) and Baby D. (Dania Birks) of JJ Fad poses for photos with rappers MC Ren (Lorenzo Jerald Patterson), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson), Dr. Dre (Andre Romelle Young) and Eazy-E (Eric Lynn Wright) of N.W.A. backstage after their performance at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana in July 1989. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Of course, a primary narrative of the record is attacking Ice Cube‘s manner of leaving N.W.A. While the group has reunited in the long term, the initial fallout was an iconic moment of hostility within hip-hop. Ice Cube felt he was being cheated out of royalties from N.W.A.’s record label at the time while also having an underlying sentiment that he could achieve more in a solo arena. “Message to BA” calls out Ice Cube explicitly for his departure. However, “Real N***az” is the most directly damning message against their past member, as they violently depict what they would do to Cube if he ever came near them. MC Ren angrily spits, “Only reason n***as pick up your record is cause they thought it was us.”
Efil4Zaggin Laid The Foundation For G-Funk
While many N.W.A. fans associate Efil4Zaggin with Ice Cube’s fallout and its subsequent diss tracks, its sonic departures and growth on the part of the remaining members are more than worth nothing. Ice Cube’s departure left ample room for Eazy-E to expand his pen game, opening up about his darkest fantasies behind menacing beats. In addition, Dr. Dre and DJ Yella were subtly laying down the foundations for G-Funk on Efil4Zaggin. “Automobile” exists in the framework of a P-Funk sample, a sound that N.W.A.’s Dr. Dre would later expand on and trademark with future albums. Their final album departed from the Gangsta rap subgenre they popularized on Straight Outta Compton, striding into a territory of Halloween-esque grime.
If not for the tragic passing of Eazy-E, the Ice Cube-less N.W.A. were still forming the makings of a unique subgenre that they could’ve continued to expand on with future albums. Months before Eazy-E’s death, the trio Eazy, Cube, and Dre even discussed getting back together and creating another album. Efil4Zaggin was a platform on which the group’s members would leap off of, propelling hip-hop into its golden age of sound. Dr. Dre would expand on the early G-Funk experimentation of the project. Embarking on his solo career, the sound had evolved on The Chronic and Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle. Efil4Zaggin set the platform for the next decade of WestCoast sound.
It’s been 33 years since Ice Cube turned the hip-hop world on its head with his debut studio album, Amerikkka’s Most Wanted. With hip-hop reaching its 50th anniversary in 2023, the album is one of the genre’s most influential. After his sudden fallout with N.W.A., there were overarching doubts about whether or not Ice Cube would be able to succeed as a solo act. In fact, this was a question that fans had of every group member. The five core members had struck a seamless balance. The teams’ two albums had piloted N.W.A. to the top of hip-hop. A combination of Ice Cube feeling he was being cheated out of his royalties and an innate desire to go off on his own would lead him to be the first to leave the iconic group.
However, Amerikkka’s Most Wanted did anything but silence the hip-hop world. Cube became public enemy number one after its release. He dropped various damning bars surrounding his experience with N.W.A. throughout the project. To be fair, Ice Cube’s groundbreaking responses throughout his debut solo album were justified. N.W.A. attacked first, going after Cube on “100 Miles and Runnin’.” The 20-year-old Los Angeles rapper blew things up with his response, purposefully making the most outlandish statements from “Once Upon a Time in the Projects” to “Who’s the Mack?”
The Project Was More Than An Attack On N.W.A.
Ice Cube at his home in Santa Monica, California, December 10, 1991. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Without his right-hand man Dr. Dre on production credits, Ice Cube was forced to look elsewhere to find an equally talented producer. He would find that person in Sir Jinx, who Ice Cube had already been collaborating with throughout the ’80s. However, he would change the hip-hop game forever by looking towards New York to complete the project. He would discover The Bomb Squad, the production team behind the rap group The Public Enemy. He headed to New York City to load up an attack on his ex-rap squad. However, Amerikkka’s Most Wanted was more multi-faceted than an attack on N.W.A. Like his work with N.W.A., he touches on boiling political topics from a street man’s perspective throughout the project.
Ice Cube revels in the antagonist world that he curates throughout the project, solidifying the record’s timelessness. Outside of his attacks on N.W.A., he’s rapping about the world of paranoia that he exists in. Surrounded by women, drugs, and violence, he’s looking to cocoon himself into the funk-based beats on Amerikkka’s Most Wanted. “What I was trying to get across was a true definition of street knowledge, where you can bump my record but you can learn from it, too.” The record’s tone is a “me against the world” mentality. Shunned by the his group, Ice Cube emerged as focused and introspective as ever.
Ice Cube Blended East & West Coast Rap
Released on May 16, 1990, Amerikkka’s Most Wanted immediately shook up the hip-hop world. Fans eagerly anticipated a response from N.W.A., shocked at Ice Cube’s inability to mince his words. However, it wasn’t only the beef between the two parties that gripped the audience. Ice Cube commanded the record seamlessly, proving that he could create timeless music without his musical protege on the other side of the United States. The funk-infused project took over car radios through the summer of the ’90s, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 200 charts.
Amerikkka’s Most Wanted was groundbreaking on a deeper level than solely from a lyrical perspective. Ice Cube was one of the first MCs to blend the worlds of California and New York sonically. While his trademark California flow remained unchanged, he did it over beats from Sir Jinx and The Bomb Squad. For the most part, MCs had been releasing projects that pulled from one area or another, striving to prove that their sound beat out the others. Everything about Amerikkka’s Most Wanted prompted fans to see hip-hop in a new light, analyzing the genre from a narrative perspective.
“Amerikkka’s Most Wanted” Changed Hip-Hop
While N.W.A. would eventually all go their separate ways, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre would lead the most successful solo careers. The two would each eventually venture out into the world of film. The group’s rise and fall would subsequently be depicted on the film screen with Straight Outta Compton. The movie would become best known for depicting Eazy-E’s AIDS diagnosis, signifying a stark end to arguably the most talented rapper out of the group. With time, the group’s members have overcome their differences. In fact, Dr, Dre and Ice Cube continue to collaborate on both a musical and a film front to this day. Looking back on the past 50 years of hip-hop, Amerikkka’s Most Wanted should be remembered as a record that encouraged artists to speak up rather than an indictment on N.W.A.
Rappers being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is more common than people realize. It covers several genres and serves as a place of recognition and validation. Inductees are not eligible until their first album is 25 years old. They do not have to be active musically at the time of their nomination. Like the GRAMMYs, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means a lot to many artists. For rap specifically, being inducted means recognition, but the recognition is not from their core audience. There’s also a certain satisfaction to being recognized by that audience as it shows the impact of the music has reached them. We’ve gathered some inductees we already know are well deserving of praise for their musical impact but the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame agreed with us on them too.
Missy Elliott is the latest to join the rappers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is the first female rapper nominated and the first to be inducted. Missy Elliott is an innovator in the rap world. And that’s not just in the lane of women in rap – it’s in the lane of rap, period. Additionally, Missy’s eccentric style, flows, and music videos have been celebrated for decades. She’s viewed as an inspiration to anyone going against the norms in their musical lane – or life. Missy is a legacy artist that still appears in the occasional feature with modern artists. She embraces many of them, keeping her in touch with multiple generations. Missy being inducted is a validation of something her listeners have known for years – she’s a legend at her craft.
Eminem – 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 13: Recording artists Eminem performs onstage at the 2014 MTV Movie Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 13, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for MTV)
Eminem is a rapper that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. To some, this came as no surprise. Eminem’s place as a white rapper in the rap game is no longer a hot topic. He has spoken about it in his music in multiple ways. People respect him because he never tried to be something he wasn’t. However, his showcases of being himself were criticized – and praised – throughout his entire career. Many people have cited Em as their inspiration. However, they often end up emulating him, which draws criticism and comparison. Em is an artist that is well aware of everything people say about him and has responded to them through his music. This keeps him quite active in the modern rap world with his own music.
Jay-Z – 2021
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: Jay-Z attends 2020 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on January 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Jay-Z joined the list of rappers in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. They inducted him the first year they nominated him. This is a testament to his legacy as an artist and, of course, as a mogul. Jay has been active in the rap game for decades and has done nothing but ascend his entire career. His “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man” quote is still used by go-getters, rise-and-grinders, and more today. He has inspired multiple generations in the rap world, with many artists still citing him as inspiration. Jay is another artist active in the modern-day rap game. He’ll pop up occasionally on a feature, with his most recent one being a four-minute verse on “God Did” from DJ Khaled’s latest album.
The Notorious B.I.G – 2020
Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The Notorious B.I.G. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Naturally, people hailed him as a legend for decades before then. Biggie is on the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop icons, and no, we’re not debating who is up there with him in this piece. Biggie’s influence in the rap world is still popular today. Some people are even trying to keep his spirit alive in too literal of a way. Still, his legendary status is not debated by many. Because of this, his induction did not come as a surprise to most supporters. But, the “delay” is only because Biggie’s debut album Ready to Die had to turn 25. Biggie’s legacy has continued to live on long after his tragic passing, as he has been cited as an inspiration for rappers of all generations.
Tupac – 2017
NEW YORK – JULY 23: Rapper Tupac Shakur performs onstage at Club Amazon on July 23, 1993 in New York, New York. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Tupac is a legendary rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Like our previous entry, many people have him on their Mount Rushmore of hip-hop legends. His induction also did not come as a surprise due to his impact on listeners from his time and long after. Clips of Tupac from videos of all kinds are still posted across socials today. One of today’s most prominent artists, Kendrick Lamar, has cited him as an inspiration multiple times. Tupac’s voice can be heard on the closing track, “Mortal Man,” from Kendrick’s critically acclaimed album To Pimp A Butterfly. Kendrick has shared that the original title of this album was going to be Tu Pimp A Caterpillar which would have made the acronym for it “TuPAC.” This is also one of several examples of how his legacy has branched generations through the art of music.
N.W.A – 2016
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Rappers MC Ren, DJ Yella, Eazy-E and Dr. Dre of the rap group NWA pose for a portrait in 1991 in New York, New York. DJ Yella is giving the middle-finger. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
N.W.A is a group of rappers that were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. The group was the home of now-legendary artists Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazy-E. The classic cover art for the group’s debut album Straight Outta Compton is still being replicated today. N.W.A.’s music covered several topics, with the most poignant one still being relevant. They talked about Black oppression through an aggressive and non-sugar-coated delivery. For lack of a better word, this also caused many people to fear them. People were proud to protest their music, and there is footage of people destroying physical copies of it in the streets. This further capitalized on the point they were trying to make in their music. Music that tells of people’s experiences in a country they are told loves them will forever be relevant.
Public Enemy – 2013
NEW YORK – 1988: (Clockwise from bottom left) Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X, S1W and Chuck D of the rap group Public Enemy pose for a portrait in a studio. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Public Enemy is a group of rappers inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 2013. They are another group whose message was politically charged. Chuck D delivered most of the message-centric content in the group, while Flavor Flav helped make their music a little more accessible. His animated verses, ad-libs, hooks, and overall personality did this. PE was a group with many rock elements and collaborations in their music. They remained active long after their most popular era. One of the most recent things listeners may remember was their April Fool’s Day prank in 2020, where they said they had kicked Flavor Flav out of the group. They did this stunt to also commentate on the power of disinformation. They followed this by resigning to Def Jam and releasing their album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – 2007
Portrait of Grandmaster Flash (seated in center) and the Furious Five, New York, December 1980. (Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first group of rappers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were inducted in 2007. For many listeners nowadays, these are one of the groups their parents excite and consider “real hip-hop.” This is true from a technical sense as they are one of the true genre pioneers. They brought it to mainstream audiences and did it in a way that made that audience love it. Without groups like theirs, we would not have been able to expand the genre of rap/hip-hop to the point of having multiple subgenres like it does today. Groups like these laid the groundwork for the importance of flow, delivery, cadence, and all the other core elements of what rapping truly is. It’s only fitting they were the first inductees since they helped build the genre.
Who are some of your favorite rapper inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Let us know in the comments section.
