Eazy-E

Eric Lynn Wright, professionally known as Eazy-E, was born on September 7th, 1964, in Compton, California. Often hailed as the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap,” Eazy-E rose to prominence as a pioneering figure in the genre, shaping the course of hip-hop with his groundbreaking work as a member of N.W.A and later as a successful solo artist.

In 1986, Eazy-E invested the money he had made on the streets of Compton to found the record label Ruthless Records, partnering with manager Jerry Heller.

The first significant act signed to Ruthless Records was the group “Niggaz Wit Attitudes” (N.W.A), which Eazy-E helped assemble. The group featured Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and Arabian Prince. N.W.A was pivotal in popularizing gangsta rap in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their music being raw and unapologetically graphic, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the streets of Los Angeles. Eazy-E’s investment and leadership were crucial in developing their groundbreaking sound and pushing gangsta rap into the mainstream, marking the beginning of his influential career in the music industry.

Facing strong opposition and attempts to silence them, Eazy-E turned the controversy into a major boost for N.W.A’s popularity. When the FBI sent a letter trying to censor their song “F*** tha Police”, Eazy-E used the backlash to their advantage. He framed the letter as an attack on free speech, turning it into a badge of honor for the group. This approach not only increased their visibility but also energized their fans, helping N.W.A gain even more attention and solidify their place in mainstream music.

The breakup of N.W.A in 1991 was driven by escalating internal conflicts over finances and management. Tensions began when Ice Cube left the group in 1989, accusing the others of financial mismanagement. Dr. Dre’s departure to form Death Row Records further strained relations. As personal and professional disputes intensified, Eazy-E and the remaining members faced legal and financial battles, marking the end of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups and paving the way for the members' solo careers.

After the breakup of N.W.A, Eazy-E continued to lead Ruthless Records and maintained his influence in hip-hop with successful solo projects and new artist signings. However, his career and life took a sudden and unexpected turn when he died in 1995 from complications related to AIDS. His death was particularly striking due to the swift progression of his illness, which led to widespread speculation and rumors. Some conspiracy theories emerged, suggesting that Eazy-E might have been deliberately infected with the virus, though there was no concrete evidence to support these claims. The abruptness of his passing and the mysterious circumstances surrounding it left a lasting impact on his fans and the music community, overshadowing the end of his prolific career.