N.W.A. - Dopeman (Remix)

N.W.A

Origin Compton, California, U.S.

Genres Hip hop

Years active 1986--1991
1999--2000 (Partial reunion)

Labels Ruthless, Priority, EMI

Associated acts Above the Law, Bobby Jimmy and the Critters, C.I.A., Fila Fresh Crew, J. J. Fad, Snoop Dogg, The D.O.C., World Class Wreckin' Cru


Straight Outta Compton (1988--1989)

N.W.A released their debut studio album, Straight Outta Compton, in 1988. With its famous opening salvo of three tracks, the group reflected the rising anger of the urban youth. The opening song "Straight Outta Compton" introduced the group, "Fuck tha Police" protested police brutality and racial profiling, and "Gangsta Gangsta" painted the worldview of the inner-city youth. While the group was later credited with pioneering the burgeoning sub genre of gangsta rap, N.W.A referred to their music as "reality rap."

Dr. Dre and DJ Yella, as HighPowered Productions, composed the beats for each song, with Dre making occasional rapping appearances. Ice Cube and MC Ren wrote most of the group's lyrics, including "Fuck tha Police," perhaps the group's most notorious song, which brought them into conflict with various law enforcement agencies.

Under pressure from Focus on the Family, Milt Ahlerich, an assistant director of the FBI, sent a letter to Ruthless and its distributing company Priority Records, advising the rappers that "advocating violence and assault is wrong and we in the law enforcement community take exception to such action." This letter can still be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Policemen refused to provide security for the group's concerts, hurting their plans to tour. Nonetheless, the FBI's letter only served to draw more publicity to the group.

Straight Outta Compton was also one of the first albums to adhere to the new Parental Advisory label scheme, then still in its early stages: the label at the time consisted of "WARNING: Moderate impact coarse language and/or themes" only. However, the taboo nature of N.W.A's music was the most important factor of its mass appeal. Media coverage compensated for N.W.A's lack of airplay and their album eventually went double platinum.

One month after Straight Outta Compton, Eazy-E's solo debut Eazy-Duz-It was released. The album was dominated by Eazy's persona—MC Ren was the only guest rapper—but behind the scenes it was a group effort. Music was handled by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella; the lyrics were largely written by MC Ren, with contributions from Ice Cube and The D.O.C. The album was another double platinum success for Ruthless (in addition to girl group J.J. Fad in 1988 and singer Michel'le in 1989).

1989 saw the re-issue of N.W.A and the Posse and Straight Outta Compton on CD, and the release of The D.O.C.'s No One Can Do It Better. His album was essentially a collaboration with Dr. Dre and notably free of "gangsta rap" content, however including the N.W.A posse cut "The Grand Finalé." It would become another #1 album for the record label.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Hostile
• Angry
• Volatile
• Cathartic
• Rebellious
• Druggy
• Sexual
• Visceral
• Aggressive
• Reckless
• Thuggish
• Laid-Back/Mellow
• Rowdy
• Confident
• Provocative
• Brash
• Malevolent
• Nihilistic
• Boisterous
• Street-Smart
• Ominous
• Fiery
• Confrontational
• Menacing
• Outrageous
• Intense
• Rambunctious
• Humorous
• Raucous
• Harsh
• Energetic
• Hedonistic
• Fierce
• Unsettling