Hip Hop History
N.W.A

Video Transcript:

HIP HOP History
Episode #4: N.W.A

NWA formed in 1986 and became one of the most influential rap groups of all time. The core members consisted of Dr. Dre, Eazy E, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella. In 1987 they released Boyz N Tha Hood by Eazy E ….It would become the first of many classics produced by Dr. Dre. Ice Cube originally penned the song for HBO, a rap group out of New York who turned down the opportunity to record it. Dre convinced his good friend Eazy E to rap the lyrics:

AUDIO CLIP: DR. DRE – “CONVINCING EAZY E TO RAP BOYZ N THE HOOD”

“Boyz N The Hood” was followed by a string of controversial street anthems including “F The Police” that dealt with police harassment and misconduct. The underground hit
caught the attention of police and other law enforcement agencies around the country and to the group’s surprise they received a warning letter from The FBI. DJ Yella tells us more:

VIDEO CLIP: DJ YELLA “&*CK THE POLICE” CONTROVERSY

NWA was often criticized for their harsh lyrics that often depicted the dark side of the streets of Compton, CA. Although, many considered their songs to have a negative influence…Eazy E had a different opinion:

EAZY E – AUDIO “DOPEMAN”

In 1989, Ice Cube left NWA for money reasons and the group eventually disbanded in 1991. After a slew of battle songs between former members they put their differences aside and began to talk of a possible reunion just before the untimely death of Eazy E in 1995. NWA, often referred to as the World’s Most Dangerous Group, brought awareness to the issues of Censorship and Freedom of Speech and opened the way for artists to express themselves freely. Here’s Ice Cube on the contribution of NWA:

ICE CUBE VIDEO CLIP


I’m The Poetess and this has been a moment in Hip Hop History

Hip Hop History created by

Alex Mejia of Audio Main Frame & The Poetess for Poetess Media