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N.W.A

THE STORY OF N.W.A

By MadalinPublished 3 years ago 3 min read

N.W.A. (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was a hip-hop group formed in Compton, California in 1986. The group consisted of five members: Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella.

The group's debut album, "Straight Outta Compton," was released in 1988 and was a huge success, selling over 3 million copies. The album was controversial due to its explicit lyrics and depictions of violence and police brutality.

In 1989, Ice Cube left the group due to financial disputes and creative differences. He went on to have a successful solo career.

N.W.A. continued to release albums, including "Efil4zaggin" (Niggaz4Life spelled backwards) in 1991, which was also a commercial success.

N.W.A. is considered one of the most influential and controversial groups in hip-hop history, and their impact on the genre can still be felt.

N.W.A. was formed in 1986 by Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube. The group's early music was heavily influenced by the gangsta rap scene in Los Angeles, which was characterized by its gritty, street-level lyrics and aggressive beats.

In 1987, the group released their first single, "Panic Zone," which was a local hit in the Los Angeles area. The following year, they released their debut album, "Straight Outta Compton," which was a groundbreaking record that helped to define the sound of West Coast hip-hop.

The album was controversial due to its explicit lyrics, which depicted the harsh realities of life in Compton, including police brutality, gang violence, and drug use. The title track, "Straight Outta Compton," became an anthem for the group and helped to popularize the term "gangsta rap."

Despite the controversy, the album was a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies and establishing N.W.A. as one of the most important groups in hip-hop.

In 1989, Ice Cube left the group due to financial disputes and creative differences. He went on to have a successful solo career, releasing classic albums like "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" and "Death Certificate."

N.W.A. continued to release music, including the album "Efil4zaggin" in 1991, which was also a commercial success. However, the group's success was short-lived, as tensions between the members began to rise.

In 1995, Eazy-E died from complications of AIDS, which led to the disbandment of the group. Despite their short career, N.W.A. had a profound impact on hip-hop and popular culture, and their legacy continues to be felt today.

N.W.A. was known for their confrontational and controversial lyrics, which often dealt with themes of violence, misogyny, and racism. The group's music was seen as a reflection of the harsh realities of life in Compton, and their uncompromising approach to their art helped to establish them as one of the most important groups in hip-hop.

In addition to their music, N.W.A. was also known for their outspoken political views. The group was critical of the police and the government, and their music often dealt with issues of social justice and inequality.

N.W.A. was also known for their distinctive fashion sense, which included black leather jackets, Raiders hats, and dark sunglasses. The group's style helped to establish them as icons of West Coast hip-hop, and their influence can still be seen in the fashion choices of many rappers today.

Despite their success, N.W.A. was not without controversy. The group's lyrics were often criticized for their explicit content, and their music was blamed for contributing to the rise of gang violence in Los Angeles.

However, N.W.A. was also praised for their honesty and authenticity, and their music helped to give a voice to a generation of young people who felt marginalized and ignored by mainstream society.

Today, N.W.A.'s legacy continues to be felt in hip-hop and popular culture. The group's music has been sampled and referenced by countless artists, and their influence can be seen in the work of rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Tyler, the Creator.

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