Historical Figure
Eazy-E
1963–1995
American rapper (1964–1995)
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Biography
Eric Lynn Wright, known professionally as Eazy-E, was an American rapper who propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records. Wright is often referred to as the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap".
In Their Own Words (3)
Perched up high on a rooftop,like a bird I'm having evil thoughts,A black hood covers my faceas death flows through my mind at its own pace.
"Neighborhood Sniper", 5150: Home 4 tha Sick (1992) , 1992
The boy had to pay the piper, so they all stay in fear of the neighborhood sniper
"Neighborhood Sniper", 5150: Home 4 tha Sick (1992) , 1992
Cruisin' down the street in my six-fo' jockin' da bitches slappin da hoes.
Timeline
The story of Eazy-E, told in moments.
Born Eric Lynn Wright in Compton, California. Dropped out of school and had run-ins with the law before turning to music. Used drug money to fund his first record label.
Founded Ruthless Records. Recruited Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Together with Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, and MC Ren, they formed N.W.A.
N.W.A released Straight Outta Compton. The FBI sent a letter warning about the song "F*** tha Police." No radio play. No MTV. It sold three million copies anyway.
Released the solo EP 5150: Home 4 tha Sick after N.W.A splintered. Ice Cube left first. Then Dre. The feuds between former members played out on wax for years.
Died of AIDS complications at 30. He'd been diagnosed with HIV just weeks earlier. His death shocked the hip-hop world and brought attention to HIV/AIDS in the Black community.
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