Today (March 26) marks the 7 year anniversary
of the passing of the legendary Eric "Eazy E"
Wright. Eazy E passed away from complications due to advanced HIV.
Eazy E, who is credited by many for bringing what the mainstream media has called
"Gangsta Rap" to commercial acclaim was just 31 years old when he
died. A rapper, father and business man, Eazy E’s legend is well published.
According to popular legend, Eazy-E grew up in
the gang life in California and sold drugs, which later allegedly financed his
record label, Ruthless. The original N##### With Aptitudes consisted of Ice-Cube,
Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, D.O.C., M.C. Ren and Eazy E himself. The group released the
classic NWA and the Posse in 1987 and never looked back. Ruthless landed
a distribution deal with Priority in early 1987 and the label released Eazy’s
first solo album, Eazy Duz It in 1988. "We Want Eazy" was played
on Yo! MTV Raps consistently and brought the NWA members to national prominence.
The following year, NWA released one of the most influential records ever recorded,
Straight Outta Compton. In addition having the theme song’s video banned
from television, the group managed to sell over one million records, by word
of mouth.
After months of financial turmoil, Ice-Cube left
the group in 1989 to pursue a successful solo career. In 1990, NWA released
the successful 100 Miles And Running EP, followed by Efil4zaggin
(N##### 4 Life). The group fell apart, while Eazy released his second solo album,
5150 – Home 4 Tha Sick. After allegedly being threatened by Suge Knight
and pipe wielding cronies, Dr. Dre left to start Death Row and everyone knows
the story from that point forward. Eazy still released records, including 187Um
Killa
, in which he took the time to answer Dr. Dre’s dis records aimed athim.
Eazy signed Bone Thug N Harmony in 1994 continuing
the success of his Ruthless Records empire. The following year the Godfather
Of Gangsta Rap was diagnosed with HIV and shortly afterwards passed away. Eazy’s
label continues to release material from the late great veteran, including Eternal
E
, and Str8 Off Tha Streetz Of Muthaphukkin Compton. Today March26th, to commemorate his passing, The Real Godfather Of Gangsta Rap has
been released, which contains unreleased songs from the legend.
Rap must also run in his family’s blood line.
According to sources, his son who goes by the rap name of Lil E, is currently
recording tracks with veteran West Coast producer Daz Dillinger.
