Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964 – March 26, 1995), 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". After a short solo career with frequent collaboration with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, they (along with Arabian Prince) formed N.W.A together that same year, and DJ Yella and MC Ren were later recruited. The group debuted with the split/compilation album N.W.A. and the Posse (1987), which was followed by their debut studio album, Straight Outta Compton (1989). Controversial upon release, Straight Outta Compton is now ranked among the greatest and most influential albums ever. The group released its second and final studio album, Niggaz4Life, in 1991, and soon after disbanded.
During N.W.A's splintering, largely by disputes over money, Eazy-E became embroiled in bitter rivalries with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who had departed for solo careers in 1989 and 1991, respectively. Resuming his solo career Eazy-E released two EPs, yet he remained more significant behind the scenes, signing and nationally debuting the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony from 1993 to 1994.
In 2016, Wright (posthumously) along with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Mc Ren, and DJ Yella, as members of the musical group, N.W.A were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Early life and Ruthless Records investment
Eric Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright on September 7, 1964, in Compton, California, a middle-class Los Angeles suburb that was experiencing blockbusting. His father was a postal worker and his mother was a grade-school administrator. His family and others witnessed the rapid shift downward of their community, caused by several factors including white flight, the nearby Watts Riots, and the formation and expansion of street gangs, most notably, the Crips and Bloods. Wright attended Compton High School but dropped out in the tenth grade.