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{{Short description|American rapper (1964–1995)}}
'''Eric Wright''' ([[September 7]], [[1963]] – [[March 26]], [[1995]]), better known as '''Eazy-E''', was a [[United States|American]] [[rapping|rapper]], [[record producer]], and [[record executive]] who initially rose to fame as a member of the group [[N.W.A]]. He is considered to be one of the founding fathers of [[Gangsta rap]].
{{pp-semi-indef}}
[[Image:EazyE.jpg|frame|'''Eric "Eazy-E" Wright''' ]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
Eazy-E's style as a [[lyricist]] and [[rapping|rapper]] was instantly recognizable by his high-pitched voice and his lyrics focusing on guns, drugs, the police, violent acts against those who disrespect him, and abundant sexual activity. Eazy-E was one of the pioneers of [[Gangsta Rap]] and undoubtedly was one of the most distinctive and influential icons in [[Hip hop music|hip hop]].
{{Infobox person
| name = Eazy-E
| image = File:Eazy-E (cropped)3.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Eazy-E in 1993
| birth_name = Eric Lynn Wright
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1964|09|07}}{{sfn|Westhoff|2017|p=284|ps=: "Though most obituaries list his birth year as 1963, that is likely not accurate. The funeral program gave his birth year as 1964, as do most official court documents. That would make him thirty at his death, rather than thirty-one as was widely reported"}}
| birth_place = [[Compton, California]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1995|03|26|1964|09|07}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| burial_place = [[Rose Hills Memorial Park]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|record producer|entrepreneur}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Tomica Woods|1995}}
| children = 11, including [[Lil Eazy-E]]
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| genre = {{hlist|[[West Coast hip hop]]|[[gangsta rap]]}}
| years_active = 1987–1995<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_uDnU3QYKfs&t=21s|title=Lonzo Williams: Dre & Eazy Were Supposes to Co-Own Ruthless Records|date=August 26, 2015 |publisher=DJVlad|access-date=November 30, 2021}}</ref>
| label = {{hlist|[[Ruthless Records|Ruthless]]|[[Priority Records|Priority]]|[[Relativity Records|Relativity]]|[[Epic Records|Epic]]}}
| past_member_of = [[N.W.A]]
| module = {{Infobox
| child = yes
| header1 =
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de
| data2 = [[File:Eazy-E logo.svg|180px]]
}}
}}
}}


'''Eric Lynn Wright''' (September 7, 1964{{sfn|Westhoff|2017|p=284|ps=: "Though most obituaries list his birth year as 1963, that is likely not accurate. The funeral program gave his birth year as 1964, as do most official court documents. That would make him thirty at his death, rather than thirty-one as was widely reported"}} &ndash; March 26, 1995), known professionally as '''Eazy-E''', was an American rapper who propelled [[West Coast hip hop|West Coast rap]] and [[gangsta rap]] by leading the group [[N.W.A]] and its label, [[Ruthless Records]]. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap".<ref name=":0" />
==Life and Music==
Eazy-E was born in [[Compton, California]]. He attended Taft High School in [[Woodland Hills, California]] (being bussed from [[South Central Los Angeles|South Central]]). During those years he began [[illegal drugs trade|selling drugs]], and used the profits to form a record label, [[Ruthless Records]] with his business partner, Jerry Heller. He soon recruited [[Ice Cube]], [[Dr. Dre]], [[MC Ren]], [[DJ Yella]], and [[Arabian Prince]]. The group's first album, released as N.W.A and the Posse , sold well for an [[underground]] release. However, after [[Dr. Dre]] and [[DJ Yella]] consolidated the sound of the group to slower and heavier beats, and after [[Ice Cube]] emerged as the group's foremost song writer, their upcoming productions in 1988 and 1989 are now considered [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] Masterpieces. The [[1989]]'s album ''[[Straight Outta Compton]]'' became a platinum-certified underground hit, and sold 2 million copies after it was re-released in 1989.


Born and raised in [[Compton, California]], Wright had several legal troubles before founding Ruthless in 1987.<ref>Vladislav Lyubovny, interview with Lonzo Williams, [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_uDnU3QYKfs&t=21s "Dre & Eazy were supposed to co-own Ruthless Records"], [[DJ Vlad|''DJVlad'']] @ YouTube, August 26, 2015.</ref> After a short solo career with frequent collaboration with [[Ice Cube]] and [[Dr. Dre]], they joined, forming N.W.A, later that year. N.W.A's debut studio album, ''[[Straight Outta Compton]]'', was released in 1988. Controversial upon release, it is now ranked among [[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|the greatest]] and most influential albums ever. The group released its second and final studio album, ''[[Niggaz4Life]]'', in 1991, and soon after disbanded.
[[Image:Eazy-E Eazy-Duz-It.jpg|frame|left|”Eazy-Duz-It“ album cover 1988]]


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,<ref name="amg">{{cite web|last=Huey|first= Steve|title=Eazy-E Biography|url= {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p33|pure_url=yes}}|website=Allmusic|year=2003|access-date= August 24, 2007}}</ref> yet he remained more significant behind the scenes, signing and nationally debuting the rap group [[Bone Thugs-n-Harmony]] from 1993 to 1994.
Eazy-E quickly released his debut solo [[LP (format)|LP]], ''Eazy-Duz-It'', which went double-platinum, selling 2.7 Million copies. [[Ice Cube]] left [[N.W.A.]] in 1989, convinced that Eazy-E and Heller were reaping an undue share of the group's profits at the expense of the group's other members.


==Early life and Ruthless Records investment==
Eazy-E's vision was not always shared by his fellow members in N.W.A; specifically, Dr. Dre was critical of the direction Eazy was heading the group towards. While Eazy wanted to portray a rough and realistic group of street gangstas with stark, minimal beats, Dre preferred to include more mainstream elements in his production. The sound and the image evolved and N.W.A and Eazy-E both released an EP as well as some other side productions such as those from the D.O.C. Eazy-E, for the final N.W.A. album ''[[Efil4zaggin]]'' ([[1991]]), wanted to include even more elements of what Dr. Dre thought to be too cartoonish, as the use of pistols and shotguns in videos like ''Always into Somethin''' and ''Appettite for Destruction'', these differences of opinions lead to a break-up, and having economical differences, a feud between the two stars appeared.
Eric Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright on September 7, 1964, in [[Compton, California]], a Los Angeles suburb once noted for high crime rates and gang culture.<ref>Hochman, Steve (March 28, 1995). [http://articles.latimes.com/1995-03-28/local/me-47828_1_islam-rap-star-nwa "Rap Star, Record Company Founder Eazy-E Dies of AIDS"]. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.</ref><ref>[http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-261116-00.html "Hip-Hop News: Remembering Eric 'Eazy-E' Wright"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516094643/http://www.rapnews.net/0-202-261116-00.html |date=May 16, 2013 }}. Rap News Network. March 26, 2006</ref> His father was a postal worker and his mother was a grade-school administrator.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Harris|first=Carter|title=Eazy Living|journal=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=June–July 1995|volume=3|issue=5|page=62}}</ref> Wright dropped out of high school in the tenth grade,<ref name="dallas"/> but later received a [[General Educational Development|general equivalency diploma]] (GED).<ref name="Put Gangsta Rap on Charts">Pareles, Jon (March 28, 1995). [https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60617FA345A0C7B8EDDAA0894DD494D81 "Eazy-E, 31, Performer Who Put Gangster Rap on the Charts"]. ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref>


{{Quote box | bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center
Dr. Dre's famous solo debut ''[[The Chronic]]'' blasted Eazy-E on certain tracks, most notably the hit single "[[Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')]]." In response Eazy-E released a second solo album ''[[It's On(Dr.Dre)187um Killa]]'', which was eventually certified double-platinum. The album contains repeated references to [[Dr. Dre]] and [[Snoop Dogg|Snoop Doggy Dogg]]. He responded to Dre Day by saying it was only Eazy E's pay day. One of the videos for the album shows Dre in his days as a member of [[World Class Wreckin' Cru]]. The photo's caption portrays him being dressed in drag and wearing eye shadow, lipstick and sequins. Ruthless Records found considerable success with [[Above the Law (band)|Above the Law]], [[MC Ren]], N.W.A and, [[Bone Thugs-N-Harmony]].
|quote = No one survived on the streets without a protective mask. No one survived naked. You had to have a role. You had to be "thug," "playa," "athlete," "gangsta," or "dope man." Otherwise, there was only one role left to you: "victim."
|source = Jerry Heller on Eazy-E<ref name="Ruthless"/>
|width = 30%
|align = left
}}


Wright supported himself mainly by selling drugs, and introduced his cousin to the illicit occupation.<ref name="dallas">{{cite news|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/2002-09-12/music/straight-outta-left-field/|title=Straight Outta Left Field|date=September 12, 2002|work=[[Dallas Observer]]|access-date=January 6, 2010|archive-date=October 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015115439/http://www.dallasobserver.com/2002-09-12/music/straight-outta-left-field/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Wright's music manager [[Jerry Heller]] recalls seeing Wright selling [[marijuana]], but not [[cocaine]]. Heller would claim that Wright's "dope dealer" label was part of his "self-forged armor".<ref name="Ruthless"/> Wright was also labeled as a "thug". Heller explains: "The hood where he grew up was a dangerous place. He was a small guy. 'Thug' was a role that was widely understood on the street; it gave you a certain level of protection in the sense that people hesitated to fuck with you. Likewise, 'dope dealer' was a role that accorded you certain privileges and respect."<ref name="Ruthless">{{cite book|last=Heller|first=Jerry|title=Ruthless: A Memoir|year=2007|publisher=Gallery|isbn=978-1-4169-1794-6|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ruthlessmemoir00hell/page/65 65–77]|url=https://archive.org/details/ruthlessmemoir00hell/page/65}}</ref>
Eazy-E was heavily criticized by many rap fans in [[Los Angeles]] and specially in [[Compton]] after vocally supporting Theodore Briseño, the only non-white police officer who took part in the [[Rodney King]] beating, and for attending a [[United States Republican Party|Republican Party]] fundraiser. In spite of their hostility toward him and N.W.A, the [[FBI]] actually uncovered a plot by [[white supremacist]]s to assassinate Eazy-E.


In 1986, at age 22, Wright had allegedly earned as much as US$250,000 from dealing drugs. However, after his cousin was shot and killed, he decided that he could make a better living in the Los Angeles hip hop scene, which was growing rapidly in popularity.<ref name="Chang">{{cite web|url=http://swindlemagazine.com/issue02/eazy-e/|title=The Last Days of Eazy E|last=Chang|first=Jeff|work=[[Swindle (magazine)|Swindle]]|date=April 24, 2004|access-date=December 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025012955/http://swindlemagazine.com/issue02/eazy-e/|archive-date=October 25, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> He started recording songs during the mid-1980s in his parents' garage, thus starting Ruthless Records.<ref name="Put Gangsta Rap on Charts"/><ref name="allrapnews.com">{{Cite web|title=Happy 56th Birthday To N.W.A./Ruthless Records Founder Eazy-E! (RIP) – All Rap News|date=September 7, 2020 |url=https://allrapnews.com/2020/09/07/happy-56th-birthday-to-n-w-a-ruthless-records-founder-eazy-e-rip/|access-date=September 8, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Death==
In [[1995]], Eazy-E entered the hospital with what he believed to be [[bronchitis]]. He was diagnosed with [[AIDS]], and almost immediately announced his illness to the public. He died soon after, on [[March 26]], [[1995]] approximately 6:35 PM. Before his death he made peace with both Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Dre claimed on MTV when he said goodbye to Eazy, he never replied and died. ''Str8 Off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton'' was released posthumously. Although this album criticized Death Row it should be noted that Eazy-E worked things out with Dr. Dre before his death.


The original idea for Ruthless Records came when Wright asked Heller to go into business with him. Wright suggested a half-ownership company, but it was later decided that Wright would get eighty percent of the company's income and Heller would only get twenty percent. According to Heller, he told Wright, "Every dollar comes into Ruthless, I take twenty cents. That's industry standard for a manager of my caliber. I take twenty, you take eighty percent. I am responsible for my expenses and you're responsible for yours. You own the company. I work for you."<ref name="Ruthless"/> Along with Heller, Wright invested much of his money into [[Ruthless Records]].<ref>Hunt, Dennis (October 22, 1989). [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/66580588.html?dids=66580588:66580588&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+22%2C+1989&author=DENNIS+HUNT&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Dr.+Dre+Joins+an+Illustrious+Pack+In+the+last+year%2C+producer+has+hit+with+albums+for+N.W.A%2C+Eazy-E%2C+J.+J.+Fad+and+the+D.O.C.&pqatl=google "Dr. Dre Joins an Illustrious Pack In the last year, producer has hit with albums for N.W.A, Eazy-E, J. J. Fad and the D.O.C."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104135059/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/66580588.html?dids=66580588:66580588&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+22%2C+1989&author=DENNIS+HUNT&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Dr.+Dre+Joins+an+Illustrious+Pack+In+the+last+year%2C+producer+has+hit+with+albums+for+N.W.A%2C+Eazy-E%2C+J.+J.+Fad+and+the+D.O.C.&pqatl=google |date=November 4, 2012 }}. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.</ref> Heller claims that he invested the first $250,000 and would eventually put up to $1,000,000 into the company.<ref name="Ruthless"/>
His oldest son, nicknamed "Eazy-E, Jr." or "[[Lil Eazy]]", released a [[documentary film|documentary]] about his father entitled ''The Life and times of Eric Wright''. The ''Impact of a Legend'' pack came with its own documentary of the same name, produced separately.

==Musical career==

===N.W.A and ''Eazy-Duz-It'' (1986–1991)===
[[N.W.A]]'s (also named as "the world's most dangerous group"<ref name="allrapnews.com"/>) original lineup consisted of [[Arabian Prince]], Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and Ice Cube.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arabian Prince interview|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-brandes/kept-outta-compton-nwas-a_b_8101462.html|website=www.huffingtonpost.com|publisher=Huffington Post|access-date=September 16, 2015|date=September 8, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Arabian Prince interview|url=http://www.vladtv.com/article/214453/arabian-prince-on-being-founding-member-of-nwa-w-dre-eazy-e|website=www.vladtv.com|publisher=VladTV|access-date=September 16, 2015}}</ref> [[DJ Yella]] and [[MC Ren]] joined later.<ref name="amgnwa">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first= Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|title=N.W.A.&nbsp;– Biography|url= {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p77|pure_url=yes}}|website=Allmusic|year=2000}}</ref> The [[compilation album]] ''[[N.W.A. and the Posse]]'' was released on November 6, 1987, and would go on to be certified Gold in the United States.<ref>Koroma, Salima (September 29, 2008) [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7795/title.vh1-airs-documentary-on-n-w-a "Vh1 Airs Documentary On N.W.A."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607084556/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7795/title.vh1-airs-documentary-on-n-w-a |date=June 7, 2011 }}. Hiphopdx.com.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |title=Gold & Platinum&nbsp;– November 26, 2010 |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=November 27, 2010 |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524143006/http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album featured material previously released as singles on the Macola Records label, which was responsible for distributing the releases by N.W.A and other artists like the [[Fila Fresh Crew]], a [[West Coast hip hop|West Coast rap]] group originally based in [[Dallas]], Texas.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bynoe|first=Yvonne|title=Encyclopedia of Rap and Hip Hop Culture |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofra0000byno|url-access=registration|year=2005|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|isbn=0-313-33058-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofra0000byno/page/294 294]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Brackett|first=Nathan|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide: Completely Revised and Updated 4th Edition|year=2004|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster|Fireside Books]]|isbn=0-7432-0169-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/248 248]|url=https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/248}}</ref>

Eazy-E's debut album, ''[[Eazy-Duz-It]]'', was released in 1988, and featured twelve tracks. It was labeled as West Coast hip hop, [[gangsta rap]] and, later, as [[golden age hip hop]]. It has sold over 2.5&nbsp;million copies in the United States and reached number forty-one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="Put Gangsta Rap on Charts"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=eazy-e|chart=all}} |title=Eazy-Duz-It&nbsp;– Eazy-E |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> The album was produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella and largely written by MC Ren, Ice Cube, and [[The D.O.C.]]<ref>{{cite AV media notes| title = Eazy-Duz-It| title-link = Eazy-Duz-It| others = Eazy-E| year = 1988| publisher=Ruthless, Priority}}</ref> Both Glen Boyd from the ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]'' and [[MTV]]'s Jon Wiederhorn claimed that ''Eazy-Duz-It'' "paved the way" for N.W.A's most controversial album, ''[[Straight Outta Compton]]''.<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer">Boyd, Glen (March 20, 2010). [http://www.seattlepi.com/pop/417146_129893-blogcritics.org.html "Music Review: Eazy E - Eazy Duz It (Uncut Snoop Dogg Approved Edition/Remastered)"]. ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]''</ref><ref>Wiederhorn, Jon. (July 31, 2002). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110925181854/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456383/nwa-classics-be-reissued.jhtml?headlines=true "N.W.A Classics To Be Reissued With Bonus Tracks"]. [[MTV]].</ref> Wright's only solo in the album was a remix of the song "8 Ball", which originally appeared on ''N.W.A. and the Posse''. The album featured Wright's writing and performing; he performed on seven songs and helped write four songs.<ref>{{cite AV media notes| title = Straight Outta Compton| title-link = Straight Outta Compton| others = [[N.W.A]]| year = 1988| publisher=Ruthless/Priority/EMI Records}}</ref>

Ice Cube left N.W.A in 1989 because of internal disputes and the group continued as a four-piece ensemble.<ref name="amgnwa"/> N.W.A released ''[[100 Miles and Runnin']]'' in 1990 and ''[[Niggaz4Life]]'' in 1991. A diss war started between N.W.A and Ice Cube when "100 Miles and Runnin'" and "Real Niggaz" were released. Ice Cube responded with "[[No Vaseline]]" on ''[[Death Certificate (album)|Death Certificate]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lazerine|first=Cameron|title=Rap-Up: The Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B|year=2008|publisher=Grand Central Publications|isbn=978-0-446-17820-4|pages=[https://archive.org/details/rapupultimategui00laze/page/43 43–67]|author2=Lazerine, Devin|url=https://archive.org/details/rapupultimategui00laze/page/43}}</ref> Wright performed on seven of the eighteen songs on ''Niggaz4Life''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes| title = Niggaz4Life| title-link = Niggaz4Life| others = [[N.W.A]]| year = 1991| publisher=Ruthless/Priority}}</ref> In March 1991, Wright accepted an invitation to a lunch benefiting the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle, hosted by then-U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rap's Bad Boy to Get Lunch With the Prez|date=March 18, 1991|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1991-03-18/entertainment/ca-376_1_rap-group}}</ref> A spokesman for the rapper said that Eazy-E supported Bush because of his performance in the [[Gulf War]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=March 29, 1991|title=Do the Right-Wing Thing|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313775,00.html|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|issue=59|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730175858/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313775,00.html|archive-date=July 30, 2013}}</ref>

===End of N.W.A and feud with Dr. Dre (1991–1994)===
N.W.A began to split up after Jerry Heller became the band's manager. Dr. Dre recalls, "The split came when Jerry Heller got involved. He played the divide and conquer game. Instead of taking care of everybody, he picked one nigga to take care of and that was Eazy. And Eazy was like, 'I'm taken care of, so fuck it'." Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. sent [[Suge Knight]] to look into Eazy-E's financial situation as they began to grow suspicious of Eazy-E and Jerry Heller. Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. asked Eazy-E to release them from Ruthless, but Eazy-E refused. The impasse led to what reportedly transpired between Suge Knight and Eazy-E at the recording studio where ''Niggaz4life'' was recorded. After he refused to release Dr. Dre and The D.O.C., Suge Knight told Eazy-E that he had kidnapped Jerry Heller and was holding him prisoner in a van. This did not convince Eazy-E to release Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. from Ruthless, and Suge Knight threatened Eazy-E's family: Suge Knight gave Eazy-E a piece of paper that contained Eazy's mother's address, telling him, "I know where your mama stays." Eazy-E finally signed Dr. Dre and The D.O.C.'s releases, officially ending N.W.A.<ref name="Dre bio">{{cite book|title=Dr. Dre: A Biography|year=2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=0-313-33826-4|pages=52–55|author1=Borgmeyer, Jon |author2=Lang, Holly }}</ref>

In 1993, Eazy E regularly attended court in the prosecution of the officers involved in the [[beating of Rodney King]], often standing alongside Theodore J. Briseno, who he had met through sharing the same lawyer. Eazy E said, "The difference is that most people look at the video and say four white officers were responsible for the beating of this helpless, innocent black man. I say, 'Wrong.' Three white officers were responsible for beating Rodney King. The other officer (Theodore J. Briseno) happens to be Mexican-American, and he tried to stop them." This caused controversy in the hip-hop community, with [[Willie D]] calling Eazy E a "sellout".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-06-ca-19744-story.html|last=Philips|first=Chuck|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 6, 1993|access-date=December 29, 2020|title=Rapper Takes Officer's Side : Trial: Controversial N.W.A. founder Eazy-E has stood by Theodore J. Briseno at the Rodney King trial. His actions have shocked some in the rap community.}}</ref>

The feud with Dr. Dre continued after a track on Dre's debut album ''[[The Chronic]]'', "[[Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')]]", contained lyrics that insulted Eazy-E. Eazy responded with the [[Extended play|EP]], ''[[It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa]]'', featuring the tracks "[[Real Muthaphuckkin G's]]" and "It's On". The album, which was released on October 25, 1993, contains pictures of Dre wearing "lacy outfits and makeup" when he was a member of the Electro-hop [[World Class Wreckin' Cru]].<ref name="Dre bio"/>

==Personal life and death==
Wright had a son, Eric Darnell Wright (known as [[Lil Eazy-E]]), in 1984. He also had a daughter named Erin,<ref>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/03/eazy-e-daughter-eb-photos-legacy.html "Eazy-E's daughter pays photo tribute, says father due more respect"] Retrieved August 29, 2015.</ref> who changed her name to Ebie.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/_fVHUfLbHs/ "A lot of people remember "Erin" from TV but my family has called me "E.B." (my initials) since birth."] Retrieved February 9, 2016.</ref> In October 2016, Ebie launched a crowd-funding campaign to produce a film called ''Ruthless Scandal: No More Lies'' to investigate her father's death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/10/eazy-e-aids-murder-controversy-documentary-video/ |title=Eazy E's daughter tries to crowd-fund to investigate father's death |author=Bandini |date=October 19, 2016 |website=ambrosiaforheads |access-date=October 20, 2016}}</ref> It ended unsuccessfully in December 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1078195491/a-ruthless-scandal |title=A Ruthless Scandal |website=Kickstarter |date=December 14, 2016 |access-date=August 15, 2019}}</ref>

Wright met Tomica Woods at a Los Angeles nightclub in 1991 and they married on March 14, 1995, twelve days before his death.<ref>[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3494000085.html "Woods-Wright, Tomica"] Retrieved August 27, 2015.</ref> They had a son named Dominick and a daughter named Daijah (born six months after Wright's death).<ref>[https://www.deseret.com/1995/9/28/19195368/6-months-after-aids-kills-rapper-his-baby-is-born "6 Months After Aids Kills Rapper, His Baby Is Born"] Retrieved August 29, 2015.</ref> After Wright's death, ''Ruthless'' was taken over by his wife. According to Jerry Heller, Wright had eleven children with eight women.<ref name="Soraya"/>

===Illness and death===
{{Quote box|width=25em|align=right|quote=Now, I'm in the biggest fight of my life and it ain't easy. But I want to say much love to those who have been down with me and thanks for all your support. Just remember: It's ''your'' real time and ''your'' real life.|source=--Statement from Eazy-E's camp on his behalf, March 16.{{sfn|Westhoff|2017|pp=278–279}} }}
On February 24, 1995, Wright was admitted to the [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]] in Los Angeles with a violent cough.<ref>{{cite journal |title=A Gangster Wake-Up Call |url=http://www.newsweek.com/gangster-wake-call-181568 |author=Staff |date=September 4, 1995 |access-date=June 29, 2018 |journal=[[Newsweek]]}}</ref> He was diagnosed with [[HIV/AIDS]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rapper Eazy E hospitalized with AIDS |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/03/17/Rapper-Eazy-E-hospitalized-with-AIDS/3965795416400/ |date=March 17, 1995 |access-date=June 29, 2018 |newspaper=[[UPI]] |location=Los Angeles}}</ref> He announced his illness in a public statement on March 16. It is believed Wright contracted the infection from a sexual partner.<ref name="Chang" /><ref>{{cite book|title=Dr. Dre: A Biography|year=2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=0-313-33826-4|pages=99–100|author1=Borgmeyer, Jon|author2=Lang, Holly}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Talia|first=Pele|journal=Vibe|date=September 1995|volume=3 |issue=7|page=32|title=Vibe article}}</ref>
During the week of March 20, having already made amends with [[Ice Cube]], he drafted a final message to his fans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eazy-E's Last Words|url=http://www.eazy-e.com/eazy_e_last_words.php|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-date=December 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227125232/http://www.eazy-e.com/eazy_e_last_words.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 26, Eazy-E died from AIDS-induced [[pneumonia]], one month after his diagnosis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3iYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA178|title=News Flash: March 26, 1995|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=September 2003|access-date=December 16, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Soraya">{{cite web|author=Soraya Nadia McDonald|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2015/08/26/eazy-es-son-thinks-suge-knight-killed-his-father-by-infecting-him-with-hiv-heres-why-thats-highly-unlikely/|title=Eazy-E's son thinks Suge Knight killed his father by infecting him with HIV. Here's why that's highly unlikely.|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=August 26, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2019}}</ref> He was 30 years old (most reports at the time said he was 31 due to the falsification of his date of birth by one year).<ref name="Put Gangsta Rap on Charts" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Kapsambelis|first=Niki|title=Gangsta rapper Eazy-E dies of AIDS|newspaper=[[Park City Daily News]]|date=March 27, 1995|page=39}}</ref> He was buried on April 7, at [[Rose Hills Memorial Park]] in [[Whittier, California]]. Over 3,000 people attended his funeral,<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Frank B. |title=Thousands Flock to Funeral for Eazy-E : Music: Overflow crowd is drawn to 'gangsta' rap star's service. Eulogy notes his contributions but warns of danger of AIDS, which killed the rapper |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1995-04-08/local/me-52187_1_rap-group |date=April 8, 1995 |access-date=June 29, 2018 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> including Ice Cube and DJ Yella.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-29 |title=DJ Yella Says N.W.A Never Discussed Eazy-E's Controversial Death: 'Not One Time' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.63544/title.dj-yella-says-n-w-a-never-discussed-eazy-es-controversial-death-not-one-time |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}</ref> He was buried in a gold casket, and was dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans, and his Compton hat. His final album, ''[[Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton]],'' was released ten months after his death, on January 30, 1996.

==Musical influences and style==
Allmusic cites Eazy-E's influences as [[Ice-T]], [[Redd Foxx]], [[King Tee]], [[Bootsy Collins]], [[Run–D.M.C.]], [[Richard Pryor]], [[Egyptian Lover]], [[Schoolly D]], [[Too $hort]], [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], [[the Sugarhill Gang]], and [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]].<ref name="allmusic main"/> In the documentary ''The Life and Timez of Eric Wright'', Eazy-E mentions collaborating with many of his influences.<ref>{{cite video |date=April 2, 2002 |title=The Life and Timez of Eric Wright |type=Color, DVD, NTSC |time=21:03 |asin=B000063UQQ }}</ref>

When reviewing ''Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton'', [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] noted "...&nbsp;Eazy-E sounds revitalized, but the music simply isn't imaginative. Instead of pushing forward and creating a distinctive style, it treads over familiar gangsta territory, complete with bottomless bass, whining synthesizers, and meaningless boasts."<ref>{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=Stephen |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=str8-off-tha-streetz-of-muthaphuin-compton-r229378|pure_url=yes}} |title=Str8 Off tha Streetz of Muthaphu**in Compton&nbsp;– Eazy-E |website=Allmusic |access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> When reviewing ''Eazy-Duz-It'', Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic said, "In terms of production, Dr. Dre and Yella meld together P-Funk, Def Jam-style hip-hop and the leftover electro sounds of mid-'80s Los Angeles, creating a dense, funky, and thoroughly unique style of their own." Birchmeier described Eazy-E's style as "dense, unique and funky", and said that it sounded "absolutely revolutionary in 1988".<ref name="allmusic main">{{cite web|last=Huey |first=Steve |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=eazy-e-p33|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eazy-E |website=Allmusic |access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref>

Several members of N.W.A wrote lyrics for ''Eazy-Duz-It'': Ice Cube, The D.O.C. and MC Ren.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Eazy-Duz-It |title-link=Eazy-Duz-It |others=Eazy-E |year=1988 |type=CD |publisher=Ruthless, Priority }}</ref> The EP ''[[5150: Home 4 tha Sick]]'' features a song written by [[Naughty by Nature]]. The track "Merry Muthaphuckkin' Xmas" features [[Menajahtwa]], Buckwheat, and [[Atban Klann]] as guest vocalists, and "Neighborhood Sniper" features [[Kokane]] as a guest vocalist.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=5150: Home 4 tha Sick |title-link=5150: Home 4 tha Sick |others=Eazy-E |year=1992 |type=CD |publisher=Ruthless, Priority }}</ref> ''It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa'' features several guest vocalists, including [[Dresta|Gangsta Dresta]], [[B.G. Knocc Out]]. Kokane, [[Cold 187um]], Rhythum D, and [[Dirty Red]].<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa |others=Eazy-E |year=1993 |type=CD |publisher=Ruthless/Relativity/Epic }}</ref> ''Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton'' featured several guest vocalists, including B.G. Knocc Out, Gangsta Dresta, [[Sylk-E. Fyne]], Dirty Red, Menajahtwa, Roger Troutman, and ex-N.W.A members MC Ren and DJ Yella.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton |title-link=Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton|others=Eazy-E |year=1995 |type=CD |publisher=Ruthless, Relativity, Epic }}</ref>

===Legacy===
[[File:Memorial Eazy-E made by streetartist LJvanT @ Leeuwarden the Netherlands.jpg|thumb|280px|Graffiti of Eazy-E in [[Leeuwarden]], Netherlands]]
Eazy-E has been called the "godfather of gangsta rap".<ref>{{cite book|last=Simmonds|first=Jeremy|title=The Encyclopedia of Dead Rock Stars: Heroin, Handguns, and Ham Sandwiches|year=2008|publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]]|isbn=978-1-55652-754-8|page=332}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Widow of Rapper Eazy-E Gives Birth To Child|journal=Jet|issue=23 |volume=88 |date=October 16, 1995|page=40}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=Hip Hop Decoded: From Its Ancient Origin to Its Modern Day Matrix|year=2005|publisher=MOME Publishing|isbn=0-9772357-0-X|author=The Black Dot|page=100}}</ref><ref name="MTV lil">Shaheem, Reid (March 26, 2010). [https://web.archive.org/web/20100330073519/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634863/20100326/nwa.jhtml "Lil Eazy-E Remembers His Dad, 15 Years Later"]. MTV.</ref> MTV's Reid Shaheem said that Eazy-E was a "rap-pioneer",<ref name="MTV lil"/> and he is sometimes cited by critics as a legend.<ref>Davis, Todd. [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.503/title.lil-eazy-e-son-of-a-legend "Lil Eazy-E: Son of a Legend"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527215828/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.503/title.lil-eazy-e-son-of-a-legend |date=May 27, 2013 }}. Hiphopdx.com. December 9, 2005.</ref><ref>[http://www.live-pr.com/en/hip-hop-hall-of-fame-awards-r1048616226.htm "About the Official Hip Hop Hall Of Fame and Producer JT Thompson"]. Live-PR.com. November 16, 2010.</ref> Steve Huey of [[AllMusic]] said that he was "one of the most controversial figures in gangsta rap".<ref name="amg"/> Since his 1995 death, many book and video biographies have been produced, including 2002's ''The Day Eazy-E Died'' and ''Dead and Gone''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Day Eazy-E Died (A B-Boy Blues Novel #4) (9781555837600): James Earl Hardy: Books |isbn=1555837603 |url=https://archive.org/details/dayeazyediedabbo00jame |last1=Hardy |first1=James Earl |year=2002 |publisher=Alyson Books }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C7BJKM |title=Day Eazy E Died [PB,2002&#93;: Jema Eerl Herdy: Books |website=Amazon |date=September 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BJUNT8 |title=Dead and Gone: Tupac, Eazy-E, Notorias BIG, Aaliyah, Big Pun, Big L: Video |website=Amazon |date=September 9, 2009}}</ref>

When Eazy-E was diagnosed with AIDS, many magazines like ''[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]'',<ref>{{cite journal|title=Rap Star Eazy-E Battles AIDS; Listed in Critical Condition in LA Hospital|journal=Jet|date=April 3, 2010|page=13}}</ref> ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'',<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Invisible Woman|journal=Vibe|date=June–July 1995|page=62}}</ref> ''Billboard'',<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Ruthless Sounds|magazine=Billboard|date=August 9, 1997|author=HN|page=44}}</ref> ''[[The Crisis (newspaper)|The Crisis]]'',<ref>{{cite journal|last=Colin|first=Potter|title=AIDS in Black America: It's Not Just A Gay Thing|journal=[[The Crisis (newspaper)|The Crisis]]|date=July 1995|pages=34–35}}</ref> and ''[[Newsweek]]'' covered the story and released information on the topic.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Smith|first=Rex|journal=[[Newsweek]]|volume=137|issue=10–18|page=609|title=Newsweek article}}</ref> All of his studio albums and EPs charted on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=eazy-e-p33/charts-awards/billboard-albums|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eazy-E |website=Allmusic |access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=eazy-e-p33/discography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eazy-E |website=Allmusic |access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref><ref name="allmusic singles & EPs">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=eazy-e-p33/discography/singles-eps|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eazy-E |website=Allmusic |access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref> and many of his singles—"[[Eazy-Duz-It (song)|Eazy-Duz-It]]", "[[We Want Eazy]]", "Real Muthaphuckkin G's", and "[[Just tah Let U Know]]"—also charted in the U.S.<ref name="allmusic singles & EPs"/><ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=eazy-e-p33/charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}} |title=Eazy-E |website=Allmusic |access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref>

He is one of many commemorated as part of the [[NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt|AIDS Quilt]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aidsmemorial.org/interactive-aids-quilt|title=Interactive AIDS Quilt|website=www.aidsmemorial.org}}</ref>

Shortly after his death, in 1996, [[Bone Thugs-n-Harmony]], a group mentored by Eazy-E and signed to Ruthless Records, dedicated the single "[[Tha Crossroads]]" to his memory, which went on to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and earn the group a [[Grammy Award]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group|Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1996-05-18|work=[[Billboard Hot 100]] |title=May 18, 1996}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1997/grammys.htm|title=Rock On The Net: 39th Annual Grammy Awards - 1997|website=www.rockonthenet.com|access-date=2017-04-06}}</ref>

In 2012 an Eazy-E documentary was released by Ruthless Propaganda, called ''Ruthless Memories''. The documentary featured interviews with Heller, MC Ren, and B.G. Knocc Out.<ref name="www.hiphopdx.com">{{cite web | title = Eazy-E Documentary To Release, Featuring Jerry Heller, MC Ren, B.G. Knocc Out | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19618/title.eazy-e-documentary-to-release-featuring-jerry-heller-mc-ren-bg-knocc-out | access-date = November 24, 2012 }}</ref>

In the 2015 film ''[[Straight Outta Compton (film)|Straight Outta Compton]]'', Eazy-E is played by [[Jason Mitchell]] and the film is dedicated in his memory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4207146/|title=Jason Mitchell|publisher=IMDB|year=2015}}</ref>

Eazy-E was portrayed by Omari Wallace in the 2016 film ''[[Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le]]''. The film portrays Eazy-E sympathetically as having been a friend to [[Michel'le]], in one scene warning her to get out of the house because he fears that a drunken [[Dr. Dre]] is returning home to beat her.

In 2024, Eazy-E was awarded a [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] posthumously as a member of N.W.A.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-special-merit-awards-recipients-lifetime-achievement-award |title=The Recording Academy Announces 2024 Special Merit Award & Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees: N.W.A, Gladys Knight, Donna Summer, DJ Kool Herc & Many More |website=grammy.com |date=5 January 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024 |archive-date=February 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204132109/https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-special-merit-awards-recipients-lifetime-achievement-award |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
{{Main|Eazy-E discography}}{{See also|N.W.A discography}}
===Albums===

*''[[Eazy-Duz-It]]'' (1988) 2.75 Million sold in U.S
===Studio albums===
*[[5150: Home 4 tha Sick (EP)]] (1992) Gold
* ''[[Eazy-Duz-It]]'' (1988)
*[[It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa]] (EP) (1993) 2x Platinum
*[[Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton]] (1995) Gold
* ''[[Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton]]'' (1996)

*[[Eternal E]] (1995) Gold
===Extended plays===
*[[Impact Of A Legend w/DVD]] (2002)
* ''[[5150: Home 4 tha Sick]]'' (1992)
*[[Eternal E - Gangsta Memorial Edition w/ DVD]] (2005)
* ''[[It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Impact of a Legend]]'' (2002)


===Singles===
===with N.W.A===
* ''[[N.W.A. and the Posse]]'' (1987)
====From ''Eazy-Duz-It''====
* ''[[Straight Outta Compton]]'' (1988)
* 1988 "[[Boyz-N-The-Hood]]"
* ''[[100 Miles and Runnin']]'' (1990)
* 1988 "[[Eazy-Duz-It (song)|Eazy-Duz-It]]"
* ''[[Niggaz4Life]]'' (1991)
* 1989 "[[Eazy-Er Said Than Dunn]]"
* 1989 "[[We Want Eazy]]"


==References==
====From ''5150: Home 4 Tha Sick''====
{{Reflist}}


==Literature==
* 1992 "[[Only If You Want It]]''"
*{{cite book|last1=Westhoff|first1=Ben|title=Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, and the Birth of West Coast Rap|date=2017|publisher=Hachette Books|location=New York|isbn=978-0-3163-4485-2}}
* 1992 "[[Neighborhood Snyper]]''"


==External links==
====From ''It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa''====
{{sister project links|d=Q36804|n=no|c=category:Eazy-E|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|wikt=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no}}
* 1993 "[[Real Muthaphuckkin G's]]" #45 Billboard Hot 100
* {{IMDb name|0247924}}
* 1994 "[[Any Last Werdz]]"
* [http://vault.fbi.gov/eric-wright-easy-e-ez-e/eric-wright-easy-e-ez-e FBI file on Eazy-E]


{{Eazy-E}}
====From ''Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton''====
{{N.W.A}}
* 1995 "[[Just tah Let U Know]]"
{{Ruthless Records}}
{{2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}


{{Authority control}}
== External links ==
* {{imdb name|id=0247924|name=Eric 'Eazy E' Wright}}
* [http://eazy-e.com EAZY-E.com] (Official [[Ruthless Records]] fan site)
* [http://eazy-ecpt.com Eazy-ECPT.com] Exclusive audio related to Lil Eazy and Eazy-E


{{Good article}}
[[Category:1963 births|Eazy-E]]
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[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
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[[Category:N.W.A members]]
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[[Category:Ruthless Records artists]]
[[Category:West Coast hip hop musicians]]
[[Category:William Howard Taft Charter High School alumni]]
[[Category:Crips]]

Latest revision as of 01:50, 28 June 2024

Eazy-E
Eazy-E in 1993
Born
Eric Lynn Wright

(1964-09-07)September 7, 1964[1]
Compton, California, U.S.
DiedMarch 26, 1995(1995-03-26) (aged 30)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Burial placeRose Hills Memorial Park
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • entrepreneur
Spouse
Tomica Woods
​
(m. 1995)​
Children11, including Lil Eazy-E
Musical career
Genres
Years active1987–1995[2]
Labels
Formerly ofN.W.A

Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964[1] – 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. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap".[3]

Born and raised in Compton, California, Wright had several legal troubles before founding Ruthless in 1987.[4] After a short solo career with frequent collaboration with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, they joined, forming N.W.A, later that year. N.W.A's debut studio album, Straight Outta Compton, was released in 1988. Controversial upon release, it 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,[5] yet he remained more significant behind the scenes, signing and nationally debuting the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony from 1993 to 1994.

Early life and Ruthless Records investment

Eric Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright on September 7, 1964, in Compton, California, a Los Angeles suburb once noted for high crime rates and gang culture.[6][7] His father was a postal worker and his mother was a grade-school administrator.[8] Wright dropped out of high school in the tenth grade,[9] but later received a general equivalency diploma (GED).[10]

No one survived on the streets without a protective mask. No one survived naked. You had to have a role. You had to be "thug," "playa," "athlete," "gangsta," or "dope man." Otherwise, there was only one role left to you: "victim."

Jerry Heller on Eazy-E[11]

Wright supported himself mainly by selling drugs, and introduced his cousin to the illicit occupation.[9] Wright's music manager Jerry Heller recalls seeing Wright selling marijuana, but not cocaine. Heller would claim that Wright's "dope dealer" label was part of his "self-forged armor".[11] Wright was also labeled as a "thug". Heller explains: "The hood where he grew up was a dangerous place. He was a small guy. 'Thug' was a role that was widely understood on the street; it gave you a certain level of protection in the sense that people hesitated to fuck with you. Likewise, 'dope dealer' was a role that accorded you certain privileges and respect."[11]

In 1986, at age 22, Wright had allegedly earned as much as US$250,000 from dealing drugs. However, after his cousin was shot and killed, he decided that he could make a better living in the Los Angeles hip hop scene, which was growing rapidly in popularity.[12] He started recording songs during the mid-1980s in his parents' garage, thus starting Ruthless Records.[10][13]

The original idea for Ruthless Records came when Wright asked Heller to go into business with him. Wright suggested a half-ownership company, but it was later decided that Wright would get eighty percent of the company's income and Heller would only get twenty percent. According to Heller, he told Wright, "Every dollar comes into Ruthless, I take twenty cents. That's industry standard for a manager of my caliber. I take twenty, you take eighty percent. I am responsible for my expenses and you're responsible for yours. You own the company. I work for you."[11] Along with Heller, Wright invested much of his money into Ruthless Records.[14] Heller claims that he invested the first $250,000 and would eventually put up to $1,000,000 into the company.[11]

Musical career

N.W.A and Eazy-Duz-It (1986–1991)

N.W.A's (also named as "the world's most dangerous group"[13]) original lineup consisted of Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and Ice Cube.[15][16] DJ Yella and MC Ren joined later.[17] The compilation album N.W.A. and the Posse was released on November 6, 1987, and would go on to be certified Gold in the United States.[18][19] The album featured material previously released as singles on the Macola Records label, which was responsible for distributing the releases by N.W.A and other artists like the Fila Fresh Crew, a West Coast rap group originally based in Dallas, Texas.[20][21]

Eazy-E's debut album, Eazy-Duz-It, was released in 1988, and featured twelve tracks. It was labeled as West Coast hip hop, gangsta rap and, later, as golden age hip hop. It has sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States and reached number forty-one on the Billboard 200.[10][22] The album was produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella and largely written by MC Ren, Ice Cube, and The D.O.C.[23] Both Glen Boyd from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and MTV's Jon Wiederhorn claimed that Eazy-Duz-It "paved the way" for N.W.A's most controversial album, Straight Outta Compton.[24][25] Wright's only solo in the album was a remix of the song "8 Ball", which originally appeared on N.W.A. and the Posse. The album featured Wright's writing and performing; he performed on seven songs and helped write four songs.[26]

Ice Cube left N.W.A in 1989 because of internal disputes and the group continued as a four-piece ensemble.[17] N.W.A released 100 Miles and Runnin' in 1990 and Niggaz4Life in 1991. A diss war started between N.W.A and Ice Cube when "100 Miles and Runnin'" and "Real Niggaz" were released. Ice Cube responded with "No Vaseline" on Death Certificate.[27] Wright performed on seven of the eighteen songs on Niggaz4Life.[28] In March 1991, Wright accepted an invitation to a lunch benefiting the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle, hosted by then-U.S. President George H. W. Bush.[29] A spokesman for the rapper said that Eazy-E supported Bush because of his performance in the Gulf War.[30]

End of N.W.A and feud with Dr. Dre (1991–1994)

N.W.A began to split up after Jerry Heller became the band's manager. Dr. Dre recalls, "The split came when Jerry Heller got involved. He played the divide and conquer game. Instead of taking care of everybody, he picked one nigga to take care of and that was Eazy. And Eazy was like, 'I'm taken care of, so fuck it'." Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. sent Suge Knight to look into Eazy-E's financial situation as they began to grow suspicious of Eazy-E and Jerry Heller. Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. asked Eazy-E to release them from Ruthless, but Eazy-E refused. The impasse led to what reportedly transpired between Suge Knight and Eazy-E at the recording studio where Niggaz4life was recorded. After he refused to release Dr. Dre and The D.O.C., Suge Knight told Eazy-E that he had kidnapped Jerry Heller and was holding him prisoner in a van. This did not convince Eazy-E to release Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. from Ruthless, and Suge Knight threatened Eazy-E's family: Suge Knight gave Eazy-E a piece of paper that contained Eazy's mother's address, telling him, "I know where your mama stays." Eazy-E finally signed Dr. Dre and The D.O.C.'s releases, officially ending N.W.A.[31]

In 1993, Eazy E regularly attended court in the prosecution of the officers involved in the beating of Rodney King, often standing alongside Theodore J. Briseno, who he had met through sharing the same lawyer. Eazy E said, "The difference is that most people look at the video and say four white officers were responsible for the beating of this helpless, innocent black man. I say, 'Wrong.' Three white officers were responsible for beating Rodney King. The other officer (Theodore J. Briseno) happens to be Mexican-American, and he tried to stop them." This caused controversy in the hip-hop community, with Willie D calling Eazy E a "sellout".[32]

The feud with Dr. Dre continued after a track on Dre's debut album The Chronic, "Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')", contained lyrics that insulted Eazy-E. Eazy responded with the EP, It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa, featuring the tracks "Real Muthaphuckkin G's" and "It's On". The album, which was released on October 25, 1993, contains pictures of Dre wearing "lacy outfits and makeup" when he was a member of the Electro-hop World Class Wreckin' Cru.[31]

Personal life and death

Wright had a son, Eric Darnell Wright (known as Lil Eazy-E), in 1984. He also had a daughter named Erin,[33] who changed her name to Ebie.[34] In October 2016, Ebie launched a crowd-funding campaign to produce a film called Ruthless Scandal: No More Lies to investigate her father's death.[35] It ended unsuccessfully in December 2016.[36]

Wright met Tomica Woods at a Los Angeles nightclub in 1991 and they married on March 14, 1995, twelve days before his death.[37] They had a son named Dominick and a daughter named Daijah (born six months after Wright's death).[38] After Wright's death, Ruthless was taken over by his wife. According to Jerry Heller, Wright had eleven children with eight women.[39]

Illness and death

Now, I'm in the biggest fight of my life and it ain't easy. But I want to say much love to those who have been down with me and thanks for all your support. Just remember: It's your real time and your real life.

--Statement from Eazy-E's camp on his behalf, March 16.[40]

On February 24, 1995, Wright was admitted to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles with a violent cough.[41] He was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.[42] He announced his illness in a public statement on March 16. It is believed Wright contracted the infection from a sexual partner.[12][43][44] During the week of March 20, having already made amends with Ice Cube, he drafted a final message to his fans.[45] On March 26, Eazy-E died from AIDS-induced pneumonia, one month after his diagnosis.[46][39] He was 30 years old (most reports at the time said he was 31 due to the falsification of his date of birth by one year).[10][47] He was buried on April 7, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California. Over 3,000 people attended his funeral,[48] including Ice Cube and DJ Yella.[49] He was buried in a gold casket, and was dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans, and his Compton hat. His final album, Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton, was released ten months after his death, on January 30, 1996.

Musical influences and style

Allmusic cites Eazy-E's influences as Ice-T, Redd Foxx, King Tee, Bootsy Collins, Run–D.M.C., Richard Pryor, Egyptian Lover, Schoolly D, Too $hort, Prince, the Sugarhill Gang, and George Clinton.[50] In the documentary The Life and Timez of Eric Wright, Eazy-E mentions collaborating with many of his influences.[51]

When reviewing Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton, Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted "... Eazy-E sounds revitalized, but the music simply isn't imaginative. Instead of pushing forward and creating a distinctive style, it treads over familiar gangsta territory, complete with bottomless bass, whining synthesizers, and meaningless boasts."[52] When reviewing Eazy-Duz-It, Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic said, "In terms of production, Dr. Dre and Yella meld together P-Funk, Def Jam-style hip-hop and the leftover electro sounds of mid-'80s Los Angeles, creating a dense, funky, and thoroughly unique style of their own." Birchmeier described Eazy-E's style as "dense, unique and funky", and said that it sounded "absolutely revolutionary in 1988".[50]

Several members of N.W.A wrote lyrics for Eazy-Duz-It: Ice Cube, The D.O.C. and MC Ren.[53] The EP 5150: Home 4 tha Sick features a song written by Naughty by Nature. The track "Merry Muthaphuckkin' Xmas" features Menajahtwa, Buckwheat, and Atban Klann as guest vocalists, and "Neighborhood Sniper" features Kokane as a guest vocalist.[54] It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa features several guest vocalists, including Gangsta Dresta, B.G. Knocc Out. Kokane, Cold 187um, Rhythum D, and Dirty Red.[55] Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton featured several guest vocalists, including B.G. Knocc Out, Gangsta Dresta, Sylk-E. Fyne, Dirty Red, Menajahtwa, Roger Troutman, and ex-N.W.A members MC Ren and DJ Yella.[56]

Legacy

Graffiti of Eazy-E in Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Eazy-E has been called the "godfather of gangsta rap".[57][58][3][59] MTV's Reid Shaheem said that Eazy-E was a "rap-pioneer",[59] and he is sometimes cited by critics as a legend.[60][61] Steve Huey of AllMusic said that he was "one of the most controversial figures in gangsta rap".[5] Since his 1995 death, many book and video biographies have been produced, including 2002's The Day Eazy-E Died and Dead and Gone.[62][63][64]

When Eazy-E was diagnosed with AIDS, many magazines like Jet,[65] Vibe,[66] Billboard,[67] The Crisis,[68] and Newsweek covered the story and released information on the topic.[69] All of his studio albums and EPs charted on the Billboard 200,[70][71][72] and many of his singles—"Eazy-Duz-It", "We Want Eazy", "Real Muthaphuckkin G's", and "Just tah Let U Know"—also charted in the U.S.[72][73]

He is one of many commemorated as part of the AIDS Quilt.[74]

Shortly after his death, in 1996, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, a group mentored by Eazy-E and signed to Ruthless Records, dedicated the single "Tha Crossroads" to his memory, which went on to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and earn the group a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.[75][76]

In 2012 an Eazy-E documentary was released by Ruthless Propaganda, called Ruthless Memories. The documentary featured interviews with Heller, MC Ren, and B.G. Knocc Out.[77]

In the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton, Eazy-E is played by Jason Mitchell and the film is dedicated in his memory.[78]

Eazy-E was portrayed by Omari Wallace in the 2016 film Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le. The film portrays Eazy-E sympathetically as having been a friend to Michel'le, in one scene warning her to get out of the house because he fears that a drunken Dr. Dre is returning home to beat her.

In 2024, Eazy-E was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously as a member of N.W.A.[79]

Discography

Main article: Eazy-E discography
See also: N.W.A discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

with N.W.A

References

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Literature

  • Westhoff, Ben (2017). Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, and the Birth of West Coast Rap. New York: Hachette Books. ISBN 978-0-3163-4485-2.

External links

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