Eric Lynn Wright, professionally known as Eazy-E, was a pioneering American rapper who made a significant impact in the music industry as both a solo artist and a member of the influential group N.W.A. He is often referred to as "The Godfather Of Gangsta Rap" due to his groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
Born in Compton, California, Eazy-E's early life was marked by challenges, as he dropped out of high school in the tenth grade. To support himself, he initially turned to selling drugs before investing his earnings in the music industry. This entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Ruthless Records, which would become a successful label in its own right.
Eazy-E's rap career began with the revolutionary song "Boyz-N-The-Hood," which was written by his fellow N.W.A. member, Ice Cube. The song's impact was immense, and it played a significant role in shaping the sound of gangsta rap.
N.W.A. released their debut album, "N.W.A. and the Posse," in 1987, followed by their most controversial album to date, "Straight Outta Compton," in 1988. The group went on to release two more albums before disbanding in the early 1990s.
As a solo artist, Eazy-E released three projects, in addition to launching the careers of numerous notable artists on his Ruthless Records label. These artists included Jada Michelle, The D.O.C., Above the Law, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, among others.
Throughout his life, Eazy-E was a devoted father, and he fathered nine children. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed away on March 26, 1995, due to complications related to pneumonia and AIDS. Despite his untimely death, Eazy-E's legacy continues to be felt in the music industry, and his contributions to gangsta rap remain unparalleled.
