Search - N.W.A. :: Straight Outta Compton

The First Classic Gangsta Rap CD

Amin | Orange County, CA USA | 04/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok well, you might ask yourself, who is the NWA? They ain't just some fools from Compton, they compose of six of the most lethal rappers who ever touched a mic, and one of the most creative DJ's who is known to create chaos on the wheels of steel (Technics 1200 turntable). You got people like Dr Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazy-E providing lyrics that cross the line of explict by a mile. If that isn't enough you have MC Ren, The D.O.C. and Arabian Prince (Brother Rab) in the backseat also spitting madness on the album. The whole CD in general has its highs, and lows. Also it provides a variety of styles. "COMPTON'S N THE HOUSE (REMIX)" is Dre and MC Ren rapping live on stage with cutting by Yella. "STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON" is a classic gangsta rap track with really dope bass and beat production by Dr Dre. Eazy-E's "8-BALL (REMIX)" is a story about him and his beer which sounds very familar for its 1988 setting. If you want to hear the explict lyrics I was talking about listen to "GANGSTA GANGSTA" AND "F--- THA POLICE" with heavy influence from Ice Cube. My personal favorite is when the NWA combines some of its electro beats with hip-hop flavor when Arabian Prince and the rest of the NWA on the track "SOMETHING TO DANCE TO". Also upcoming star The D.O.C. who was famous for his song "IT'S FUNKY ENOUGH" which was released a year later, appears on "PARENTAL DISCRETION IS ADVISED". The ONLY "clean" tracks on the album are "SOMETHING TO DANCE TO", "QUIET ON THA SET", and "EXPRESS YOURSELF". But don't let this album get to your head. When you listen to it, remember that these guys told everyone in interviews that they aren't gangbangers, they just use that image to make money. For example, Ice Cube isn't really from the "hood". He went to the classy San Fernando Valley High School and took drafting classes at a university in Arizona. Dr Dre and Yella both were part of the famous World Class Wreckin Cru who performed songs wearing sequins, make-up, lip gloss, and more. You might know Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Dr Dre, and MC Ren for their solo CDs, but you haven't really been a fan of them until you peep this album first. This is NWA's second album and went gold when it orginally released in 1988. Enjoy the album when you get it though, this is really a classic in any old skool or gangsta rap collection."

Parental Discretion Iz Advised.

Jeffrey M. Zinn | Charlotte, NC USA | 08/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first five tracks of this groundbreaking disc are the most powerful in rap. Bar none. Period. This disc is critical to the understanding, progression and growth of rap as a form of musical expression and art. And because NWA spawned so many influential artists, this disk is critical listening for any student of rap. I am of two minds about the violent lyrics on this disc. I don't like the idea of violence, but I think its important to view the violence expressed on this album in the context of (1) what was happening in LA at the time of its release and (2) the fact that an element of rap is fictionalization and exaggeration.If you are new to rap and just beginning to enjoy to the genre, I recommend this disc. It is an excellent entre both to the gangsta style and the talents of Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy E, and the rest of the NWA Crew."

The album was the birth of the true "Gangsta Rap".

Amin | 10/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"NWA, in my opinion, was the lone rap group to attract much conterversy for their lyrics that were simply based on facts. Being a minority and growing up in a society like Los Angeles in the 1980's was a difficult struggle. I myself am a minority and can relate with their lyrics. At that time, every other group did not focus their beats based on the streets in detail like NWA. Back in '88, their songs encouraged us to express ourselves and take advantage of our First Amendment Right. They exposed what life is really like in the lower income suburbs of American cities. The lyrics about the police were harsh but true. In a way, they remind me of Texas' own Geto Boys. Both showed that minority life is difficult and described how corrupt the local government is when it came to the lower class society. I, to this day, continue to bass out to their music in appreciation to their "exposing" of the true ghetto life..."