The influence behind the 80’s gangsta rap legends, the N.W.A
Hip-Hop is one on the most popular and influential forms of music. Starting in the 1970’s, Hip-Hop has only continued to grow, even surpassing rock in the United Stated as the most popular music genera making it the most listened to form of music in the world. “According to the atlas’ results, hip-hop is currently the most streamed genre on the platform around the globe, regardless of linguistic or geographical criteria.” (Sophie Laroche, www.kobini.com) Within the realm of Hip-Hop came some of the most controversial and influential artist to ever come. Artist who helped shape Hip-Hop and pave the way for future musicians of all genera’s.
The 1986 rap group N.W.A (niggaz wit attitude) was formed in Los Angeles, California. Originally comprised of popular Hip-Hop figures Dr.Dre, DJ Yella, Easy E, Ice-Cube, MC.Ren and Arabian prince, who left the group part way in production of the group’s debut album “Straight Outta Compton” N.W.A became famous as they are responsible for the sub-genera of Hip-Hop known as “gangsta rap” which consists of overly explicit lyrics. Upon release of their second and debut album “Straight Outta Compton” under member Easy E’ label, Ruthless Records, N.W.A found themselves banned from radio stations and even MTV for one of their more popular tracks “Fuck Tha Police” a protest song where the members rap about their hatred for the police, based on their personal experiences of discrimination within the police force targeting minorities and police brutality. The song became a shout out of resistance against the corrupt police force and is held partially responsible for the famous South-Central riots of ‘1992 Los Angeles upon the disturbing beating of Rodney King. With the groups rise in popularity, N.W.A put the west coast Hip-Hop scene on the map.
Shortly after N.W.A’ height of popularity came the Hip-Hop rivalry known as “The East Coast-West Coast Beef” Fans and artists from the east coast Hip-Hop scene and the west coast Hip-Hop scene argue and push out music in an effort to prove who had a better scene. The two biggest contenders of this rivalry was California rapper Tupac Shakur and his west coast label, Death Row Records; and New York rapper, The Notorious B.I.G and his east coast label, Bad Boy Records. As Hip-Hop originated in the Bronx, New York City, the east coast scene was already well established. For west coast artist of the time to compete with the already popular early adopter east coast artist such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and The Sugarhill Gang was very difficult. It is partially thanks to N.W.A and their ruthless style that put LA rappers on the scene allowing for the east coast west coast beef, the biggest rivalry in music history.
Before N.W.A’ time, rappers had always kept their lyrics somewhat “PG” to avoid being heavily censored, banned from public networking, or alienating their expected audience. After the major success of the double platinum album Straight Outta Compton, priority records (N.W.A’ distributor) received a warning letter from the FBI due to songs “Fuck Tha Police” and “Gangsta Gangsta” as their controversial lyrics about hatred of inner city injustices and overly violent themes caught the attention of authorities. Ever since the release of this album, rap as we know it changed. Without the fear of repercussions from explicit lyrics or suggestive themes, many Hip-Hop artist from then on included such lyrics into their songs, often used for poetic implications, or plain absurdity.
Pop these niggas like a wheelie nigga, you a silly nigga
In the hood with them billy niggas, and them Hoover niggas
You run up and they shooting niggas, we ain’t hooping nigga
No KB, you a loser nigga, up that Uzi nigga
On the stoop, crills in my draws, your girl on my phone
She wanna fuck but keep her clothes on, I only want the jaw
Man that’s really all I use her for, I kick her out the door
I don’t want her… I don’t fuck with no old hoes, only new hoes
Put my dick in her backbone, I pass her to my bro
I don’t love her that’s a sad hoe, she a bad hoe
I’mma fuck her then I dash home, to the cash hoe I’m on some rob a nigga shit, take a nigga bitch
(Lyrics to “Gummo” by 6ix9ine)
Over the top lyrics similar to that of rapper 6ix9ine’ is very common in modern day Hip-Hop. Critics and fans of the genera believe rap is losing the message it once carried and is becoming a cooking pot of shit-posting. “A musical form driven by furious energy and creative vigour has been overshadowed by its content, which often seems to conform to the worst stereotypes of aggressive masculinity.” (Alex Dean, Prospectmagazine.co.uk) Did rap lose its meaning or is there more to it? Rap these days is a mixed bag, anything is possible at this point. With that said though, it always has been. The same time period that bought us N.W.A also brought us Vanilla Ice in 89' who is as ridiculous as it gets. From SoundCloud and mumble rappers, to poetic and satirical rappers, one thing for sure though is that they all in some way have adopted the explicit sound and violent lyrics set by N.W.A nearly 30 years ago. To think rap is on a decline in quality is a misunderstanding. Every generation of rappers have been a mixed bag and in the 1980’s, the N.W.A were considered the outcast, obscene artist, the same people who set the sound of rap and changed the Hip-Hop scene.
As society changes, so do lyrics. Rap may not be the wholesome genera it once was, but that does not mean it went down the gutter. As previously stated, Hip-Hop is currently the most popular form of music, a large part of the success is thanks to the internet. With how easily accessible music programs are and streaming services like Soundcloud and Spotify, and the popularity of the music video which can be viewed anytime via video sharing sites (youtube), it is easy to make music and gain exposure these days. Back in the late 80’s early 90’s, these services did not exist. One would need studio time to produce a decent song, and all sales and exposure would come purely from album sales, radio time and TV music videos (which has become outdated). This caused an over-saturation of the genera, everyone wants to be a rapper and now anyone can. While there has been a surge in Hip-Hop artist who are awful, there are also some artists of current times like Kendrick Lamar, who in similar fashion to N.W.A. is a LA based artist who raps about social injustices and gang violence. Considered the best rapper of modern times by many and breaking records, earning countless awards including the 2018 pulitzer prize for his double-platinum album “DAMN” making him the first non jazz or classical artist to receive the award, Kendrick proves that the genera is not dying out and is in fact flourishing more than ever.
I would not say that N.W.A is the reason why Hip-Hop is the way it is now, but they were definitely a major aspect of the new era or music. They were the group who popularized gangsta rap and brought it to the mainstream by not only pioneering that violent thug sound so many others have emulated, but also mixing explicit lyrics with lyrics involving politics and addressing social injustices to surface more than just a “banger” With members Ice Cube entering show business being featured in many popular movies and TV shows, and Dr.Dre continuing to be a world class record producers with his label Aftermath Entertainment, as well as being an entrepreneur with his very successful brand of headphones (Beats by Dre), the legacy N.W.A left behind will forever be remembered. They were some of the biggest influences in the music history, without them we probably would not have this face to Hip-Hop.
References
Alex Dean (February 13th, 2017) “Why did rap music change” Article of prospectmagazine.co.uk
Daniel Hernandez (October 11th, 2017) “Gummo” Song by 6ix9ine
Sophie Laroche (July 5th, 2017) “Hip-Hop Is The Most Listened to Genre Of Music In The World, Says Spotify” Article of konbini.com
John Lynch (January 5th 2018) “For the first time in history, hip-hop has surpassed rock to become the most popular music genre, according to Nielsen” Article of buisnessinsider.com