Straight Outta Compton is the debut studio album by American gangsta rap group N.W.A, which, led by Eazy-E, formed in Los Angeles County's City of Compton in early 1987. Released by his label, Ruthless Records, on August 8, 1988, the album was produced by N.W.A members Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and Arabian Prince, with lyrics written by N.W.A members Ice Cube and MC Ren along with Ruthless rapper The D.O.C. Not merely depicting Compton's street violence, the lyrics repeatedly threaten to lead it by attacking peers and even police. The track "Fuck tha Police" drew an FBI agent's warning letter, which aided N.W.A's notoriety, with N.W.A calling itself "the world's most dangerous group."
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A was an American hip hop group formed in Compton, California. They were among the earliest and most significant popularizers and controversial figures of the gangsta rap subgenre, and the group is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential groups in the history of hip hop music.
Complete N.W.A lineup in 1988 (left to right) Arabian Prince, MC Ren, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, Dr. Dre
Poster for one of N.W.A's first concerts at a Compton skating rink, 1988
N.W.A co-headlined Public Enemy's 1988 "Bring the Noise" concert tour
Eazy-E (pictured in 1993) feuded with the other former members of the group until his death in 1995.