Eazy E, Shunned By Hip-Hop In Death, To Receive His Flowers
Compton, California, is set to honor Eazy E with the renaming of a street. The late West Coast rap legend, one of LA’s pioneering rappers and founding member of the controversial gangsta rap group NWA, will have the city’s Auto Plaza Drive South officially renamed “Eazy Street.”
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EAZY E HONORED
Eazy E’s street naming event was partly organized by Alonzo Williams, the mind behind the legendary nightclub Eve After Dark, where NWA members Dr. Dre and DJ Yella performed in their early days.
The commemorative event celebrating the name change will be held on Nov. 22 and will be open to the public. The location will be in the back of the Chrystal Hotel in Compton. Williams, who is now the President of the Compton Entertainment Chamber of Commerce, took inspiration from former Compton Mayor Omar Bradley’s past efforts to honor Eazy E.
“I felt that with this year being the 50th anniversary of hip hop, it would be a great time to give it another try, and this time the efforts were successful,” Williams said in a statement.
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EAZY E SHUNNED
Eazy E’s untimely death in 1995 at the age of 31 due to complications of AIDS-induced pneumonia brought about both controversy and conspiracy theories.
The rapper had fallen ill just weeks before his passing and was later diagnosed with HIV. Eazy E, also known as Eric Wright, had previously admitted to living a promiscuous lifestyle, and possibly contracted the virus unknowingly. However, the stigma surrounding AIDS as the “gay plague” during the 1980s led to misconceptions and shunning of Eazy E’s legacy by some fans in the hip-hop community.
Controversy surrounding Eazy E’s cause of death continues to this day. In a July 2023 interview with Comedy Hype, Alonzo Williams expressed his doubts about the official narrative, stating:
“I ain’t buying it. To see somebody who was as healthy as Eazy, go in the hospital, coughing and come up dead after a short period of time, that never sat well with me.”
Williams also addressed Suge Knight’s past remarks about Eazy E being injected with AIDS, refusing to comment on the matter.
EAZY E’S LEGACY
Despite the challenges and misinformation surrounding Eazy E’s legacy, the rapper was honored in the 2015 NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton, with actor Jason Mitchell portraying him on screen.
In 2021, Eazy E’s daughter, Ebie Wright, publicly called out rap legend Ice Cube for not speaking about her father in a documentary they were working on together. The beef between Ice Cube and Eazy E after the latter’s departure from NWA had strained their relationship, leading Ebie to criticize Ice Cube for ignoring her father’s legacy.
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Crenshaw icon Nipsey Hussle, who was assassinated in 2019 from gun violence in, was also honored posthumously for his contributions to the music industry. The late artist received multiple platinum certifications from the RIAA for his album Victory Lap and several hit songs.
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Top 5 Iconic Hip-Hop Songs That Keep On Giving
Hip-hop is no stranger to sampling, and some songs have become timeless sources of inspiration for newer artists. From Khia’s explicit anthem “My Neck My Back” to Aaliyah’s mesmerizing “One In A Million,” these classic tracks continue influencing and shaping the rap scene.
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“MY NECK MY BACK” BY KHIA
Khia’s 2001 hit “My Neck My Back” gained notoriety for its explicit lyrics and unabashed portrayal of sexual pleasure. The track, produced by Plat’num House and Michael “Taz” Williams, made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the charts for 82 weeks.
Over two decades later, newer artists have embraced the song’s iconic vibe, incorporating it into their works. Lakeyah and Gloss Up’s “Real Bitch,” Saweetie’s “Icy Grl,” Chloe’s “Body Do,” and Cuban Doll ft Sukihana’s “Drug Dealer” are just a few examples of how “My Neck My Back” has found new life in the contemporary hip-hop scene.
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“BOYZ-N-THA HOOD (G-MIX)” BY EAZY E
Eazy E’s “Boyz-N-Tha Hood (G-Mix)” became an iconic anthem with its memorable line “cruising down the street in my ’64.” The track’s legacy continues to influence newer artists who put their twist on the legendary song.
Lakeyah’s “Want Em Hood,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “Girls In The Hood,” and Mike Jones ft Snoop Dogg’s “My 64” are just a few examples of how Eazy E’s creation has been reimagined and embraced by a new generation of rap enthusiasts.
“BE HAPPY” BY MARY J. BLIGE
Mary J. Blige’s soulful ballad “Be Happy” from her sophomore album My Life struck a chord with audiences, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and leaving a lasting impact on the music world. Newer artists have found inspiration in Blige’s emotional songs, incorporating them into their own works.
Jazmine Sullivan’s “Holding You Down,” YG’s “Toxic,” and Tatyana Ali’s “Wait For It” are among the contemporary tracks that draw from the essence of “Be Happy.”
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“ONE IN A MILLION” BY AALIYAH
Aaliyah’s mesmerizing vocals and Timbaland’s production prowess combined in the unforgettable “One In A Million.” This classic track has left a lasting impression on future generations, inspiring modern-day artists.
Tink’s “Million,” Normani ft Cardi B’s “Wildside,” and Sevyn Streeter’s “Tell It” are among the contemporary tracks that pay homage to Aaliyah’s artistry and musical impact.
“BLOW THE WHISTLE” BY TOO SHORT
Too Short’s collaboration with Lil Jon, “Blow The Whistle,” is a standout track that blends an infectious melody with marching band sounds. The song’s energetic appeal remains captivating, and newer artists have found ways to infuse it into their works.
DJ Khaled ft Drake’s “For Free,” Saweetie’s “Tap In,” and Flo Milli’s “B.T.W” are just a few examples of how “Blow The Whistle” still echoes through the modern hip-hop landscape.
In hip-hop, rising female talent is making waves and garnering attention. Fans should watch for Lola Brooke, Lady London, Kenzo B, Connie Diiamond, and Billy B, as they have impressed audiences with their lyrical prowess and unique styles.
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The 2023 Global Citizens Festival is set to bring together a star-studded lineup in September, with Megan Thee Stallion and Lauryn Hill headlining the event. The festival aims to promote awareness and action on global issues, making it a platform for influential artists to voice their support for positive change.
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Late N.W.A. leader Eazy-E‘s daughter Ebie is on her modeling goals this week. The hip-hop model went online with a Woman Crush Wednesday pitch flexing her Black girl magic rocking plaid pants and sleeveless black top.
