Ruthless Records, N.W.A. and Eazy-Duz-It (1987–1991)- In 1987, Eazy used the profits from his drug sales to co-found Ruthless Records with Jerry Heller. When Ruthless signees Dr. Dre and Ice Cube wrote “Boyz-n-the-Hood”, Eazy-E formed the group N.W.A. with Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. (DJ Yella, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince were later added). The compilation album N.W.A and the Posse was released on November 6, 1987 and would go on to be certified... 

N.W.A (“Niggaz Wit Attitudes)  WATCH VIDEOs BELOW was widely considered one of the seminal acts of the gangsta rap sub-genre. The original lineup consisted of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Arabian Prince, Ice Cube, and MC Ren. Arabian Prince embarked on a solo career in 1989 and Ice Cube left in 1990 over royalty disputes. Active from 1986 to 1991, the group endured controversy due to the explicit nature of their lyrics. They were subsequently... 

The D.O.C. was one of rap’s most promising new voices because of his association with NWA and was at the height of his career after penning lyrics and contributing vocals to the group’s revoloutionary album, Straight Outta Compton. In 1992, the D.O.C. then released his mind-blowing Dr. Dre-produced album No One Can Do It Better, proving he could more than hold is own on a mircophone. His delivery was sharp and his deep charismatic voice demanded... 

Turf Stories  Seventeen hard-core tracks from hip-hop’s front line players make up this compilation. The lead single, ‘Hennessey,” features Nitro & Buccett Loc kicking styles from East, West and South, giving the song a well-rounded, across-the-board feel. There are also guest spots from Kool G Rap & Akinyele (“Break A Bitch”), Poohman (“We Ridaz”) and Mo’ Thugs (“All My Family”).The... 

Kokane was the psychedelic rapper whose hip hop debut, Funk Upon A Rhyme, caused critics to call him a “religious experience.” Released in 1994, Kokane’s first single, “Slow Burnin’ 22.5 Fahrenheit” heated up the charts and transported listeners into a time when lyrics were deep and meaningful  Read More →

Hoez With Attitude (H.W.A.) offered scintillating rhymes and sexy get-ups. But that’s not all. These three striking young ladies – Kim Kenner, Tonja Kenner and Robin Nelson – had more than just sex on their minds. What’s most explicit about their rhymes was their intent: creating an atmosphere where men and women could talk frankly and meaningfully about sex, relationships and love. Although Ruthless Records is synonomous with “rap” music,... 

Kid Frost is not only a trailblazer of Chicano rap but a West Coast hip-hop pioneer. Frost, the son of an ex-gangbanger, established himself through a hard work ethic. Early on, he was signed to rap at Florentine Gardens in Hollywood every Saturday at midnight. His songs made Frost one of the first west coast rappers to make it to wax. In 1994, Frost entered negotiations with Ruthless Records and the result was his debut album, Smile Now, Die Later.  Read More →

Bone thugs-n-harmony saga began in 1993 when Layzie, Krazyie, Flesh, Wish and Bizzy, broke and hungry, but loaded with talent, confidence and the bravado to try anything to achieve success, boarded a bus to Los Angeles. Their destination was the offices of Ruthless Records, home to the legendary rap group NWA. Bone auditioned over the phone but Eazy didn’t get back with them. When Bone heard that Eazy-E was doing a show in their hometown, they scraped... 

Blood of Abraham is Benyad and Mazik, two 21-year-old rappers who share a singular vision of positivity based not on some naive idealism but on mutual regard for all cultures, people and religion. The group’s brand of hardcore rap consisted not of gory street stories, but of simple truths communicated from a universal perspective. Their debut album, Future Profits, put a message across without sacrificing their musical integrity  Read More →

Above The Law isn’t about being outside the law, its about being superior to it mentally. Above the Law is Hutch aka Cold 187um, KMG and Total K-Oss. Together they paved a road of constructive ideals for their peers by tearing others down. They were focused on turning a negative into a positive. They began as gangsta rappers, telling stories about the lifestyle they knew best on their debut LP, Livin’ Like Hustlers. Then came Black Mafia Life,...