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Album Review
by Una Phallox
30-12-2002
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| Eazy-E: 'Impact Of A Legend' |
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Eazy-E: 'Impact Of A Legend'
(Ruthless/Epic)
Rewind #2: Eazy-E – recalling of a legend
Eazy-E is the late member of the Compton crew, NWA – Niggaz With Attitude – that certainly changed the Hip-Hop ‘hood and is often referred to as the ‘Godfather of gangsta rap’. This compilation, more than decently equipped, illustrates why with ease. And, if NWA were to reform, as it has been rumoured for a number of years, with Snoop Dogg replacing Eazy, it would just be a pale imitation.
Ice Cube and Dr Dre are the best-known faces of NWA but it was Eazy-E who engined the group and its label; other members being MC Ren and DJ Yella. Eric Wright was born on 07 September 1963 in Compton, LA and after dropping out of school joined cousin Horace in some street trading, which earned him his nickname. When the cuz got killed, Eric inherited the business but remained on a lookout for opportunities and, when Dr Dre approached him to finance NWA’s debut disc, he didn’t hesitate much.
But, at the day of recording, the rapper was a no-show and Eazy was persuaded to drop the rhymes. He protested but within three days was on his first hit! NWA’s second album, ‘Straight Outta Compton’, was their breakthrough that attracted a lot of attention of the law: one track in particular, ‘F**k The Police’ (about beating of a black motorist Rodney King), was investigated and the crew were letter-warned (to behave?) by the FBI.
Soon afterwards Cube decided to go his solo way, Eazy slammed solo work (‘Eazy Duz-It’, 1989), bad blood led to Dre and a couple of other artists to move over to Deathrow Records but Eazy continued to rule the roost until his untimely death of Aids on 26 March 1995, just a month after being diagnosed. The ‘IOAL’ artwork contains a ‘Comic’ booklet of his life’s highlights that ends with a message from Eazy: “Now, I’m in the biggest fight of my life, and it ain’t easy. But I want to say much love to those who have been down for me. And thanks for your support. Just remember: It’s YOUR real time and YOUR real life.”
‘Impact Of A Legend’ comes in two parts, the title one is a DVD portion with videos, docu-material and extras, while the audio selection is sub’d ‘The Godfather Of Gangsta Rap’, to give a very well rounded representation of his well-deserved reputation. The sound is very ‘real‘ and ‘conscious’, remember this pre-dates the showbiz-rap (that would have appalled E) but it will never equal the storming NWA tunes of the long gone days. And, the standards in those days…
This ‘Impact…’ is a good introduction to Eazy-E but for the real-deal grab yerself a copy of ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and be blown away! Even his 1996 compilation ‘Eternal E’ is comparatively more ‘muthaphukin’ real’.
8/10
Una Phallox
30-12-2002
Eazy-E’s CD/DVD ‘Impact Of A Legend’ is available now on Ruthless/Epic
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