Assembled in Compton in 1987 by Eazy-E and Ruthless Records, N.W.A's original lineup of Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E and Ice Cube grew to include DJ Yella and MC Ren. Their 1989 debut Straight Outta Compton turned police brutality and South Central life into records that redefined what rap could say and who was scared of it — widely regarded as one of the most influential albums ever made. The group dissolved in 1991 after Niggaz4Life, but every member went on to shape the coast independently. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
