Iconic Quotes From Compton Rapper Eazy-E That Double as Sound Advice

Eazy-E, born Eric Lynn Wright, of N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was a hip-hop revolutionary. His fame soared as dramatically as his untimely death in Los Angeles on March 26, 1995, after battling with complications from AIDS. Known for provocative lyrics, distinctive style, and pioneering gangster rap, Eazy-E was an intriguing rapper who never shied away from saying exactly how he felt.

Eazy-E's Legacy included crafting classics such as "Boyz N The Hood," "Straight Outta Compton," "We Want Eazy," and "Dopeman." Here are a few of his notable quotes.

"The kids from the streets don't want preaching or messages. They want what they can identify with. They want to hear about the reality of their situation, not fairy tales. They don't care if it's ugly; they just want reality."

''Why do you think the fans like us — why they prefer our street raps over all that phony stuff out there? Because we're telling the real story of what it's like living in places like Compton. We're giving them reality. We're like reporters. We give them the truth.''

''Who gave it that title, gangsta rap? It's reality rap. It's about what's really going on''

Eazy E was credible, not just in his lyrics, but also in his discussion of his lyrics. He viewed rap as a storytelling technique.

"Yeah, I was a brother on the streets of Compton doing a lot of things most people look down on but it did pay off. Then we started rapping about real stuff that shook up the LAPD and the FBI. But we got our message across big time, and everyone in America started paying attention to the boys in the hood."

“Compton is my city.”

"Where you from, fool? Compton!”

Eazy-E was known for frequently shouting out Compton and is one of the first rappers who was intentional about putting his city on the map. His association with Compton, a city notorious for its gang culture, added to his mystique. He brought the struggles and realities of life in Compton to the forefront of popular culture, shedding light on issues that were often overlooked

''I don't want to be in somebody else's movie, and then they make all the money. I've gotten offers to do the movies, but I won't sell myself short and be in somebody else's movie, like 'Boyz N the Hood.' I don't think I woulda done that.''

''I'm not saying this because I'm looking for a soft cushion wherever I'm heading, I just feel that I've got thousands and thousands of young fans that have to learn about what's real when it comes to AIDS. Like the others before me, I would like to turn my own problem into something good that will reach out to all my homeboys and their kin. Because I want to save their asses before it's too late.''