Named for rapper/entrepreneur Eric “Eazy-E” Wright (1964-1995). Born and raised in Compton, Wright was a high school dropout and drug dealer before turning his life around by entering the local hip hop scene. In 1987, he cofounded Ruthless Records and formed the group N.W.A with other artists like O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young. Their debut LP Straight Outta Compton was released the following year. Although it remains a landmark album, N.W.A. itself was not to last: tensions between the members brought the group to an end in 1991. Wright then focused on his record label and his solo career until dying from AIDS-related illness just one month after receiving a surprise diagnosis. In honor of Wright’s philanthropy and his influence over popular culture, the City of Compton renamed part of Auto Drive South (at Alameda) Eazy Street on November 22nd, 2023.
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