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N.W.A: Ninja's Wit Ass
{{Hatnote|This article is about the hip hop group. For other uses, see ].}}
<!-- PLEASE NOTE BEFORE EDITING THIS PAGE that the official name of the group is "N.W.A" without a period after the "A"—the full name is spelled "Niggas With Applesauce"; see talk page and archives for details. -->
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = N.W.A
| background = group_or_band
| image = NWA, all band members.jpg
| image_size = 250
| caption = Complete N.W.A lineup in 1988 <br>(left to right) ], ], ], ], ], ]
| origin = ], U.S.
| genre = {{hlist|]|{{nowrap|]}}}}
| years_active = 1986–1991<br>1998–2000 {{small|(partial reunion)}}<br>2015–2016 {{small|(partial reunion)}}
| label = {{hlist|]|]}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|]|]|{{nowrap|]}}|]|]}}
| past_members =
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] (deceased)
* ]
* ]
}}

'''N.W.A''' (an abbreviation for '''Niggas Wit Attitudes''')<ref>{{cite book| last = Potter| first = Russel A.| title = Spectacular Vernaculars: Hip-Hop and the Politics of Postmodernism| publisher = ]| year = 1995 | location = New York City| page = 50| isbn = 0-7914-2626-2}}</ref><ref name=times5753629>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmstarts.de/nachrichten/18469044.html |title=Ice Cube produces N.W.A biopic |publisher=Filmstarts.de |date= |accessdate=2010-10-14}}</ref><ref name="allmusic">{{cite web| last = Erlewine| first = Stephen Thomas| title = N.W.A. Biography| publisher = allmusic| url = {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p77/biography|pure_url=yes}}| accessdate = 2007-08-17 }}</ref> was an American ] group from ]. They were among the earliest and most significant popularizers and controversial figures of the ] subgenre, and are widely considered one of the greatest and most influential groups in the history of hip hop music.<ref>{{cite book| last = White| first = Miles| title = From Jim Crow to Jay-Z: Race, Rap and the Performance of Masculinity | year = 2011 | publisher = ]| location = Urbana, Illinois| pages = 64; 74| isbn = 978-0-252-03662-0}}</ref> Active from 1986 to 1991, the rap group endured controversy owing to their music's explicit lyrics, that many viewed as being disrespectful of women, as well as to its glorification of drugs and crime.<ref>{{cite web|title=NWA Biography|url=http://www.nwaworld.com/biography.php|website=www.nwaworld.com|quote=...&nbsp;a self-consciously violent and dangerous lyrical stance ...&nbsp;ridiculously violent and misogynist lyrics.|publisher=NWA World|accessdate=25 December 2014}}</ref> The group was subsequently banned from many mainstream American radio stations. In spite of this, the group has sold over 10 million units in the United States alone. The group was also known for their deep hatred of the police system, which sparked much controversy over the years.

The original lineup formed in 1986 consisted of ], ], ], and ]. ] and ] joined later, with Arabian Prince eventually leaving shortly before the official release of ''Straight Outta Compton,'' which came out in 1988, and Ice Cube following suit in December 1989<!-- Before changing the date to January 1990, please see ]. -->. Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and MC Ren would later become ]-selling solo artists in the 1990s. Their debut album '']'' marked the beginning of the new gangsta rap era as the production and social commentary in their lyrics were revolutionary within the genre, while their second album '']'' would be the first hardcore rap album to debut at number one on the ] sales charts.<ref name="allmusic" /> '']'' ranked N.W.A number 83 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref>, '']''.</ref> In 2016, the group was inducted into the ], following three nominations.

==History==

===Formation and "Panic Zone" (1986–88)===
]
The group was assembled by ]-based ], who co-founded ] with ]. Eazy-E sought an introduction to Steve Yano. Although initially rebuffed, Yano was impressed by Eazy-E's persistence and arranged a meeting with ].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2002/apr/14/magazine/tm-37890 |title=Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics - latimes |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=2002-04-14 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref> Initially, N.W.A consisted of Eazy-E and Dr. Dre. Together with fellow producer ], ] was added to the roster after he had started out as a rapper for the group ]<ref>{{cite web |title=The Posse Project |url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/the_posse_project/|publisher=Phoenix New Times |accessdate=2011-01-17}}</ref> Dre would later bring ] on board as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=DJ Yella interview|url=http://www.aftermathmusic.com/blog/?page_id=226|publisher=AftermathMusic.com|accessdate=2011-01-17}}</ref> Dre and Yella were both formerly members of the ] as DJs and producers. Ruthless released the single "]" in 1987 with Macola Records, which was later included on the compilation album '']''. N.W.A was still in its developing stages, and is only credited on three of the eleven tracks, notably the uncharacteristic record "Panic Zone", "8-Ball", and "Dopeman", which marked the first collaboration of Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube. Mexican rapper Krazy-Dee co-wrote "Panic Zone", which was originally called "Hispanic Zone", but the title was later changed when Dr. Dre advised Krazy-Dee that the word "hispanic" would hinder sales.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cizmar |first=Martin |url=http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2010/03/krazy_d_what_happened_after_nw.php?page=3 |title=Krazy D: What Happened After N.W.A. and the Posse? |work=Phoenix New Times|date=March 22, 2010 |accessdate=2012-04-11}}</ref> Also included was Eazy-E's solo track "]".<ref>Henderson, Alex. ]. Retrieved August 17, 2007.</ref>

===''Straight Outta Compton'', ''Eazy-Duz-It'' (1988–89)===
] 1988 "Bring the Noise" concert tour.]]
N.W.A released their debut studio album, '']'', in 1988. With its famous opening salvo of three tracks, the group reflected the rising anger of the urban youth. The opening song "]" introduced the group, "]" protested ] and ], and "]" painted the ] of the inner-city youth. While the group was later credited with pioneering the burgeoning subgenre of ], N.W.A referred to their music as "reality rap".<ref>Duff, S.L. . ]. Retrieved August 17, 2007.</ref> Twenty-seven years later, member and co-producer of the Straight Outta Compton film, Ice Cube commented "they were talking about what really led into the style that we ended up doing, which is now called hardcore gangster rap."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/15/ice-cube-straight-outta-compton-movie_n_7072054.html|title=Ice Cube discusses what was happening in the 80s|last=|first=|work=]|accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref> Dr. Dre and DJ Yella, as HighPowered Productions, composed the beats for each song, with Dre making occasional rapping appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/release/335575 |title=N.W.A, – Gangsta, Gangsta |publisher=Discogs.com |date= |accessdate=2010-10-14}}</ref> The D.O.C., Ice Cube, and MC Ren wrote most of the group's lyrics, including "Fuck tha Police", perhaps the group's most notorious song, which brought them into conflict with various ]. Under pressure from ],<ref>{{cite book| last = Nuzum| first = Eric| title = ]| publisher = ]| year = 2001 | location = New York City| page = 111| isbn = 0-688-16772-1}}</ref> Milt Ahlerich, an assistant director of the ], sent a letter to Ruthless and its distributing company ], advising the rappers that "advocating violence and assault is wrong and we in the law enforcement community take exception to such action." This letter can still be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in ], ].<ref name="20th Anniversary">{{cite news|last=Boucher|first=Geoff|title=Rapper Ice Cube talks about the 20th anniversary of N.W.A's ''Straight Outta Compton'' | url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-compton16-2008aug16,0,4400312.story | work=Los Angeles Times | date=2008-08-16 |accessdate=2008-08-24 }}</ref> Policemen refused to provide security for the group's concerts, hurting their plans to tour. Nonetheless, the FBI's letter only served to draw more publicity to the group.

''Straight Outta Compton'' was also one of the first albums to adhere to the new ] label scheme, then still in its early stages: the label at the time consisted of "WARNING: Moderate impact coarse language and/or themes" only. However, the taboo nature of N.W.A's music was the most important factor of its mass appeal. Media coverage compensated for N.W.A's lack of airplay and their album eventually went double ].<ref name="straight out of comptonreview">{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Straight Outta Compton > Overview|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r186556|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=allmusic|accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref> One month after ''Straight Outta Compton'', Eazy-E's solo debut '']'' was released. The album was dominated by Eazy's persona (MC Ren was the only guest rapper) but behind the scenes it was a group effort. Music was handled by ] and ]; the lyrics were largely written by MC Ren, with contributions from Ice Cube and ] The album was another double platinum success for Ruthless<ref>{{cite web|author=Nadia Vega |url=http://www.Easye.info/biography.html |title=Biography #5 &#124; Amazing Pictures and Wallpapers &#124; World Amazing Pictures and HD Wallpapers |publisher=Easye.info |date=2015-05-17 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref> (in addition to girl group ] in 1988 and singer ] in 1989). 1989 saw the re-issue of ''N.W.A and the Posse'' and ''Straight Outta Compton'' on CD, and the release of The D.O.C.'s '']''. His album was essentially a collaboration with Dr. Dre and notably free of "gangsta rap" content, including the N.W.A ] "The Grand Finalé". It would become another #1 album for the record label.

===''100 Miles And Runnin''' and ''Niggaz4Life'' (1989–91)===
]
Ice Cube left the group in December 1989<!-- Before changing the date to January 1990, please see ]. --> over ] disputes;<ref name="allmusic" /> having written almost half of the lyrics on ''Straight Outta Compton'' himself, he felt he was not getting a fair share of the profits.<ref>Leigh, Danny. . '']'', 25 February 2000.</ref> A lawsuit brought by Ice Cube against band manager Jerry Heller was settled out of court.<ref>Ice Cube: Attitude, Joel McIver, p.70, Foruli Classics, 2012</ref> He wasted little time putting together his solo debut, 1990's '']'', but he avoided mentioning his former label mates. N.W.A's title track from their 1990 ] '']'', however, included a ] of Ice Cube:
''"We started with five, but yo / One couldn't take it—So now it's four / Cuz the fifth couldn't make it."'' The video for the song depicted the remaining members of N.W.A together in a jail cell, while an Ice Cube look-alike is released. Also heard on the EP (which found its way on the '']'' CD re-issue) was "Real Niggaz", a full-blown diss on Ice Cube where the remaining members accuse him of cowardice, and question his authenticity, longevity and originality: ''"How the fuck you think a rapper lasts / With your ass sayin' shit that was said in the past / Yo, be original, your shit is sloppy / Get off the dick, you motherfuckin' carbon-copy"'', and ''"We started out with too much cargo / So I'm glad we got rid of ], yo."'' The song "100 Miles and Runnin'" was Dr. Dre's final ] recording, which had been a common feature of late 1980s hip hop. After this, he focused on a midtempo, ] based sound which would become known as ], starting with "]" from ''Efil4zaggin'' in 1991. The G-funk style dominated both the West and East Coast hip hop music scene for several years to come. N.W.A is referenced on Ice Cube's 1990 EP, '']'', where he name-checks his former group (likely in a mocking manner) on the song "Jackin' For Beats". On "I Gotta Say What Up!!!", Ice Cube gives shout-outs to his rap peers at the time, among them ], ], and ]. At the end of the track, in what appears to be an on-the-phone interview, Ice Cube is asked, "Since you went solo, what's up with the rest of the crew?" and the phone is abruptly hung up on the interviewer.

The group's second full-length release, 1991's '']'' ("Niggaz4Life" spelled backwards), re-established the band in the face of Ice Cube's continued solo success. The album is considered by many ]'s finest production work, and it heralded the beginning of the ] era. It also showed a clear animosity towards their former member, and derogatory references to Ice Cube are found in several songs. The interlude "A Message to B.A." echoes the beginning of his song "Turn Off the Radio" from '']'': Ice Cube is first addressed by the name ] (after the infamous ] of the ]) but then named outright in a torrent of abuse from both the group and its fans: ''"When we see yo' ass, we gon' cut yo' hair off and fuck you with a broomstick"'' spoken by MC Ren. The N.W.A–Ice Cube feud eventually escalated, both on record and in real life. ''AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted'' had avoided direct attacks on N.W.A, but on '']'', Ice Cube's second full-length release, he retaliated. He sampled and mocked the "Message to B.A." skit before embarking on a full-blown tirade, the infamous "]". In a series of verses, Ice Cube verbally assaulted the group: ''"You lookin' like straight bozos / I saw it comin' that's why I went solo / Kept on stompin' / When y'all Muthafuckas moved Straight outta Compton / You got jealous when I got my own company / But I'm a man, and ain't nobody helpin' me."'' He also responded to members MC Ren, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E individually to "]", claiming ''"I started off with too much cargo / Dropped four niggaz and now I'm makin' all the dough"'', using homophobic metaphors to describe their unequal business relationship with ], who became the target of harsh insults:
''"Get rid of that devil real simple / Put a bullet in his temple / Cuz you can't be the 'Niggaz 4 Life' crew / With a white ] tellin' you what to do."'' The song attracted controversy for its ] (the beginning of such accusations against Ice Cube during his affiliation with the ]), based on the bashing of Heller's religion.<ref>Nuzum, p. 113.</ref> The track was omitted from the UK release, and later pressings included a censored version of the song. In September 1990, members of hip hop act ] clashed with Ice Cube and his posse ] during the annual ] conference, forcing the latter to flee the premises of ]'s ], the venue of the event.<ref name="blackwell">Blackwell, Mark. "No More Rap Music At New Music Seminar?", ''Spin'', October 1990, p. 22.</ref> On January 27, 1991, Dr. Dre assaulted ], host of the hip hop show ''Pump It Up'', after its coverage<ref>{{cite book| last = Rose| first = Tricia| title = Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America | publisher = ]| year = 1994 | location = Middletown, Connecticut| page = 179| isbn = 0-8195-6275-0}}</ref> of the N.W.A/Ice Cube beef. According to ''Rolling Stone'' reporter Alan Light:
{{quote|He picked her up and "began slamming her face and the right side of her body repeatedly against a wall near the stairway" as his bodyguard held off the crowd. After Dre tried to throw her down the stairs and failed, he began kicking her in the ribs and hands. She escaped and ran into the women's rest room. Dre followed her and "grabbed her from behind by the hair and proceeded to punch her in the back of the head."<ref name="light"/>}}

In response, Dre commented: "People talk all this shit, but you know, if somebody fucks with me, I'm gonna fuck with them. I just did it, you know. Ain't nothing you can do now by talking about it. Besides, it ain't no big thing—I just threw her through a door."<ref name="light">Light, Alan. "Beating Up the Charts". ''Rolling Stone'', 8 August 1991, p. 66.</ref>

===The end of N.W.A (1991–95)===
]
1991's '']'' would be the group's final album. After Dr. Dre, The D.O.C. and Michel'le departed from Ruthless to join ] and allegations over Eazy-E being coerced into signing away their contracts (while however retaining a portion of their publishing rights), a bitter rivalry ensued.<ref name="allmusic" /> Dr. Dre began the exchange with Death Row's first release, 1992's '']'', and its accompanying video featured a character named "Sleazy-E" who ran around desperately trying to get money. The insults continued on '']'' with "Bitches Ain't Shit". Eazy-E responded in 1993 with the EP '']'' on the tracks "]" and "It's On". Eazy-E accused Dr. Dre of being a homosexual, calling him a "she thang", and criticizing Dre's new image by calling him and Snoop "studio gangsters". The music video for "Real Muthaphuckkin G's" showed a still of Dre wearing make-up and a sequined jumpsuit. The photos dated back to Dr. Dre's ] days, when such fashion was common among West Coast electro hop artists, prior to N.W.A's popularization of gangsta rap. Eazy-E kept dissing Dre and Death Row on most of his songs until his ]-related death on March 26, 1995.

Even Eazy-E's longtime friend MC Ren voiced his dislike for Eazy-E in 1994, calling Eazy-E a "big-head" and "wannabe mega-star", and even suggesting that N.W.A should reunite without Eazy-E.<ref>O'Connor, Christopher. , ], February 7, 1994.</ref> MC Ren later said that the only relationship he had with Eazy-E was through Ruthless Records, where he released several gold and platinum selling albums, including '']'' and '']''. Eazy-E and MC Ren would squash their beef shortly before Eazy-E's death in their 1995 duet '"]" after two years of not talking to each other. All bad blood finally ceased within the rest of the group. Dr. Dre, MC Ren and Ice Cube would later express their re-evaluated feelings to their old friend on 1998's "Ruthless for Life", 1999's "What's the Difference" and "Chin Check", 2000's "Hello", 2006's "Growin' Up", and in the 2011 music video "]".

===Reunions and legacy (1995–present)===
Having both parted with Ruthless Records on bad terms, tensions between Ice Cube and Dr. Dre eventually eased on their own. After Ice Cube made a ] in Dr. Dre's "]" video in 1993, the two recorded the hit song "]" for ]'s 1994 short film and soundtrack '']''. Ice Cube also later appeared on MC Ren's album '']'' on the track "]". MC Ren appeared on Dre's 1999 album '']'', and the three remaining N.W.A emcees would reunite for "]" on Ice Cube's ] album '']'', and the song "]" for the ] from which Ice Cube starred in.

The West Coast and "gangsta" music scene had however fallen out of the spotlight since the death of ] in 1996, and it was only after Dr. Dre's successful patronage of ] and Dre's ensuing comeback album '']'' that the genre and its artists would regain the national spotlight. 2000's all-star ] would reunite much of the N.W.A and Death Row families, and during time spent on the road, Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, guest star Snoop Dogg and Eminem began recording in a mobile studio. A comeback album entitled ''Not These Niggaz Again'' was planned<ref>O'Connor, Christopher. , ], December 7, 1999.</ref> (and would include DJ Yella, who had not been present on the tour).

However, due to busy and conflicting schedules as well as the obstacles of coordinating three different record labels (], ] and ]), obtaining the rights to the name N.W.A and endorsing the whole project to gain exclusive rights, the album never materialized.<ref>Moss, Corey. , ], April 25, 2002.</ref> Only two tracks from these sessions would be released: the aforementioned "]" (with Snoop Dogg as a member of N.W.A) from 2000's ] and "]" from Ice Cube's 2000 album '']''. Both songs would also appear on N.W.A's ] '']''. There would also be partial reunions on other projects, notably "Set It Off", from Snoop Dogg's '']'' (2000), which featured MC Ren and Ice Cube, and The D.O.C.'s "The Shit", from his 2003 album '']'', featuring MC Ren, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Six-Two. ] and ] were present in the studio for the latter song.

In addition to the ''Greatest Hits'' initially released by Priority in 1996, ] and Ruthless Records jointly released '']'' in 1998, a compilation that contained songs by other rap artists and only three songs from the actual group but various solo tracks from the five members. The success of the album prompted a second volume, '']'', two years later. It emulated the format of its predecessor, containing only three genuine N.W.A tracks and many solo efforts by the crew members. In 2007, a new greatest hits package was released, entitled '']''.

In 2014, Ice Cube appeared on MC Ren's remix for "]". This was the first time the duo had worked together since the N.W.A reunion in 2000.<ref>Tardio, Andres. , ], May 30, 2014.</ref>

On June 27, 2015, MC Ren and DJ Yella joined Ice Cube during his solo set as part of the BET Experience show at the ] in ]. This marked the first reunion performance of the group (minus Dr. Dre) in fifteen years. Following a 27-year hiatus, the group finally reunited with surviving members Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre and DJ Yella taking the stage during the second weekend of the ] in April 2016, just days following the group's Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame induction.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://radio.com/2016/04/24/nwa-reunites-at-coachella-with-ice-cube-dr-dre-dj-yella-mc-ren/ |title=N.W.A. Reunites at Coachella with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren « |website=Radio.com |date=2016-04-24 |accessdate=2016-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-ms-coachella-2016-l-dr-dre-joins-ice-cube-at-coachellas-second-weeke-1461473732-htmlstory.html |title=Dr. Dre joins Ice Cube for Coachella's second weekend |publisher=LA Times |date=2016-04-24 |accessdate=2016-09-04}}</ref>

==Members==
* ] <small>(1986–1988)</small>
* ] <small>(1986–1991)</small>
* ] <small>(1986–1991)</small>
* ] <small>(1986–1991)</small>
* ] <small>(1986–1989)</small>
* ] <small>(1988–1991)</small>
;Lineup chronology
{{N.W.A timeline}}

==Biopic==
{{main article|Straight Outta Compton (film)}}
] representatives announced to '']'s'' "Hollywood Insider Blog" that N.W.A's story was in development to become a feature film for theatrical release in 2012. However, it was delayed to sometime in 2014. The script was researched and written by filmmaker ] and radio veteran ], who worked closely with Eazy-E's widow, Tomica Woods-Wright.<ref name="ramos">Ramos, Mike ''Seattle Times''. September 5, 2015</ref> Ice Cube and Dr. Dre act as producers of the film. In September 2011, ]<ref name="Singleton to direct Straight Outta Compton Biopic">{{cite web|last=Green|first=Emily|url=http://la.guestofaguest.com/la-style/john-singleton-ice-cube-plan-nwa-biopic-straight-outta-compton/ |title=John Singleton & Ice Cube Plan N.W.A. Biopic "Straight Outta Compton" |publisher=Guest of a Guest |date=September 21, 2011 |accessdate=2012-04-11}}</ref> was selected as director. Ice Cube and Singleton previously collaborated on '']'', a movie that was nominated for an ], and Ice Cube also played the part of the character "Fudge" in Singleton's '']''. ]s began in the summer of 2010. There were rumors of ] playing his late father Eazy-E, and Ice Cube's son and fellow rapper ] playing his father as well. Ice Cube stated of the movie, "We're taking it to the nooks and crannies, I think deeper than any other article or documentary on the group," he said. "These are the intimate conversations that helped forge N.W.A. To me, I think it's interesting to anybody who loves that era and I don't know any other movie where you can mix Gangster Rap, the F.B.I., L.A. riots, HIV, and fucking feuding with each other. This movie has everything from Darryl Gates and the battering ram."<ref>Meara, Paul. . '']''. Cheri Media Group. 2014-02-22.</ref>

In August 2012, ] was selected as director rather than Singleton.<ref>Homie, Big. (2012-08-13) . Rap Radar. Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref> The film, named '']'', had been picked up by ] who hired Jonathan Herman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1003900/|title=Jonathan Herman|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref> in December 2013 to draft a new script and brought in ] to executive produce.<ref>. Vibe (2013-12-19). Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref><ref>. MTV.com (2014-01-08). Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref> On February 21, 2014, director F. Gary Gray announced a March 9, 2014 open casting call for the film via his ] account.<ref>. Blogs.indiewire.com. Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref> There were also open casting calls in ] and ].<ref>. Projectcasting.com. Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref><ref>. Articles.chicagotribune.com (2014-03-13). Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref> Rapper ] auditioned to play MC Ren in the film.<ref>. Rap Radar (2014-03-21). Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref> The project was scheduled to start filming in April 2014 but was pushed backed due to casting delays.<ref>. The Voice Online (2014-02-20). Retrieved on 2014-04-11.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/eazy-e-casting-in-nwa-movie-controversial/ |title=Straight Outta Casting Hell: A Refresher Course on the Possibly Reignited N.W.A Feud « |publisher=Grantland.com |date=2014-01-10 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sohh.com/2014/07/ice_cube_reveals_why_he_wouldnt_cast_lil.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=general-feed |title=Ice Cube Reveals Why He Wouldn't Cast Lil Eazy-E For N.W.A. Flick &#124; For The Best In Hip-Hop News |publisher=SOHH.com |date=2014-07-30 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref>

On June 18, 2014, Universal officially announced that the N.W.A biopic ''Straight Outta Compton'' would be released August 14, 2015. It was also confirmed that Ice Cube's son, O'Shea Jackson, Jr., would play a younger version of his father in the movie. O'Shea, Jr. joined ] and ] who will portray group members Eazy-E and Dr. Dre, respectively, in the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lee |first=Ashley |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/photo-nwa-biopic-straight-outta-712846 |title=] plays ] and ] portrays ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/nwa-biopic-straight-outta-compton-finds-its-mc-ren-and-dj-yella |title=NWA Biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Finds Its MC Ren and DJ Yella |publisher=Movieweb.com |date=2014-07-29 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Perlman |first=Jake |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/07/29/casting-net-nwa-biopic-straight-outta-compton-completes-casting/ |title=Casting Net: N.W.A biopic 'Straight Outta Compton' completes casting &#124; EW.com |publisher=Insidemovies.ew.com |date=2014-07-29 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref> In early July 2014, casting directors for the N.W.A biopic issued a casting call for extras and vintage cars in the ] area for scenes in the movie. According to the casting call release, the film began filming in August 2014 and was released a year later on August 14, 2015. The film received positive reviews and grossed over $200 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.projectcasting.com/casting-calls-and-auditions/nwa-biopic-straight-outta-compton-casting-call-for-cars-in-los-angeles/ |title=NWA Biopic "Straight Outta Compton" Casting Call for Cars in Los Angeles |publisher=Projectcasting.com |date=2014-07-08 |accessdate=2015-07-26}}</ref>

==Influence==
]
Although the group disbanded in 1991, they remain one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop groups, leaving a lasting legacy on hip hop music in the following decades. Their influence, from their funky, bass-driven beats to their exaggerated lyrics, was evident throughout the 1990s and even into the present, and is often credited as bridging the White/Black American musical lines with their massive appeal to White America in the late 1980s. In ]'s 1999 single "]" the line "Who you think brought you the O.G.s, ]s, ], and ]s, the ], and the group that said ]'?" outlines N.W.A's importance in hip hop. In the same song, ] pays homage to the group, rapping "So what do you say to somebody you hate or anyone tryna bring trouble your way, Wanna resolve things in a bloodier way, Then just study a tape of N.W.A" referring to the negative reception of N.W.A's works by the mainstream radio, which considered their songs to be violent.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. Dre – Forgot About Dre Lyrics|url=http://rapgenius.com/Dr-dre-forgot-about-dre-lyrics|publisher=]|accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> A scene in the music video for the 2005 single "]" by ] featuring ] shows ] and Zachary Williams (portraying a youthful Game & 50 Cent respectively) being caught ]ing "N.W.A" on a wall, resulting in their subsequent arrest by two policemen. ] also has a tattoo that says "N.W.A" on the right side of his chest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hip-Hop Smackdown: It's All a Game|url=http://www.playahata.com/pages/eyecalone/hiphopsmackdown.htm|publisher=Playahata.com|accessdate=16 October 2012}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main article|N.W.A discography}}
* '']'' (1988)
* '']'' (1991)

==See also==
{{Portal bar|Hip-hop|1980s|1990s}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{N.W.A|state=expanded}}
{{Ruthless Records}}
{{2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

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Revision as of 17:52, 13 October 2016

N.W.A: Ninja's Wit Ass

Category: