Review Summary: Given the success of the newly released biopic of the same name, now's as good a time as any to revisit one of the most influential records to hit store shelves.
N.W.A. (N***az Wit Attitudes) will be forever remembered for their iconic and unprecedented hardcore hip hop that paved the way for some of the best rap and hip hop material to grace the airwaves in the 27 years that have succeeded this masterpiece. Deservedly ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the 83rd greatest artist of all time, this group's unparalleled and unapologetic work rides on the horns of the culmination of hard work from a plethora of gangster rap pioneers. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, MC Ren and the late Eazy-E racked their brains and the end result has garnered endless reappraisal and more recently a biopic named after this groundbreaking long-player.
The eponymous track kicks off this debut effort with the unforeseeable attitude that only this group could have manifested. Being a voice for the voiceless in Compton wasn't the only thing on their mind. This group set out on a mission to bring light to the frustrations that made L.A. youth feel condemned and helpless.
Fortunately, N.W.A. was able to be their voice, and it works in their benefit, as well. Seeing as the group became the genesis of the latter 20th century's hardcore hip hop. "F*** Tha Police" is another iconic track and you know why? It's unapologetic and extremely demonstrative in its oppression towards the powers that be.
Look at tracks like "Parental Discretion Iz Advised." This song embodies the heart of this record. Looking back on this album today, it sparked a lot of controversy and a lot of media debate. So, this track implies that if you don't like it, don't buy it or listen to it. Furthermore, this manifests a very true and rarely used mantra that sparks so much debacle when discussing modern music. There isn't a better way to put it - parental discretion is advised, you have been warned, listen at your own risk, and if you don't like it, don't listen to it. Simple as that, my friends.
N.W.A., like I said, they're not just this voice for the voiceless or this rebellious hip hop suit. They exemplify so much more than that. They encompass this old school group who sees fit to say what they want to say, how they want to say it, regardless of who disapproves. They were never worried about parents unions calling them offensive, or politically correct personnel deeming their music inappropriate. They came out to prove that the best messages are the ones that are heard and not messages that are kept under wraps.
The group as a whole is demonstrative and very candid on tracks like "Express Yourself." This unprecedented penchant for self-explanation is self evident. N.W.A. no doubt came into creating this record with a purpose, something modern hip hop fails to even come close to matching.
This supersonic middle finger to unorthodox authority in Compton pushed the envelope beyond its target conveyance. Quite contrary, "Straight Outta Compton" sinks its teeth into serious business, and this group will forever be recognized for the originality and unparalleled penchant it encompasses. In short, an instant classic.
