Straight Outta Compton
Encyclopedia
The lyrics on the album were mainly written by Ice Cube
and MC Ren
. Critics of the album expressed their view that the record glamorized Black-on-Black crime, but the emcees stated that the group was simply showing the reality of living in the areas of Compton, California
, and South Central Los Angeles. Allmusic's Steve Huey states that the lyrics are all about "raising hell" and also noted the album for its humor, which he says has been lost in modern lyricism.
Many critics feel that the albums' lyrics glamorize gang violence. The Washington Post
writer David Mills
wrote: "The hard-core street rappers defend their violent lyrics as a reflection of 'reality.' But for all the gunshots they mix into their music, rappers rarely try to dramatize that reality — a young man flat on the ground, a knot of lead in his chest, pleading as death slowly takes him in. It's easier for them to imagine themselves pulling the trigger". However, Wichita Eagle-Beacon editor Bud Norman noted that "They [N.W.A] don't make it sound like much fun... They describe it with the same nonjudgmental resignation that a Kansan might use about a tornado."
's production performing well with his instrumental
s and drum machine
beats, and DJ Yella
's turntable scratches and overall co-production seen as proficient by hip hop critics. Some critics find it somewhat sparse and low-budget given the significance of the album and compared with other producers of the time such as Marley Marl
.
", was partly responsible for the fame of N.W.A as the "World's Most Dangerous Group", and it did not appear on the censored version of the album. The song "Gangsta Gangsta" talks about the danger and violence in South Central
and Compton
. "Express Yourself" speaks of the ideas of free expression and the constraints placed on emceess by radio censorship. Every N.W.A member except DJ Yella
recorded a solo song. Dr. Dre
, who mostly produced rather than performed, did a solo effort in the single "Express Yourself." Ice Cube
performed on "I Ain't tha 1" and "A Bitch Iz a Bitch". MC Ren
made his solo performance in the songs "If It Ain't Ruff" and "Quiet on tha Set". Eazy-E
's only solo recording was a remix of the song "8 Ball," which appeared on N.W.A's previous album N.W.A and the Posse. The only guests on the album were Ruthless Records ghostwriter the D.O.C.
, who appeared on "Parental Discretion Iz Advised," rhyming
the intro, and founding N.W.A member Arabian Prince
, who contributed minor vocals on "Something 2 Dance 2."
Seven tracks from the album were released on N.W.A's Greatest Hits
: "Gangsta Gangsta", "Fuck tha Police
", "Straight Outta Compton
(extended mix)," "If It Ain't Ruff," "I Ain't tha 1," "Express Yourself," and a bonus track
from the remastered version, "A Bitch Iz a Bitch".
chart at number 37, and peaking on Billboard
s Top Soul LPs
at number nine. It re-entered the charts in 2003, peaking on the UK Albums Top 75 at number thirty-five, and on the Ireland Albums Top 75 at number twenty.
The album has sold over three million copies and was certified double Platinum
on March 27, 1992. It was N.W.A's best selling album, as their debut, N.W.A and the Posse, was certified Gold.
Their final album, Niggaz4Life, was certified platinum. According to Priority Records
' calculations, 80% of sales were in the suburbs, beyond the boundaries of black neighborhoods.
gave Straight Outta Compton three and a half out of four stars and praised its production. The Richmond Times-Dispatch
s Mark Holmberg described the album as "a preacher-provoking, mother-maddening, reality-stinks diatribe that wallows in gangs, doping, drive-by shootings, brutal sexism, cop slamming and racism". Newsweek
noted that Straight Outta Compton "introduced some of the most grotesquely exciting music ever made", and added that "Hinting at gang roots, and selling themselves on those hints, they project a gangster mystique that pays no attention where criminality begins and marketing lets off". Following its 2002 re-release, Jon Caramanica of Rolling Stone
magazine cited Straight Outta Compton as one of hip-hop's most crucial albums, calling it a "bombastic, cacophonous car ride through Los Angeles' burnt-out and ignored hoods."
, named Straight Outta Compton the 62nd greatest album of all time. It was ranked ten in Spin
magazine's "100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005". In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums. It is the group's only album on Rolling Stone
's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (ranked #144), and the first hip-hop album ever to get a 5-star rating from them in their initial review, and when comedian Chris Rock
wrote an article for the magazine about the 25 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of all time in 2005, Straight Outta Compton was number one on his list. The album is also ranked the 109th best album of all time by Acclaimedmusic.net. In 2006, the album was listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
. The same year, Time
magazine ranked it as one of the 100 greatest albums of all time. Q magazine voted it one of the 'Top 50 Titles Of 1989. Alternative Press (7/95, p. 88) ranked it #45 in AP's list of the 'Top 99 Of '85-'95'. Vibe (12/99, p. 164) included it in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century. In 2004, DigitaArts included the album's cover in its list of the 25 Best Albums Covers.
and DJ Yella
.
of songs from Straight Outta Compton.
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
and MC Ren
MC Ren
Lorenzo Jerald Patterson , better known by his stage name MC Ren, is a rapper who formed part of the group N.W.A. His moniker is derived from his first name .-Early life:...
. Critics of the album expressed their view that the record glamorized Black-on-Black crime, but the emcees stated that the group was simply showing the reality of living in the areas of Compton, California
Compton, California
Compton is a city in southern Los Angeles County, California, United States, southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The city of Compton is one of the oldest cities in the county and on May 11, 1888, was the eighth city to incorporate. The city is considered part of the South side by residents of Los...
, and South Central Los Angeles. Allmusic's Steve Huey states that the lyrics are all about "raising hell" and also noted the album for its humor, which he says has been lost in modern lyricism.
Many critics feel that the albums' lyrics glamorize gang violence. The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
writer David Mills
David Mills (writer)
David Eugene Mills was an American journalist, writer and producer of television programs. He was an executive producer and writer of the HBO miniseries The Corner, for which he won two Emmy Awards, and the creator, executive producer, and writer of the NBC miniseries Kingpin.-Early life:Mills was...
wrote: "The hard-core street rappers defend their violent lyrics as a reflection of 'reality.' But for all the gunshots they mix into their music, rappers rarely try to dramatize that reality — a young man flat on the ground, a knot of lead in his chest, pleading as death slowly takes him in. It's easier for them to imagine themselves pulling the trigger". However, Wichita Eagle-Beacon editor Bud Norman noted that "They [N.W.A] don't make it sound like much fun... They describe it with the same nonjudgmental resignation that a Kansan might use about a tornado."
Production
The production on the album was generally seen as top-quality for that point in time, with Dr. DreDr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
's production performing well with his instrumental
Instrumental
An instrumental is a musical composition or recording without lyrics or singing, although it might include some non-articulate vocal input; the music is primarily or exclusively produced by musical instruments....
s and drum machine
Drum machine
A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of drums or other percussion instruments. They are used in a variety of musical genres, not just purely electronic music...
beats, and DJ Yella
DJ Yella
DJ Yella is the stage name of Antoine Carraby , a DJ, drummer, music producer, film director and pornographer from Compton, California. He was a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru along with Dr. Dre. He later became a founding member of the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A...
's turntable scratches and overall co-production seen as proficient by hip hop critics. Some critics find it somewhat sparse and low-budget given the significance of the album and compared with other producers of the time such as Marley Marl
Marley Marl
Marlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
.
Content
The album's most controversial track, "Fuck tha PoliceFuck tha Police
"Fuck tha Police" is a protest song by the gangsta rap group N.W.A that appears on the album Straight Outta Compton. Despite not being a single, it ranked #425 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time....
", was partly responsible for the fame of N.W.A as the "World's Most Dangerous Group", and it did not appear on the censored version of the album. The song "Gangsta Gangsta" talks about the danger and violence in South Central
South Los Angeles
South Los Angeles, often abbreviated as South L.A. and formerly South Central Los Angeles, is the official name for a large geographic and cultural portion lying to the southwest and southeast of downtown Los Angeles, California. The area was formerly called South Central, and is still widely known...
and Compton
Compton, California
Compton is a city in southern Los Angeles County, California, United States, southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The city of Compton is one of the oldest cities in the county and on May 11, 1888, was the eighth city to incorporate. The city is considered part of the South side by residents of Los...
. "Express Yourself" speaks of the ideas of free expression and the constraints placed on emceess by radio censorship. Every N.W.A member except DJ Yella
DJ Yella
DJ Yella is the stage name of Antoine Carraby , a DJ, drummer, music producer, film director and pornographer from Compton, California. He was a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru along with Dr. Dre. He later became a founding member of the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A...
recorded a solo song. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, who mostly produced rather than performed, did a solo effort in the single "Express Yourself." Ice Cube
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
performed on "I Ain't tha 1" and "A Bitch Iz a Bitch". MC Ren
MC Ren
Lorenzo Jerald Patterson , better known by his stage name MC Ren, is a rapper who formed part of the group N.W.A. His moniker is derived from his first name .-Early life:...
made his solo performance in the songs "If It Ain't Ruff" and "Quiet on tha Set". Eazy-E
Eazy-E
Eric Lynn Wright , better known by his stage name Eazy-E, was an American rapper who performed solo and in the hip hop group N.W.A. Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright in Compton, California...
's only solo recording was a remix of the song "8 Ball," which appeared on N.W.A's previous album N.W.A and the Posse. The only guests on the album were Ruthless Records ghostwriter the D.O.C.
The D.O.C.
Tracy Lynn Curry , primarily known by his stage name The D.O.C., is an American rapper from Dallas, Texas. In addition to a solo career, he was a member of the hip hop group Fila Fresh Crew, and a creative force behind the gangsta rap group N.W.A, where he co-wrote many of their releases. He has...
, who appeared on "Parental Discretion Iz Advised," rhyming
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
the intro, and founding N.W.A member Arabian Prince
Arabian Prince
Arabian Prince is the stage name of Mik Lezan , a rapper and hip hop producer, best known for being an original member of the rap group, N.W.A.-Biography:...
, who contributed minor vocals on "Something 2 Dance 2."
Seven tracks from the album were released on N.W.A's Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits (N.W.A)
N.W.A's Greatest Hits is a greatest hits album originally released on July 2, 1996. The re-released version contains two bonus tracks by the reunited group. The track "Chin Check" was recorded by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren and Snoop Dogg under the N.W.A name for the soundtrack of Next Friday...
: "Gangsta Gangsta", "Fuck tha Police
Fuck tha Police
"Fuck tha Police" is a protest song by the gangsta rap group N.W.A that appears on the album Straight Outta Compton. Despite not being a single, it ranked #425 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time....
", "Straight Outta Compton
Straight Outta Compton (song)
"Straight Outta Compton" is the lead single from N.W.A's second album with the same name. It was released in 1988. It also appears on N.W.A's Greatest Hits with an extended mix and The Best of N.W.A. It was voted number 19 on About.com's Top 100 Rap Songs, and is ranked number 6 on VH1's 100...
(extended mix)," "If It Ain't Ruff," "I Ain't tha 1," "Express Yourself," and a bonus track
Bonus track
In terms of recorded music, a bonus track is a piece of music which has been included on specific releases or reissues of an album. This is most often done as a promotional device, either as an incentive to customers to purchase albums they might otherwise not, or to repurchase albums they already...
from the remastered version, "A Bitch Iz a Bitch".
Commercial performance
The album first appeared on music charts in 1989, peaking on the US Billboard Top LPsBillboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
chart at number 37, and peaking on Billboard
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
s Top Soul LPs
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
at number nine. It re-entered the charts in 2003, peaking on the UK Albums Top 75 at number thirty-five, and on the Ireland Albums Top 75 at number twenty.
The album has sold over three million copies and was certified double Platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
on March 27, 1992. It was N.W.A's best selling album, as their debut, N.W.A and the Posse, was certified Gold.
Their final album, Niggaz4Life, was certified platinum. According to Priority Records
Priority Records
Priority Records is an American record label, owned and operated by EMI, which has made a name for itself dealing primarily in hip hop, pop and world...
' calculations, 80% of sales were in the suburbs, beyond the boundaries of black neighborhoods.
Critical response
Upon its release, the album was generally well received by most music critics. Greg Kot of the Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, and the flagship publication of the Tribune Company. Formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper" , it remains the most read daily newspaper of the Chicago metropolitan area and the Great Lakes region and is...
gave Straight Outta Compton three and a half out of four stars and praised its production. The Richmond Times-Dispatch
Richmond Times-Dispatch
The Richmond Times-Dispatch is the primary daily newspaper in Richmond the capital of Virginia, United States, and is commonly considered the "newspaper of record" for events occurring in much of the state...
s Mark Holmberg described the album as "a preacher-provoking, mother-maddening, reality-stinks diatribe that wallows in gangs, doping, drive-by shootings, brutal sexism, cop slamming and racism". Newsweek
Newsweek
Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...
noted that Straight Outta Compton "introduced some of the most grotesquely exciting music ever made", and added that "Hinting at gang roots, and selling themselves on those hints, they project a gangster mystique that pays no attention where criminality begins and marketing lets off". Following its 2002 re-release, Jon Caramanica of Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
magazine cited Straight Outta Compton as one of hip-hop's most crucial albums, calling it a "bombastic, cacophonous car ride through Los Angeles' burnt-out and ignored hoods."
Accolades
In 2003, the TV network, VH1VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
, named Straight Outta Compton the 62nd greatest album of all time. It was ranked ten in Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
magazine's "100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005". In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums. It is the group's only album on Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (ranked #144), and the first hip-hop album ever to get a 5-star rating from them in their initial review, and when comedian Chris Rock
Chris Rock
Christopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central...
wrote an article for the magazine about the 25 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of all time in 2005, Straight Outta Compton was number one on his list. The album is also ranked the 109th best album of all time by Acclaimedmusic.net. In 2006, the album was listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die is a musical reference book edited by Robert Dimery, first published in 2005. The most recent edition consists of a list of albums released between 1955 and 2010, part of a series from Quintessence Editions Ltd...
. The same year, Time
Time (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
magazine ranked it as one of the 100 greatest albums of all time. Q magazine voted it one of the 'Top 50 Titles Of 1989. Alternative Press (7/95, p. 88) ranked it #45 in AP's list of the 'Top 99 Of '85-'95'. Vibe (12/99, p. 164) included it in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century. In 2004, DigitaArts included the album's cover in its list of the 25 Best Albums Covers.
Track listing
All songs were produced by Dr. DreDr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
and DJ Yella
DJ Yella
DJ Yella is the stage name of Antoine Carraby , a DJ, drummer, music producer, film director and pornographer from Compton, California. He was a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru along with Dr. Dre. He later became a founding member of the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A...
.
Sample credits
- "Straight Outta Compton" samples:
- "Funky Drummer" by James BrownJames BrownJames Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
- "You'll Like It Too" by FunkadelicFunkadelicFunkadelic was an American band most prominent during the 1970s. The band and its sister act Parliament, both led by George Clinton, began the funk music culture of that decade.-History:...
- "West Coast Poplock" by Ronnie Hudson and the Street People
- "Get Me Back on Time, Engine No. 9" by Wilson PickettWilson PickettWilson Pickett was an American R&B/Soul singer and songwriter.A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett recorded over 50 songs which made the US R&B charts, and frequently crossed over to the US Billboard Hot 100...
- "Amen, BrotherAmen breakThe Amen break is a brief drum solo performed in 1969 by Gregory Cylvester "G. C." Coleman in the song "Amen, Brother" performed by the 1960s funk and soul outfit The Winstons...
" by The WinstonsThe WinstonsThe Winstons were a 1960s funk and soul music group, based in Washington, D.C.. They are known for their 1969 recording of an EP featuring a song entitled "Color Him Father" on the A-side, and a song entitled "Amen, Brother" on the B-side. Half-way into "Amen, Brother", there is a drum solo The... - "One for the Treble" by Davy DMXDavy DMXDavy DMX is the stage name of David Reeves, a figure in hip-hop music. His career began in his hometown of Queens, New York as a DJ in the late 1970s. He is mostly known for his popular single "One for the Treble" released in 1984...
- "Funky Drummer" by James Brown
- "Fuck tha Police" samples:
- "Funky PresidentFunky President"Funky President " is a funk song by James Brown. Released as a single in 1974, it charted #4 R&B. It also appeared on the album Reality. According to Brown the "funky president" of the song's title was meant to refer to U.S...
" by James BrownJames BrownJames Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr... - "It's My Thing" by Marva WhitneyMarva WhitneyMarva Whitney is an African American funk singer. She is considered by many funk enthusiasts to be one of the "rawest" and "brassiest" music divas....
- "Boogie Back" by Roy AyersRoy AyersRoy Ayers is an American funk, soul, and jazz composer and vibraphone player. Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk .- Biography :Ayers...
- "Feel Good" by FancyFancy (band)Fancy were an early-mid 1970s pop group. The band was made up of session musicians produced by Mike Hurst. They had a surprise U.S. hit single in 1974 with a version of the classic "Wild Thing" and a second U.S. hit with "Touch Me" . They were initially fronted by Penthouse Pet Helen Caunt and...
- "Funky DrummerFunky drummer"Funky Drummer" is a funk song recorded by James Brown and his band. The recording's drum break, performed by drummer Clyde Stubblefield, is one of the most frequently sampled rhythmic breaks in hip hop and popular music; indeed, it lays a strong claim to being the most sampled recording ever,...
" by James Brown - "Ruthless Villain" by Eazy-E
- "Be Thankful for What You GotBe Thankful for What You Got (song)"Be Thankful for What You Got" is a soul song written and first performed by William DeVaughn.-History:DeVaughn wrote "A Cadillac Don't Come Easy" eventually re-written to become "Be Thankful for What You Got" in 1972, and spent $900 toward its development to Omega Sound [A Philadelphia Production...
" by William DeVaughnWilliam DeVaughnWilliam DeVaughn is an American R&B singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known for the hit song "Be Thankful for What You Got".-Biography:...
- "Funky President
- "Gangsta Gangsta" samples:
- "Weak at the Knees" by Steve ArringtonSteve ArringtonSteve Arrington , is an American singer, songwriter, drummer, record producer, engineer and minister, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio.-Biography:...
- "Troglodyte" by Jimmy Castor Bunch
- "Be Thankful for What You Got" by William Devaughn
- "Impeach the President" by The Honey DrippersThe Honey DrippersThe Honey Drippers might refer to*The Honeydrippers, 1980s British-American rock band.*The Honey Drippers , a 1960s and 1970s soul band that had the hit "Impeach the President."...
- "N.T." by Kool & the GangKool & the GangKool & the Gang are an American jazz, R&B, soul, and funk group, originally formed as the Jazziacs in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964.They went through several musical phases during the course of their recording career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, then becoming practitioners of R&B and...
- "Funky Worm" by Ohio PlayersOhio PlayersThe Ohio Players were an American funk and R&B band, most popular in the 1970s. They are best known for their double #1 hit songs "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster".- Biography :...
- "Prison" by Richard PryorRichard PryorRichard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social critic, writer and MC. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed colorful vulgarities, and profanity, as well as racial epithets...
- "My Philosophy" by Boogie Down ProductionsBoogie Down ProductionsBoogie Down Productions was a hip hop group that was originally composed of KRS-One, D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock. DJ Scott La Rock was murdered on August 27, 1987, months after the release of BDP's debut album, Criminal Minded. The name of the group, Boogie Down, derives from a nickname for the...
(KRS-OneKRS-OneLawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper...
) - "La Di Da DiLa Di Da Di"La Di Da Di" is a rap song performed by Doug E. Fresh the beatboxer, and MC Ricky D as the rapper. It was originally released in 1985 as the B-side to "The Show". The song has since gained a reputation as an early hip hop classic, having been referenced in other hip hop songs.There are two...
" by Doug E. FreshDoug E. FreshDouglas E. Davis , better known by the stage name Doug E. Fresh, is an American rapper, record producer, and beat boxer, also known as the Human Beat Box...
and Slick RickSlick RickRichard Walters , better known by his stage name Slick Rick is a Grammy-nominated English-American rapper... - "Girls" by Beastie BoysBeastie BoysBeastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
- "Ruthless Villain" by Eazy-E
- "Weak at the Knees" by Steve Arrington
- "If It Ain't Ruff" samples:
- "A Star in the Ghetto" by Average White Band
- "Quiet on tha Set" by N.W.A
- "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A
- "Ruthless Villain" by Eazy-E
- "Don't Believe the HypeDon't Believe the Hype"Don't Believe the Hype" is the second single of Public Enemy's second album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. The song's lyrics are mostly about the political issues that were current in the U.S. at the time of its release. "Don't Believe the Hype" charted at number 18 on the U.S....
" by Public Enemy
- "Parental Discretion Iz Advised" samples "I Turned You On" by The Isley BrothersThe Isley BrothersThe Isley Brothers are a highly influential, successful and long-running American music group consisting of different line-ups of six brothers, and a brother-in-law, Chris Jasper...
- "8 Ball" samples:
- "It's My Beat" by Sweet TeaSweet teaSweet tea is a style of iced tea commonly consumed in the Southern United States. Sweet tea is made by adding sugar to bags of black tea brewing in hot water while the mixture is still hot, which allows for supersaturation of the solution, enabling the tea to hold more dissolved sweetener than...
- "Be Thankful for What You Got" by William Devaughn
- "Yes, We Can Can" by Pointer SistersPointer SistersThe Pointer Sisters are an American pop/R&B recording act from Oakland, California that achieved mainstream success during the 1970s and 1980s. Spanning over three decades, their repertoire has included such diverse genres as pop, disco, jazz, bebop, blues, soul, funk, dance, country and rock.The...
- "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)", "The New Style", "Girls", "Paul Revere",and "Hold It, Now Hit ItHold It, Now Hit It"Hold It, Now Hit It" is a song by American hip hop group, the Beastie Boys, released as the firstsingle from their debut album Licensed to Ill...
" by Beastie Boys - "Terminator X Speaks With His Hands" by Public Enemy
- "Too Much Posse" by Public Enemy
- "Hollywood SwingingHollywood Swinging"Hollywood Swinging" is a song by R&B/funk band Kool & the Gang from their album Wild and Peaceful. The song became their first number one R&B single, reaching that position in June, 1974. It proved to also be a successful crossover hit, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart....
" by Kool & the Gang - "Let's Get It OnLet's Get It OnLet's Get It On is the twelfth studio album by American soul musician Marvin Gaye, released August 28, 1973, on Tamla Records. Recording sessions for the album took place during June 1970 to July 1973 at Hitsville U.S.A. and Golden World Studio in Detroit, and at Hitsville West in Los Angeles...
" by Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range.... - "Go See the Doctor" by Kool Moe DeeKool Moe DeeMohandas Dewese , better known as Kool Moe Dee, is an American Hip Hop MC prominent in the late 1970s through the early 1990s. He was born in Manhattan, New York...
- "Boyz-n-the-Hood" by Eazy-E
- "My Melody" by Eric B. & RakimEric B. & RakimEric B. & Rakim were a hip-hop duo composed of DJ Eric Barrier and MC Rakim .Hailing from Long Island, New York, the pair are generally considered by hip hop enthusiasts to be one of the most influential and innovative groups in the genre...
- "It's My Beat" by Sweet Tea
- "Something Like That" samples:
- "Down on the Avenue" by Fat Larry's BandFat Larry's BandFat Larry's Band was an American R&B/funk band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who enjoyed some commercial success in the early 1980s.-Career:...
- "Take the Money and Run" by Steve Miller BandSteve Miller BandThe Steve Miller Band is an American rock band formed in 1967 in San Francisco, California. The band is managed by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals, and is known for a string of mid-1970s hit singles that are staples of the classic rock radio format.-History:In 1965, Steve Miller and...
- "I Think I'd Do It" by Z. Z. Hill
- "Down on the Avenue" by Fat Larry's Band
- "Express Yourself" samples:
- "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm BandCharles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm BandCharles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a pioneering American soul and funk band. Formed in the early 1960s, they had the most visibility from 1967 to 1973 when the band had 9 singles reach Billboard's pop and/or rhythm and blues Hot 100 lists, such as "Do Your Thing" , "Till You Get...
- "Dopeman" by N.W.A
- "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
- "Compton's in the House" samples "Something Like That" by N.W.A
- "I Ain't tha 1" samples "The Message (Inspiration)" by Brass ConstructionBrass ConstructionBrass Construction was an American funk group formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1968. They were originally known as Dynamic Soul, and went on to record a string of hit singles and albums through to 1985.-Career:...
- "Dopeman" samples:
- "Dance to the Drummer's Beat" by Herman Kelly & Life
- "Funky Worm" by Ohio Players
- "My Posse" by C.I.AC.I.A. (group)C.I.A. was a hip hop group, which consisted of K-Dee, Sir Jinx and Ice Cube.The group began playing at parties organized by Dr. Dre, a member of a popular local hip-hop group called World Class Wreckin' Cru. C.I.A. was credited for backing vocals on the WCWC song "Cabbage Patch". Ice Cube and Dr....
- "Quiet on the Set" samples:
- "Funky Drummer" by James Brown
- "I Get Lifted" by George McCraeGeorge McCraeGeorge McCrae is an American soul and disco singer, most famous for his 1974 hit "Rock Your Baby".-Early life and career:...
- "Rock Creek Park" by The BlackbyrdsThe BlackbyrdsThe Blackbyrds were an American rhythm and blues and jazz-funk fusion group, formed in Washington, D.C. in 1973.-History:The group was inspired by trumpeter Donald Byrd and featured some of his Howard University students: Kevin Toney , Keith Killgo , Joe Hall , Allan C. Barnes , and Barney Perry...
- "Take the Money and Run" by Steve Miller Band
- "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A
- "On the Bugged Tip" by Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
- "Rebel Without a Pause" by Public Enemy
- "Something 2 Dance 2" samples:
- "You're the One for Me" by D-Train
- "Dance to the Music" by Sly & the Family StoneSly & the Family StoneSly and the Family Stone were an American rock, funk, and soul band from San Francisco, California. Active from 1966 to 1983, the band was pivotal in the development of soul, funk, and psychedelic music...
- "A Bitch Iz a Bitch" samples "Papa Was Too" by Joe Tex
Personnel
- Artwork: Helane Freeman
- Engineer: Donovan Sound
- Executive Producer: Eric Wright (Eazy-EEazy-EEric Lynn Wright , better known by his stage name Eazy-E, was an American rapper who performed solo and in the hip hop group N.W.A. Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright in Compton, California...
) - Mastered by: Big Bass Brian
- Photography: Eric Poppleton
- Producers: Dr. DreDr. DreAndre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, DJ YellaDJ YellaDJ Yella is the stage name of Antoine Carraby , a DJ, drummer, music producer, film director and pornographer from Compton, California. He was a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru along with Dr. Dre. He later became a founding member of the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A...
Chart history
| Charts | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Top LPs Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
37 |
| US Billboard Top Soul LPs Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
9 |
| Ireland Albums Top 75 | 20 |
| UK Albums Top 75 | 35 |
Sample use
SamplingSampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
of songs from Straight Outta Compton.
- "Straight Outta Compton"
- "Murder Rap" by Above the LawAbove the LawAbove the Law may refer to:*legibus solutus, doctrine of Roman Law*Above the Law , a law blog*Righting Wrongs, a 1986 Hong Kong film titled "Above the Law" for international release...
from the album Livin' Like HustlersLivin' Like HustlersLivin' Like Hustlers is the debut album by the rap group Above the Law, released in 1990. Dr. Dre produced two tracks, "Murder Rap" and "The Last Song"... - "Murder Rap" by Insane Clown PosseInsane Clown PosseInsane Clown Posse is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan. The group is composed of Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler, who perform under the respective personas of the "wicked clowns" Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore...
from the album The Wraith: Shangri-LaThe Wraith: Shangri-LaThe Wraith: Shangri-La is the eighth studio album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on November 5, 2002, by Psychopathic Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in 2002 at multiple recording studios throughout the United States. The album is the first of two... - "Crooked Ass Nigga" by 2Pac from the album 2Pacalypse Now2Pacalypse Now- Unused Tracks :* "Crooked Nigga Too" * "Tears Of A Clown" * "Scared Straight '91"...
- "Straight Outta Southside" by G-UnitG-UnitG-Unit is an American hip hop group originating from New York City formed by 50 Cents. G-Unit emerged on the New York scene by independently releasing several mix tapes...
from the album T.O.S: Terminate on SightT.O.S: Terminate on SightT.O.S: Terminate on Sight is the second studio album by rap group G-Unit. It was the group's first album in five years since their previous album, Beg for Mercy. The title of the album was originally announced to be Shoot to Kill and then Lock & Load, with the eventual name being Terminate on Sight... - "D'You Know What I Mean?D'You Know What I Mean?"D'You Know What I Mean?" is a song by the English rock band Oasis. Written by Noel Gallagher, it was released as the first single from their third album Be Here Now. It reached number one in the UK Singles Chart, the third Oasis song to do so. It sold 162,000 copies in its first day in the shops...
" by OasisOasis (band)Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
from the album "Be Here Now" - "Scarface" by Geto BoysGeto BoysGeto Boys is a rap group from Houston, Texas, consisting of Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill. The Geto Boys earned notoriety for its lyrics which included misogyny, gore, psychotic experiences, and necrophilia...
from the album "Grip It! On That Other LevelGrip It! On That Other LevelGrip It! On That Other Level is the second album by Houston hip hop group the Geto Boys, then known as the Ghetto Boys. Following the disappointing results of the group's first album, Making Trouble, Rap-A-Lot Records replaced original rapping members, Sire Jukebox and Prince Johnny with Scarface ...
"
- "Murder Rap" by Above the Law
- "Fuck the Police"
- "Crooked Ass Nigga" by 2Pac from the album 2Pacalypse Now2Pacalypse Now- Unused Tracks :* "Crooked Nigga Too" * "Tears Of A Clown" * "Scared Straight '91"...
- "Crooked Ass Nigga" by 2Pac from the album 2Pacalypse Now
- "Gangsta Gangsta"
- "Crooked Ass Nigga" by 2Pac from the album 2Pacalypse Now2Pacalypse Now- Unused Tracks :* "Crooked Nigga Too" * "Tears Of A Clown" * "Scared Straight '91"...
- "Bury Me Alive" by TwiztidTwiztidTwiztid is an American hip hop duo from Warren, Michigan. The group is composed of Jamie Spaniolo and Paul Methric, who perform under the respective personas of Jamie Madrox and Monoxide Child...
from the album MostastelessMostastelessMostasteless is the first album by Twiztid. Released on November 25, 1997, it was the first album on Psychopathic Records by an artist other than the label's founders, Insane Clown Posse, although an extended play by Project Born had previously been released on the label... - "Funky Worm" by Ohio PlayersOhio PlayersThe Ohio Players were an American funk and R&B band, most popular in the 1970s. They are best known for their double #1 hit songs "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster".- Biography :...
from the album PleasurePleasurePleasure describes the broad class of mental states that humans and other animals experience as positive, enjoyable, or worth seeking. It includes more specific mental states such as happiness, entertainment, enjoyment, ecstasy, and euphoria...
- "Crooked Ass Nigga" by 2Pac from the album 2Pacalypse Now
- "A Bitch is a Bitch"
- "Bitches & Sisters" by Jay-ZJay-ZShawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
from the album The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse - "Da Bichez" by Jeru the DamajaJeru the DamajaKendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja is an American rapper and recording artist who has worked extensively with Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr, whom he has known since high school.-Biography:...
from the album The Sun Rises in the EastThe Sun Rises in the EastThe Sun Rises in the East is the debut album of American hip hop rapper Jeru the Damaja, released May 24, 1994 on PayDay Records. Production on the album was handled by legendary hip hop producer DJ Premier. The album features fellow Gang Starr Foundation member Afu-Ra...
- "Bitches & Sisters" by Jay-Z
External links
- Straight Outta Compton at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...
- Accolades: Straight Outta Compton at Acclaimed Music
- Album Review at BBC Music
- Album Review at Drowned in SoundDrowned in SoundDrownedinSound.com or DiS is a UK based music webzine financed by artist management company Silentway . The site is an editorially independent music website.-History:...
- Outlaw Rock: Straight Outta Compton at The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...