Born September 7, 1963, Eric "Eazy-E" Wright's early reputation on the streets of Compton, California, was a hustler anxious to apply his street knowledge to a legitimate game. He dropped out of high school in the 10th grade but refused to allow that to impede his success.

  In the late 80's he turned to Rap music, and along with Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and M.C. Ren established the most commercially successful and controversial Rap group in the genre's history. As N.W.A. (Niggaz With Attitude), they blasted police brutality and challenged the establishment, eventually taking their message of inner-city struggle to millions of fans worldwide.

  As a soloist, Eazy's career was even more incredible. He launched Comptontown/Ruthless Records in 1987 and by 1998 had two hit acts--JJ. Fad ("Supersonic") and Michel'le (Something In My Heart", "No More Lies"). During the summer of the same year N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton LP frightened mass media into labeling the group "gangstas". A label the group wore and exploited with such defiance that by the time Eazy released his solo project Eazy-Duz-It that fall, the stage of musical funk and lyrical fight had long been set.

  "Boyz -N-The Hood", "We Want Eazy", "Eazy-Duz-It". His voice fueled a legion of hits. In the early 90's, he joined other West Coast rappers, including M.C. Hammer, Tone-Loc, Young MC and Ice T in a stop the violence campaign fueled by the single "We're All In The Same Gang". Flanked by N.W.A. Eazy broke down the doors of mass exposure previously closed to all forms of rap music.

  Attempts to rock the young mogul's foundation were generally fruitless. Arrests for performing N.W.A.'s biggest hit "Fuck The Police", and other attempts at censorship in 1989 only fueled N.W.A. and Eazy's success. By the time the group released it's last album, EFIL4ZAGGIN, in 1991, they had sold more than 6 million records. That doesn't include the multi-platinum solo projects eventually released by Dre, Cube, and Eazy.

  As a businessman, Eazy built a solid commodity with his Ruthless Records label. Among his singings: Above The Law ("Black Superman"), Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony ("Thuggish Ruggish Bone", "Foe The Love Of $", "First Of Tha Month"), D.O.C., Gangsta Bitch Mentality, Hoes With Attitude, Kokane and Menajahtwa. His ability to promote and market these acts was the strength of his persona, which he was marketing by 1994 as host of the "Ruthless Radio Show" (KKBT FM/Los Angeles). As an on air personality Eazy gave audiences access to his acts, vibed with his fans, and raised his own stakes as a music pioneer.

  Few knew the man behind the scenes. His charitable nature benefited such organizations as Athletes And Entertainers For Kids , The City Of Hope, United Colors and Make A Wish Foundation. Some of these donations lived through his anonymity, other took on a life of their own.

  By the time he was 30, Eazy had survived a swirl of controversy. His "We Want Eazy" lyrics had come to life with everything from his age to his political allegiance coming under scrutiny, but he continued to sell records to his million-plus fan base. Even a conspiracy to assassinate him (uncovered by the usually antagonistic FBI), left Eazy nonplused, with only an even stronger desire to reunite an record with the original members of N.W.A. Unfortunately, part of that goal wasn't realized.

  Eric Wright died Sunday, March 26 1995, in Los Angeles from complications from AIDS. With only his family at his bedside, he released a statement a week before announcing he had full blown AIDS and warning other's against the dangers of having multiple sex partners. Yet another message to his always loyal fans.

  Month's later, on a weekend marking what would have been his 32nd birthday, KKBT/The Beat forewent it's regular Saturday and Sunday night programming in order to broadcast a two-hour special on the life and times of one of hip-hop's most influential figures. Once again, Eazy's voice came to life, as ti always had on record, and as it will to those who remember the legacy of a man who refused to be broken.