NWA Remastered
Album: Straight Outta Compton
Release Date: September 24, 2002
Label: Priority Records

Customer Review:
"Straight Outta Compton" created a revolution in gangsta rap; influencing countless acts to follow in their footsteps. It’s a common misconception to think that this was the first gangsta rap album ever. The album was originally released in 1988. Shocking narratives of ghetto street life were in full effect at this time, originally brought forth by Ice-T, and Schoolly D in 1987. But "Straight Outta Compton" is arguably the best when it comes down to history in the making. The stories held within are frightening, and riveting; thought provoking and unapologetic. Main members, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube (founder), MC Ren and Eazy-E, paint a vivid picture of L.A.’s rough and tough Compton ghetto. You really feel the empathy of the life that they live through their brutally honest delivery of pain, anger and the need to be heard. The lyrical content provides powerful images of poverty, guns, violence, police, bi***es and the overall mindset of living in the ghetto.

The record sounds insanely fresh and perfect; which is quite a feat, since production value in hip-hop has come a long way since 1988. The beats sound funky, innovative and most importantly, they serve as a winning template for their engrossing lyrical flows. Although you wouldn’t know it by the tones in their voices, their is a fair amount of comic relief to balance out the record. A lot of these same things can be said about other classic gangsta rap albums, but this one clearly broke the mold, reaching kids in the middle of suburbia.

There is a large amount of shock value involved, especially for pre-teen white kids. If only on tape or CD, this album was the introduction of these frightening concepts to many of these kids. From beginning to end, these guys show you just where they come from, right down to the philosophy of every day life. There would be several wannabe MCs to follow, but none of them possessed a fraction of the skill held by the likes of Ice-T or N.W.A. In fact, this record runs a lot like the early hardcore rap style of Public Enemy (without their message). Ice Cube left the group in late 1989 to pursue his solo career. Dr. Dre left the group in 1992, after their last album "Niggaz4life", to pursue his soon to be legendary solo career, and record label, Death Row Records.

If you listen to rap music, you were in some way influenced by this album. "Straight Outta Compton" may be their seminal work from the late 1980s; but the presence of N.W.A. was captured throughout the 90s; since Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Eazy-E, and The D.O.C. all had successful solo careers, based on of the success of this stunning masterpiece. Comparatively, they’re a lot like the Beatles, as far as rap music is concerned. "Straight Outta Compton" is a raw, beautifully crafted, unprecedented masterpiece. Parental Discretion Iz Advised.

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