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NWA is Formed
Ice Cube and Dr. Dre united with Eazy-E (the co-founder of Ruthless Records) to create the NWA. Arabian Prince and DJ Yella were also original members of the NWA that joined in 1986. -
Release of "Panic Zone"
Panic Zone is NWA's debut single through Macola Records. The tape wasn't largely popular upon release but has since been certified gold by the RIAA. -
MC Ren joins NWA
NWA added another member to the crew, MC Ren. This year, their style of music also began shifting to a harsher sound with hard-hitting lyrics. -
"Straight Outta Compton" Released
[Straight Outta Compton]{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtNhOeRbyjM) is NWA's first studio album, produced and written by members of the crew. The album is revered for its lyrics that emphasize the reality of living as black men in an urban area, as well as how it characterized an entire era of gangsta rap. Notably, this is one of the first albums to come with a Parental Advisory warning label. Straight Outta Compton recently achieved Triple-Platinum on November 11, 2015. -
Release of "Eazy-Duz-It"
Eazy-Duz-It is the debut album of Eazy-E. Although this was a solo album, the NWA was involved in both the production and the lyrics. The album went double-platinum on September 1, 1992. -
FBI Warns NWA for Lyrics
Milt Ahlerich, an assistant director of the FBI, sent a warning letter to the NWA about their song "Fuck Tha Police," which encouraged "violence against and disrespect for the law enforcement officer." Additionally, policemen refused to offer security for the NWA's tour stops. The lyrics themselves were in protest against police brutality and racial profiling, and gained fame despite the lack of radio playtime. -
Police React to "Fuck tha Police" at Detroit Concert
Despite the FBI and police warnings, the NWA performed "Fuck tha Police" at their concert in Detroit. Although the movie changed events slightly, the true story was that police set off cherry bombs to spark chaos. The crew was ultimately fined for the performance. -
Ice Cube Leaves NWA
Ice Cube left the NWA at the end of 1989 due to royalty disputes. He wrote around 45% of Straight Outta Compton and felt that he wasn't being compensated fairly. Ice Cube quickly went on to release his debut EP, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, in 1990. -
Release of "100 Miles and Runnin'"
100 Miles and Runnin' is an EP released by the NWA following the departure of Ice Cube from the group. The EP includes lyrics dissing Ice Cube throughout. -
Release of "EFIL4ZAGGIN"
EFIL4ZAGGIN is the third and final studio album released by the NWA. This album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, then rose to #1 the following week. Dr. Dre's production work on this album is highly acclaimed, and this album also ushered in the G-Funk era. -
Ice Cube releases "Death Certificate"
Death Certificate is a studio album by Ice Cube made in response to the NWA's disses, as well as the mismanagement of Jerry Heller (the other cofounder of Ruthless Records). The state of Oregon declared any images of Ice Cube in retail stores illegal because of the album’s violent content. -
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Eazy-E and Dr. Dre Feud
Following Dr. Dre's departure from NWA, he and Eazy-E started a multi-year feud ranging a variety of tracks, including Fuck Wit Dre by Dr. Dre and It's On by Eazy-E -
Dr. Dre and D.O.C. Leave the NWA
These two members left the NWA to form their own record label, Death Row Records. Suge Knight had financial disagreements with Jerry Heller about the NWA's contracts, and convinced Dr. Dre to work on starting a new label. This signaled the end of the NWA as it was known. Death Row went on to produce smash hit albums, such as The Chronic, Doggystyle, Dogg Food, and All Eyez on Me. -
Eazy-E Dies of AIDS Complications
On March 16, Eazy-E checked himself into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, unknowing of the fact that he had AIDS. Within weeks, he was on his deathbed. In this time, Eazy-E made amends with Dr. Dre over the NWA situation and the ensuing disses. He also married his girlfriend before his death at age 31. -
Release of "Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton"
Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton is the second studio album, released posthumorously. The album was originally meant to contain 60 songs, but contained 14 at release.
