Twenty years ago today (March 26), Eazy-E passed away at the age of 31 due to complications from his battle with AIDS.
Honoring the NWA co-founder and notorious talent scout with some memories of his life, HipHopDX spoke with DJ Quik, Krayzie Bone , and DJ Speed to remember Eazy.
“Eric used to come over my house dude in anything,” DJ Quik said in a clip that debuted as a part of today’s DX Daily. “Drive up in anything. Who does that? ’64 one day. 850 the next day. All the new fastest cars. Eric was the shit. What can I say, I’m one of the luckiest motherfuckers in the world to be able to say that Eric Wright was my friend.”
Krayzie Bone, who was signed by Eazy E to Ruthless Records as a part of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony in 1993, similarly recalled his former label-boss’ infatuation with cars.
“Man Eazy-E loved low riders period,” he said. “I remember when he first brought his out, I think we did like a photo shoot with him for the Source magazine. He was just into it.”
Former deejay for The D.O.C. and right-hand to Eazy-E, DJ Speed reflected on Eazy’s ear for talent.
“From what I heard Eric when he met [Bone Thugs], he said that’s like the fastest he’s ever signed anybody,” Speed said. “He signed them like pretty much immediately. He had a really good ear for knowing talent. He had will.i.am before anybody even knew what the hell a will.i.am is.”
Watch an extended clip honoring Eazy-E with additional interviews with Steve Lobel and David Faustino below.
can’t believe no-one commented on this. RIP to one of the innovators
Eazy E is DIRECTLY responsible for having anyone not from LA say “after we eat at Roscoes can you take me to Compton”
The Eazy E family tree of recording artist, comedians, and actors are unmatched. Just imagine no Eazy no Ice Cube no film called Friday. No Eazy E no Dr. Dre, no Snoop, Kurupt, & the Dogg Pound. NWA broke up & dismantled so what Eazy signed 5 thugs from Cleveland, and made another “NWA”.
That’s true. Good for pointing that out!!!
Hip hop pioneer indeed
This is the real definition of an entrepreneur, made something out of nothing.. what have you other scumbags done?
relax chump! regarless eazy-e one of realest to ever do it!
Damn. 20 years? That’s the theme right there, and a reminder how far I’ve come up in life. It was crazy hearing that Eazy E died at the time. I kind of remember thinking how celebrities, artists were gods, and when stuff like this happened, it shook my world like damn. Whenever anybody mentions West Coast, it’s only natural that Eazy E comes to mind (along with other Left Coast rappers/emcees), but he definitely stands out.