Eric “Eazy-E” Wright passed away on March 26, 1995 due to AIDS-related complications. Widely considered “The Godfather Of Gangsta Rap,” Eazy-E was co-founder of legendary rap group, N.W.A. Other members included Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince. He is also co-founder of Ruthless Records with Jerry Heller. He’s sold millions of records both as an N.W.A. member and a solo artist, but his truest legacy is perhaps best described by those closest to him.
HipHopDX spoke with Eazy-E’s best friend and longtime deejay, DJ Speed, Bone thugs-harmony’s Krayzie Bone (which signed to Ruthless in 1994). We also spoke with the iconic DJ Quik who grew up in Compton with Eazy, David Faustino who Eazy befriended through the historic Ballistiks nightclub, and Steve Lobel, Bone thugs’ manager. Rest in power, Eazy-E.
