Among the earliest and most significant figures of the gangsta rap subgenre, the group is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential acts in hip hop music. Active from to , [ 1 ] N. A endured controversy owing to their music's explicit lyrics, which many viewed as misogynistic or homophobic, as well as to its glorification of drugs and crime. In spite of this, they have sold over ten million units in the United States alone.
Drawing on its members' own experiences of racism and excessive policing , N. A made inherently political music. A's consistent criticisms of institutional racism within the American police significantly contributed to the political awareness and involvement of American youth against racism.
The original lineup, formed in early , [ 1 ] consisted of Arabian Prince , Dr. They released their first compilation album as a group in , called N. Dre later became Platinum -selling solo artists in their own right in the s. The group's debut album marked the beginning of the new gangsta rap era, as the production and social commentary in their lyrics were revolutionary within the genre.
A's second and final studio album, Niggaz4Life , was the first hardcore rap album to reach number one on the Billboard sales charts. A had a lasting impact on generations of hip-hop artists and, in the late '80s, played a crucial role in shaping rap as it evolved in the subsequent generations, both musically and lyrically. Moreover, the group was credited with being the first to open up rap to a white American audience, contributing to the rapid spread of rap within the American population in general, starting from the late s.
Rolling Stone ranked N. A at number 83 on its list of the " Greatest Artists of All Time". Eazy-E sought an introduction to Steve Yano. Although Yano initially rebuffed him, he was impressed by Eazy-E's persistence, and arranged a meeting with Dr. A consisted of Eazy-E and Dr. Together with fellow producer Arabian Prince , Ice Cube was added to the roster after he had started out as a rapper for the group C. Ruthless released the single " Panic Zone " in with Macola Records, which was later included on the compilation album N.
