What Happened to Eazy E? Who is Eazy E?
by Kavitha
Updated Nov 28, 2023
Who was Eazy E?
Eazy-E, whose real name was Eric Lynn Wright, was an American rapper born on September 7, 1964, in Compton, California. He played a crucial role in popularizing West Coast rap and gangsta rap. Eazy-E was a key figure in the influential rap group N.W.A and the founder of Ruthless Records, the label that propelled their success.
Growing up in Compton, Eazy-E faced legal issues before establishing Ruthless Records in 1987. He initially embarked on a solo career and collaborated frequently with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Together, they formed N.W.A in the same year. The group released their debut studio album, "Straight Outta Compton," in 1988, which, despite its controversy, is now regarded as one of the greatest and most influential albums in the history of rap.
N.W.A's second and final studio album, "Niggaz4Life," came out in 1991, after which the group disbanded due to financial disputes. Eazy-E found himself in bitter rivalries with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, both of whom had pursued solo careers. Despite releasing two solo EPs, Eazy-E focused more on behind-the-scenes work. Notably, he signed and introduced the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to a national audience from 1993 to 1994.
Tragically, Eazy-E passed away on March 26, 1995, at the age of 30, due to complications related to HIV/AIDS. His contributions to the rap scene, especially through N.W.A, solidified his legacy, and he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap."
Full Name
Eric Lynn Wright
Stage Name
Eazy-E
Birth Date
September 7, 1964
Birth Place
Compton, California, U.S.
Death Date
March 26, 1995
Death Place
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Burial Place
Rose Hills Memorial Park
Occupations
Rapper, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
Spouse
Tomica Woods (married in 1995)
Children
11, including Lil Eazy-E
Genres
Hip Hop, Gangsta Rap
Years Active
1987–1995
Labels
Ruthless, Priority, Relativity, Epic
Notable Contributions
- Co-founder of N.W.A
- Founder of Ruthless Records
Death Cause
Complications from HIV/AIDS-related illness
What Happened to Eazy E?
Eazy-E, whose real name was Eric Wright, passed away on March 26, 1995, at the age of 31 due to AIDS-induced pneumonia. He publicly announced his HIV-positive status just days before his death at a Hollywood news conference, revealing that he had been diagnosed with the virus weeks earlier after being hospitalized with a severe cough.
The circumstances surrounding Eazy-E's death led to various conspiracy theories, including one suggesting that Suge Knight, a figure in the West Coast Hip Hop scene, may have been involved. The theory speculates that Eazy-E was injected with AIDS by Suge Knight, who had a reputation for using unconventional methods.
Despite the conspiracy theories and doubts raised by some close friends and family members, the official cause of Eazy-E's death was complications related to AIDS. The rapid deterioration of Eazy-E's health and his rivalry with Suge Knight, especially during a turbulent time in West Coast Hip Hop, fueled these speculations. However, there is no concrete evidence supporting the conspiracy theories surrounding Eazy-E's death.
Eazy E Career
Eazy-E had a significant musical career, especially as part of the pioneering rap group N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
N.W.A and Eazy-Duz-It (1986–1991):
N.W.A, often called "the world's most dangerous group," included members like Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, and MC Ren. In 1987, they released the compilation album "N.W.A. and the Posse," featuring earlier singles. Eazy-E's solo debut album, "Eazy-Duz-It," dropped in 1988 and is considered a key part of West Coast hip hop and gangsta rap. It sold over 2.5 million copies in the U.S. The album's success paved the way for N.W.A's groundbreaking and controversial album, "Straight Outta Compton."
After Ice Cube left N.W.A in 1989, the group continued as a four-piece, releasing albums like "100 Miles and Runnin'" (1990) and "Niggaz4Life" (1991). A feud erupted between N.W.A and Ice Cube, marked by diss tracks. Eazy-E performed on seven of the eighteen songs on "Niggaz4Life."
In 1991, Eazy-E attended a lunch benefiting the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle, showing support for President George H. W. Bush due to his role in the Gulf War.
End of N.W.A and Feud with Dr. Dre (1991–1994):
N.W.A faced internal issues after Jerry Heller became their manager. Dr. Dre, feeling mistreated, sought release from Ruthless Records, but Eazy-E refused. Suge Knight, sent by Dr. Dre, confronted Eazy-E, leading to Eazy's eventual release of Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. from Ruthless, effectively ending N.W.A.
In 1993, Eazy-E attended the trial related to the Rodney King beating, expressing controversial views that caused disputes within the hip-hop community.
The feud between Eazy-E and Dr. Dre continued, with Dr. Dre's album "The Chronic" containing disses aimed at Eazy. Eazy-E responded with the EP "It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa," featuring tracks like "Real Muthaphuckkin G's" and "It's On."
Eazy-E's musical journey showcased his role in shaping West Coast rap and gangsta rap, leaving a lasting impact on the hip-hop scene.
Eazy E Net Worth
Eazy-E, the influential rapper and founder of Ruthless Records, had a net worth of $8 million at his 1995 death, though reports suggest it might have peaked at $35 million during N.W.A's success. Born Eric Wright in 1963, he transitioned from selling drugs to a thriving career in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene. His debut solo album, "Eazy-Duz-It," and N.W.A's controversial "Straight Outta Compton" contributed to his financial success. However, mismanagement, lavish spending, and business disputes led to financial challenges. Eazy-E's mansion faced foreclosure nine months after his death. Despite these setbacks, his lasting impact on hip-hop, particularly with N.W.A, solidifies his place as a key figure in the genre's history.
Eazy E Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas, once known as Atban Klann, began their musical journey in 1992, signed to Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. After collaborating on Eazy-E's EP "5150: Home 4 Tha Sick," the group faced challenges, and their album 'Grass Roots' was shelved due to Eazy-E's death in 1995. Members apl.de.ap and Will 1X (later will.i.am) continued as Black Eyed Pods, later changing to Peas, adding Taboo. Moving to Interscope Records, their early albums, 'Behind the Front' and 'Bridging the Gap,' blended Afrocentric styles with R&B, neo-soul, and jazz. Despite critical acclaim, they faced commercial challenges.
The departure of Kim Hill and will.i.am's solo projects marked a shift. Fergie joined for "Elephunk," transforming their sound into pop, achieving commercial success but altering their original style. Over time, critical acclaim waned with more commercialized songs like "My Humps" and "I Gotta Feeling."
Fergie left in 2016, and BEP returned to hip-hop roots with 'Masters of the Sun Vol. 1' in 2018, featuring hip-hop legends. Their 2020 album, 'Translation,' explored Latin trap/pop. While versatile, BEP's evolving sound has led to both acclaim and confusion among fans.
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What Happened to Eazy E - FAQs
Eazy-E, born Eric Lynn Wright, was an influential American rapper and a key figure in the West Coast rap scene. He co-founded N.W.A and was the founder of Ruthless Records.
Eazy-E passed away on March 26, 1995, at the age of 31 due to complications related to AIDS-induced pneumonia.
At the time of his death, Eazy-E had a net worth of $8 million, although reports suggest it may have peaked at $35 million during N.W.A's success.
Eazy-E played a crucial role in N.W.A, co-founding the group and contributing to albums like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Niggaz4Life."
The Black Eyed Peas, initially Atban Klann, started under Eazy-E's Ruthless Records in 1992. Their collaboration on Eazy-E's EP marked the beginning of their musical journey.