November 22, 1988
The release of Eazy-E's debut album, Eazy-Duz-It, was a historic moment not just for Ruthless Records, but for the entire West Coast hip-hop scene. The streets of Compton were buzzing with excitement, and radio stations across the country began spinning tracks from the album. It was a culmination of months of anticipation, and the energy was palpable. Posters of the album were everywhere, from the walls of record stores to billboards towering over the highways. Fans had waited for this moment, and they weren't disappointed.
Ruthless Records, the independent label founded by Eazy-E himself, had gone all in for the album's release. Massive promotional efforts were put into motion—TV commercials, radio ads, and even guerrilla marketing in the heart of Los Angeles. The industry knew that Eazy-Duz-It was something special, but no one could have predicted just how much of an impact it would have on the hip-hop world.
By the end of its first day, reports began flooding in from across the country. Eazy-Duz-It had sold an astounding 38,000 copies—a figure that was nearly unheard of for a debut album released by an independent label. Fans in Los Angeles, Compton, New York, and beyond eagerly lined up outside record stores to grab a copy. The lines were long, and the excitement was undeniable.
The success of the first day's sales was largely driven by the huge popularity of the singles, "Boyz-n-the-Hood" and "We Want Eazy." These two tracks had already received major airplay on urban radio stations and had begun to make waves on the Billboard charts. Ruthless Records had pulled out all the stops for promotion, and it was clearly paying off. Fans from across the country—many of whom had never heard of Eazy-E before—were now flocking to get their hands on the album that was quickly becoming a must-have in every hip-hop fan's collection.
The reviews from critics were equally as impressive. News outlets and music magazines began weighing in on Eazy-Duz-It, and the overwhelming consensus was that this album was something groundbreaking.
The Source Magazine:
"Eazy-E delivers a raw and unfiltered portrait of life in Compton. With Dre's masterful production and Tupac's sharp pen, Eazy-Duz-It is a defining moment for West Coast hip-hop. Tracks like 'Eazy-er Said Than Dunn' and 'Boyz-n-the-Hood' don't just entertain—they demand your attention. This is more than just an album. It's a cultural statement."
Rolling Stone:
"Eazy-E may not be the most traditional rapper, but his charisma and delivery make him unforgettable. His debut album brings gangsta rap to the forefront, pairing brutal honesty with infectious beats. Eazy may not be the best lyricist, but his appeal lies in his ability to make you feel what he's saying, even if you've never lived it yourself."
Billboard Magazine:
"Eazy-Duz-It is unapologetic and groundbreaking. Eazy-E establishes himself as a force in the rap game, and with the support of N.W.A, this album is destined for legendary status. The mix of hard-hitting beats, unforgettable hooks, and street-level storytelling creates an album that is set to shape the future of hip-hop."
These reviews only further fueled the momentum of the album's success. As word spread, fans who hadn't picked it up on the first day were quick to make their way to record stores. The media buzz made Eazy-Duz-It one of the most talked-about albums in the country. Even those outside the hip-hop community began to take notice, intrigued by the boldness of the album and the persona that Eazy-E had crafted.
By the end of its first week on the shelves, Eazy-Duz-It had already sold an incredible 100,000 copies—a milestone that many major label albums took months to reach. In the highly competitive Billboard 200, the album debuted at #84, quickly climbing the charts as the weeks went by. More impressively, it made an even stronger showing on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, debuting at #12. The album's ascent on the charts was a testament to the strength of its singles, the buzz surrounding N.W.A, and Eazy-E's raw appeal.
The combination of brutal honesty, unfiltered street narratives, and hard-hitting production made the album a favorite among hip-hop heads, while its crossover appeal helped it gain mainstream traction. The success of Eazy-Duz-It made Eazy-E a household name and set the stage for a new wave of West Coast rap that would soon dominate the genre.
The album's success wasn't just due to its full-length appeal; several tracks were standouts on their own and began to chart individually:
First song "Boyz-n-the-Hood"
Chart Position: #41 on the Billboard Hot 100
Second song "We Want Eazy"
Chart Position: #39 on the Billboard Hot 100
Third song is "Eazy-er Said Than Dunn"
Chart Position: #56 on the Billboard Hot 100
The success of Eazy-Duz-It sent shockwaves through the music industry. Major labels began to take notice of Ruthless Records, recognizing it as a serious player in the rap game. Many in the industry were now looking at Eazy-E and N.W.A not just as controversial artists, but as serious musical forces. The success of the album also proved that an independent label could compete with major labels, further shaking up the status quo.
Eazy-E was quick to capitalize on the attention. During a radio interview, he confidently declared, "We're just getting started. This album is proof that we don't need the industry—we are the industry." His words were a testament to his self-made status and the power he had built for himself in the rap world.
December 1988 – Early 1989
As Eazy-Duz-It continued to climb the charts, N.W.A's music became a cultural lightning rod. While fans celebrated the raw honesty of the group's lyrics, critics and concerned parents argued that gangsta rap was a dangerous influence on the youth. News anchors debated the morality of the music, community leaders called for boycotts, and politicians demanded accountability from record labels. N.W.A wasn't just making music—they were starting a revolution, and revolutions rarely come without resistance.
The controversy wasn't just local—it became a national debate. Organizations like the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) launched campaigns against gangsta rap, calling it dangerous and inappropriate for young listeners. News programs aired segments with headlines like "Gangsta Rap: Music or Menace?" and "Corrupting America's Youth?"
Parents picketed outside record stores that carried N.W.A's music, holding signs with messages like "Protect Our Kids!" and "Say No to Gangsta Rap!" Meanwhile, political figures such as Tipper Gore spoke out against the genre, calling for stricter parental advisory labels and even bans on certain songs.
While Ruthless Records initially stayed quiet, the members of N.W.A couldn't remain silent for long. The group was used to controversy, having already dealt with backlash over their single "F**k tha Police." This time, however, they knew they needed to take a different approach—one that would show they weren't just rabble-rousers but also artists with a message.
Author
Update 2 chapter I am free than always at my country 7 am Nepal in if you are from India 15 minutes late. In America 8:15 pm. And you guys can check the time of your country.
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