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Eazy-E
(Rapper Known as the 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap')
Birth Year: 1964
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States
Died: March 26, 1995
Eazy-E was a prominent American rapper known for his pivotal role in the rise of West Coast rap and gangsta rap. He led the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records, earning the title "Godfather of Gangsta Rap." In 1987, Eazy-E founded Ruthless and collaborated with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre to form N.W.A. Their debut album, Straight Outta Compton, was highly controversial and influential. Despite disputes leading to N.W.A's disbandment, Eazy-E continued his solo career and signed the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.