The Most Dangerous Group: N.W.A. Quiz

Answer: Ruthless Records

Ruthless Records was founded by Eazy-E and Jerry Heller and was the label that N.W.A. used to produce their controversial records. Ruthless Records was based out of Compton, California and was founded in 1987. Post-N.W.A. the label has had artists the most notable of which is Lil' Eazy-E, the son of N.W.A. founder and rap great, Eazy-E.

Answer: False

The first record released by N.W.A. was "N.W.A. and the Posse" which included notable tracks such as, "Dope Man", "8-Ball" and "Boyz-n-the-Hood". Released on Ruthless Records, the album received much attention for the reality portrayed by the lyrics of street violence and the life led by many young blacks in the streets of Compton during the 1980s.

Answer: Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre did most of the production work for N.W.A. however he still found time to get out and sing in songs such as "Express Yourself". Dre would later gain much acclaim from his solo career as well as finding such new artists as Eminem and 50 Cent.

Answer: 8-Ball

The lyrics come from the song "8-Ball" which was performed by Eazy-E and was released on "N.W.A. and the Posse". Eazy actually samples the Beastie Boys during the song.

Answer: He felt he was not receiving proper royalties

Ice Cube left the group in 1990 because after writing almost half of the songs on the album, "Straight Outta Compton", he thought that he should receive more royalties than he was. Following his departure a famous feud between Ice Cube and N.W.A. ensued which would damage the relationship between the former member and the group which revolutionized rap.

This can be seen in Ice Cube's book "Attitude" where he says, "Heller gave me this contract, and I said I wanted a lawyer to see it. He almost fell out of his chair. I guess he figured, how this young [kid] turn down all this money? Everybody else signed. I told them I wanted to make sure my [stuff] was right first." Ice Cube was later advised by a lawyer that he was not receiving proper royalties.

Answer: Arabian Prince

Arabian Prince was a founding member of N.W.A. and previously produced the hit single "Supersonic" for JJ Fad. After Ice Cube returned from the Phoenix Institute of Technology, Arabian Prince found himself to no longer be necessary to the group and quickly left. Arabian Prince is still active in rap today.

Answer: Police Officers

N.W.A. were noted throughout their career for speaking out against police brutality to minorities in L.A. For this reason they often were at odds with law enforcement. The police refused to provide security for group during tours and the F.B.I. send the group a letter which expressed their displeasure which can still be seen in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to this day.

Answer: 1

After Ice Cube left the group N.W.A. released "100 Miles and Runnin'" (An EP) and "efiL4zaggiN" which were received relatively well but not to the same standards as "Straight Outta Compton". After the last album was released, Dr. Dre left the group for Death Row Records as well as songwriter The D.O.C. and N.W.A. disbanded. Eazy-E was angered by what he considered to be abandonment by Dre and this inspired a feud between the two.

Answer: Compton, California

Compton, California is located southeast of downtown L.A. and is primarily an African American community but in recent years Latinos have begun to populate the area. During the time of N.W.A., Compton was engulfed in gang violence and police brutality which influenced many of the lyrics of N.W.A. Compton remains a violent city ranking 17th on the CQ Press list "Crime in the United States 2008".

The city is also mentioned in songs by Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.

Answer: Chin Check

"Chin Check" was released on the "Next Friday" soundtrack as a single. It was also released on "The Best of N.W.A. - The Strength of Street Knowledge" It was the first time the group performed since Ice Cube left the group and was a tribute to Eazy-E's memory.