Straight Outta Compton

Most of the messages on this album do not age well. Misogyny, homophobia, violence, toxic masculinity run rampant throughout. The approach was not the best, but the message of the cops vs. the black community still rigs true today. The level of frustration in Compton that spawned the movement of gangsta rap must have been great. The rhyme schemes in today's rap almost make this album feel corny despite deliberate and aggressive violent lyrics.

This may be the most important rap album ever made. You had public enemy doing militant stuff and tribe called quest and others doing rap on social issues. "zingalamaduni" comes to mind. NWA though... they captured the anger and reality of being a young black man. They really addressed all the social issues on the streets instead of in society and it resonated with so many people. Police, goldiggers, dope sellers, other rappers... NWA was out for you. Part of their genius was building their character through their songs. Eazy E especially. I am a huge fan of his character - too cool. He gives props to Dre all over though, which sucks for all their splintering later. Most of the songs hold up extremely well to time. "I ain't the one" is the only one that doesn't hold up - I know what he was going for, but... not all women man. This album has so much variety too - a song for everyone. Folks who roll hard get fuck the police, misogynists get I ain't the one, radio gets express yourself, and clubs get something to dance to. Their sampling is so good and their rhymes seem so effortless. It's really a triumph and deserves all the praise it got.

You know what the fuck it is !! FUCK THA POLICE COMIN STRAIGHT FROM THE UNDERGROUND

The album that killed my love of hip hop and sent the entire genre on a shitty path for at least 10 years. Fuck this album. Express yourself was a dope track though.

Despite this being a landmark album, I have trouble with the violent and misogynistic lyrics.

I fucking hate the police

Waaaayy too long. I feel like they needed to edit this down to half. The first few songs it was like they were trying to squeeze everyone in. It’s interesting, never listened to the full album and I’m realizing now Gangster rap was created during this album: there’s a stark difference between the songs, some still stuck in the 80s paradigm. It may have been created but it sure wasn’t mastered, later albums Dre would produce like The Chonic abd Doggystyle epitomize the gangster rap style and do it much better. Weird to think the Beastie Boys came out before this, you hear it sampled a few times, it puts the album into perspective, because the beastie boys album was better, more complete song craft. Dr. Dre’s sampling really shines in some of the interludes. Easy E was annoying and not a great rapper—apparently he was a drug dealer and funded the album, most of his shit was written by others and it shows. MC Ren, Dre and Ice Cube all stand out as better. I liked a couple of the more 80’s style non-gangster songs like “Somethit Like That” and “Express Yourself.” Not a terrible album but not yet fully cooked. 2-3, C+, gets extra credit for be prescient re: Fuck the Police.

i think you can successfully argue that without this album, Snoop wouldn’t be commentating at the Olympics right now

‘Do I look like a mothafuckin' role model?‘ This is a huge landmark album, but it doesn’t really speak to me. The anger and confrontational tone of tracks like Fuck tha Police still kicks pretty hard, and the aggressive lyrics really force you into the artists’ world, but the rampant sexism is hard to ignore, because it’s everywhere. I get that they were never trying to be role-models, and that most of it is really just tongue-in-cheek posturing, but the contempt for women is pretty real, and it hasn’t aged well at all. To me, this is a really important time-capsule of an album, which I’d rather not actually listen to in 2021, but if it’s closer to your world, you’d probably feel differently

Ahh I remember going on a geography field trip to Stafford back when this dropped. I saw myself as a bit of a bad ass motherfucker - well as much as an eleven year old could be. I remember learning all of the words to Fuck Tha Police to try and impress a girl I really fancied. On a break time, me and my mate Stanley decided we would wander over and try and show off to this girl and a group of her friends by performing it in front on them. We had the baggy Jean's, the caps, the attitude, but although we wanted to, just about stopped short of blacking up. We were feeling confident and thought we had done a great job and that the girls would now desire our 11 year old white boy bodies. A short while later, our teacher pulled us to one side. The girls had obviously grassed us up for using inappropriate language and "being weird". Our parents were called and I was grounded for two weeks. Two years later I had fingered two of those girls...because I'm a bad ass motherfucker.

Fuck, fuck, fucking motherfuck and more fuck.

Things I noticed: - Lots of Beastie Boys samples getting dropped in the tracks. Makes me wonder if the Beasties actually had credibility in the 80s rap scene - Ren sounds a lot like the lead guy from Jurassic 5 on "Something Like That". The guy who's not Chali Tuna. - Dre brings a surprisingly clean message on Express Yourself. A self-positive, anti-drug, pro-meditation, happy tune on a gangster rap album? What an odd duck on the tracklist - I've never understood why people clown on Dr Dre's rhymes. He seems solid. - Every track left me wishing Ice Cube would jump in with a yayeeYAYYEE, we be clubbin style. This album was fun ("If It Ain't Ruff"), I know its important, but I didn't have any interesting thoughts about it. B-

Good album all the way through, with no filler. Its the god damn birth of G-Funk, the rise of Dre, Ice Cube, EazyE, Ren, the DOC. The birth of West Coast Hip Hop and a wide spreading of gangsta rap. The incredible songs (that still hold up) all the way through are only surpassed by the cultural significance of the album.

This is one of the albums I think of when I think of how present day rap was defined. I remember when I was younger we called it gangster rap but I just read something about how N.W.A. referred to it as "reality rap" instead and my adult mind agrees with that description more. This is the type of album that makes me appreciate the creativity that goes into producing a rap song. It's not my go-to genre of music but I have so much admiration for this craft.

As opening tracks go, Straight Outta Compton is a bloody good way to announce yourselves. Following it up with Fuck Tha Police, a song which is even better is terrifying. I'd be scared at this point to even try to compete with this! Gangsta Gangsta is alright too, 808 beeps and all. The quick bit of 70s soul and the Funky Worm sample give a quick hint of what Dre might be up to in a few year's time! It drops right off after this. If It Ain't Ruff and Parental Discretion are sooo dated when you look at other acts putting records out this year. And 8 Ball's 5 minutes feel like 20, in spite of the Beastie Boys samples. Like putting Kurtis Blow in a battle against Kendrick Lamar. This contrast sums up the album. When NWA have something to say, this is a five star album. When they don't, it's outdated old school hip hop except (golly gosh) they swear a lot. The bangers get fewer and further between as the album goes on. You have maybe 5 great songs on this (three all timers) and a lot of filler. NWA's reputation really did the rest. I'm glad they upset all the right people, but even so, I can't give it five stars - it does get four just for the three classics (the singles).

Liked the music but I just couldn’t get on with the sexist lyrics.

It’s interesting how old white people praise Johnny Cash, who sang countless songs about killing people. And praise Bob Dylan for his political lyrics. And love bands like Aerosmith who wrote all these songs about sex. And then they’ll decry how violent, sexual, and subversive rap artists like NWA are. Is it racism? Yeah. I think so. This album is electric. So much energy, so lively. The beats are funky and fun. The mix is exciting. These songs are inherently political. “Fuck tha Police” is just as relevant today as ever. And “Express Yourself” is a call to action for rappers (and to the tone deaf media), proclaiming the importance of freedom of expression—ironically avoiding profanity while criticizing rappers for avoiding profanity to end up on the radio. It feels like they’re creating a “sleeper cell” to infiltrate the radio and bring people to their album. Brilliant. Has some of it not aged well? Yeah, but neither have a lot of the greatest pieces of art. What an album. There’s a reason NWA changed the game.

So I won’t hand out many easier five stars than this - as brilliant, fun, dangerous, ridiculous as it ever was. Listened on a walk this morning despite putting this on quite a lot anyway and had a shit eating grin as wide as 13 year old me on Xmas day 1989 when I managed to get this past my mum for Xmas 😂 the only rap album I know every single word to. MC Ren technically the best, Ice Cubes lyrics untouchable, Dre and his production, Eazy E just being Eazy E - a game changing album for me personally and for rap music in general - hard to believe what this spawned - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FUCK POLICE!

One of the more iconic records of this genre. The problem I’ve got with this and others like it is theyre just so one dimensional. Great music, great flow, but lyrically suspect. If I had a pound for every time there was a reference to bitches, money, or being hard as fuck, Id probably have about £147. It just gets old, quickly. Sadly the more important themes which they cover incredibly well are still prominent 30 odd years on which is fucking shameful. That said, it is enjoyable especially as background music. Production is great and they manage to include a few different influences throughout it (I’m sure they borrowed a riff or two from Bowie, especially in Gangsta Gangsta). First time I’ve properly listened to these outside of their hits, but I’ll be back. Probably a 3.5 but I’ll round up to a 4.

I haven’t heard this before I’m thinking I have probably heard a lot of the songs on it at one point or another. The music is iconic but the contemptuous treatment of women and gays makes it hard to get down with. This hasn’t aged well. A fine historical artifact but nothing I would listen to or recommend today.

“I got a boyfriend.’ Bitch stop lyin!” Eazy-E ruined every song he was on

I remember when Northwest Airlines came out with this album. Very controversial at the time. Very controversial now. Crazy talented line-up. I hadn't realized that they sampled the Beastie Boys at the 2:32 mark of 8 Ball

I hate this putrid crap.

this is the first gangsta rap album ever and keeping that mind they created a masterpiece without any modern influences. dr dre, ice cube, eazy e and more are stars on their own. this being their debut album is crazy. controversial lyrics make this record. the perspective of the group is so interesting to look at and to hear.

The lyrics are provocative, the beats are tight. And I don't just think that because I'm white. The message is evocative and the samples iconic. This shit hits harder than the dankest chronic. The world wasn't ready when album was dropped. The sensible conservative hearts all stopped. The FBI sent them a cease and desist, and when they asked for security, no cops would assist. Their use of hyperbole to make a point, glides through this album like a smooth joint. And so they became the beats that they dropped, and etched their names as gods of hip-hop. This album is definitely one for the shelf, so I'm gonna quit making a fool of myself. Beyond that, I've got nothing else to say say. Except, in closing, they live up to the name, NWA. Tracks I enjoyed: 8 ball, I Ain't tha 1 and of course Fuck Tha Police

Racist, misogynist, violent, hateful. Great beats and delivery, but whining about how hard it is in the 'hood gets tedious. This isn't improving things is it? Just stirring up more racist hatred. Stupid beyond belief.

Hadn’t listened to this in a few years. Starts off hard, first two tracks are amazing. Ice Cube’s delivery on point. I found myself getting a little burnt out after that. Hip hop sound has come so far in terms of production, quality of samples and skill of MCing. Not denying the influence of this record. I just didn’t find it exciting like I once did.

Oof, dreadful. I hate rap, only managed a track and a half then tapped OUT (motherfucker)

One of the worst albums ever made.

Some works of art establish themselves as inflection points in their art. SOC is one of those albums. Dre blew doors off the boom bap standard with the innovative west coast g funk sound while Ice Cube and Wren's storytelling broke gangster rap to the world. I mostly don't find the album all that listenable these days but Straight Outta Compton still slams and is always good for stoking my mostly dormant teen defiance. Fuck that Police is timeless and a good reminder that police violence against blacks isn't something new. I'd definitely encourage Mara to listen to Express Yourself but the original Charles Wright version is my preference. The rest of the album has some catchy funk worthy of an old school party.

7th April 2022 Listened throughout the day while in the office. Went out to ping pong then drinks after with work people. One of the greatest came straight outta Compton.

Lots of foundational stuff. I forgot how good the D.O.C was. A distinctly different flow and rhyming pattern than the typical old school rapper. This group was better than the sum of its parts RIP Eazy-E Early Dre was more influenced by funky funk beats and I miss that . More groovy/danceable stuff. From the snoop era thru the chronic 2001, the beats had some catchy hooks but it was like weed laced with heroin. Smooooooothed out. Not for me

The hits hit hard. The entire album is a little more mixed. Some of the subjects are going to come across as dated. I try to keep the context in mind when rating this one. An iconic album but not as complete as I remember it.

N.W.A. built on the foundation laid by Ice-T and Schooly D. Cube’s hyperbole and sense of humor combined with Dre’s beats were aided by the antics of the PRMC and a formal introduction of rap to white audiences through the unprecedented popularity of the Beastie Boys resulting in a real zeitgeist moment for the group. Without airplay, it became a big hit, made gangsta rap a viable product for the masses, and put the West Coast on the map. Dre would go on to be a better producer (with a hell of a business acumen) and Cube would go on to add a bit of social commentary to his angry street persona (and make many a dumb comedy), but this remains the collective’s most powerful statement together or apart. There are cringey moments.. rap more than any other genre seems to date itself not only through the prolific time stamps throughout its history but by being a record of the mentality of its auteurs. The album would be important beyond the hype given its subtle political message- young black men in America were mad (righteously so) and this was, if nothing else, a way to express that anger without the fear of incarceration. Unfortunately, through both the mechanisms of a society that was censorshiptastic (which was oddly directed with more penalty at African Americans - systemic racism at its finest) and other’s attempts to be real (even if they weren’t), gangsta rap wasn’t a healthy or prison free outlet for very long. They weren’t the first or even the best gangsta act, but they were the big bang and the album is a landmark for hip hop, in both positive and negative ways.

this has nothing to do with how i feel about the album but it is objectively funny to go from this to "are we there yet"

An important album that could've used some editing. Cut this down to a tight 30 minutes and it's a perfect 5. At an hour? 3 feels right

I know this is groundbreaking. There are clearly great moments and aspects. But I have trouble listening to so much misogyny and violence.

It is a combative yet playful record, and the first two tracks are fantastic.

This is a complicated album. NWA were and are some of the most talented and innovative artists in music. Any hip hop artist (and many artists in other genres) owe a lot to this group and its members. And frankly, while I probably loved this album in my teens, in my forties, I’m not sure I want to hear some of this stuff. It’s brilliant and groundbreaking. And misogynist and homophobic.

"Dre makes the beats so fun-fun-funky" its true. You can hear the roots here of the production that would dominate the 90s emerging from the sparse drum-machine big BOOM BOOM TISH formula with layering samples from a deep well of jazz, funk and soul - taken to an extreme on what's basically a genre-reinvention cover of Express Yourself, but more varied on most of the other tracks that borrow from 4-7 songs at a time to put a rhythm together. Having a bunch of different rappers performing across the album keeps it fresh, but the songs are all too long/repetitve and the album could be trimmed down a bit too.

Musically, this has actually aged quite well (probably due to Dre and Yella’s production) However, while the lyrics on tracks like FTP and the title track are still relevant today, there’s still a lot of evidence of misogyny and homophobia across the record (despite this being considered the norm at the time) Still, you can’t deny that this ended up being one of the most influential albums in music, let alone hip-hop Favourite tracks: Straight Outta Compton, FTP, Express Yourself

Don't get the hype around this one. Mediocre tunes and too much profanity

Yeah yeah this album is important, groundbreaking and whatnot, but I really dislike gangsta rap. These guys just keep talking about themselves and what they gonna do and all I keep thinking is 'sit your ass down and shut up, get over yourself ffs'. So annoying, the beats, the guys, the lyrics

On 'Something Like That', Dre explains what it takes to be a good MC: "To create something funky that's original / You need to talk about the place to be / Who you are, what you got, or about a sucker MC." Which pretty much nails all of his group's shortcomings. For his part, the beats are far fresher than the raps.

I listened until I could stand it no more. 2*

So much anger, and very one note. Didn't really know where the songs were beginning and ending, just one long profanity session.

Horrible

Same review as yesterday. Dr. Dre is a sack of shit.

Gangsta (c)rap

Argh

Never choose this. ever.

Fuck Da Police... How about Fuck This Shit?

I’ll be honest, rap groups are absolutely hilarious to me. N.W.A. is literally just an edgier version of *NSYNC. I find it corny and it’s hard to believe that this was one of the defining albums in hip hop history. I’m resisting the inner urges to give this a 1. Never mind, the inner urges won.

There's some great songs on this album, but the pervasive misogyny made this difficult to get through. This isn't the casual sexism that you get in a lot of other media; this album *hates* women with several songs that amount to little more than screeds against "bitches." It's a tragedy, because this is otherwise an album about a group of people who feel like media (and life in general) is not made for them, and they're rightly angry about it. But then they turn around and do the same thing to another group of people. A historically very important album, which I'm glad I listened to, but holy shit.

Fuck the police. And women. And Mexicans. And... Surprisingly funky, but very little for me in this.

p631. 1988. 1 star. Arrogant, puerile noise. Shouting "fuck" and "motherfucker" every other sentence is neither "big" or clever. This noise is obnoxious on pretty much every level - misogyny, homophobia, violence, toxic masculinity, its all there if you want it. I don't.

This was a tough album to endure - I listened to the first 3 ‘songs’ and stopped listening to the album generator for 2 months! I gave it another go today and realised it’s not for me - too many issues to start I haven’t got the energy……..

Vile. There’s something seriously wrong with humanity when so many people can give 5 stars to this violent, homophobic, misogynistic loser trash.

Over my head why this is revered. 3 planks spouting fantasy lyrics in a monotonous, single paced, rhythmically tedious, naff fashion. Pile of nonsense.

Whe i started this project, I decided I'd listen to all of every album, no matter what. I quite enjoyed the first track but my resolve soon diminished as the album progressed

I can’t do this

Not for me.

Hated it. I hate rap. This was particularly bad. Glorifying violence and drugs, chants about killing cops. Not for me.

5 all the way - although some of the members might be a bit sketchy now - music still stands up

flawless

Straight anger. Are the lyrics misogynistic? Sure! But, it is what it is.

Landmark album and set the template for a lot of gangster rap to come. Also launched Dr Dre into the mainstream, surely one of hip hops most important figures. It's a classic: hard hitting lyrics, funky beats and rhymes that hit every time.

Classic gangsta rap album. The aggressiveness and confidence of their delivery for their rhymes is top notch and set the bar for all rappers to follow. They also highlight social issues that they face and couldn’t care less how it makes you feel so it makes you think about the lyrics. The funk influence on the album really shines through and adds to each song.

Wing-ding-a-ling. Is this album considered an oldie now? 36 years young. 6/5

It’s Straight Outta Compton. What else can I say other than masterpiece.

Einfach starkes Album. Kein einziger Skip.

I’ve heard some of the songs before and I’ve already had the title track in my playlist for a while. I also watched the documentary and of course rap is my favorite genre so in all this album wasn’t as new to me as the other ones, but there were still a number of songs I hadn’t heard before. Definitely a great album I enjoyed most of the tracks and my favorite was probably 8 Ball or the title track.

Equal parts brilliant and crude

This is a great album Will I listen to again: 100%

The flow on this album is so sick, and the angst is so palpable, that I honestly see right past the misogyny. I really enjoyed this. I wish more artists still rapped at the top of their lungs like this.

Straight bangers

Hyped up explosive Dropping truth bombs with mad style Tight raps, tighter beats

Still. Fuck the police

Birth of the West Coast sound, birth of a whole new era, and it still sounds pretty fresh today!

Whatever genre this is, I like it

First Gangstar Rap Album. VERY GOOD!

Squeezing so many straight-up hip-hop bangers onto one album must've been exhausting.

Extremely influential rap album featuring some of the greatest of the golden era of hip hop. I've heard it many times and since I have some extra free time today I'm going to watch Straight Outta Compton to complement this listen.

Iconic! A genuine classic album, not just in hip-hop, but in music history. 5/5 ⭐️

Absolute classic! FTP!

A classic that I’ve listened to many years ago

One of the best albums of its decade!!

"Straight Outta Compton," the debut studio album by N.W.A., released in 1988, stands as a cornerstone of hip-hop and a defining moment in the genre's history. It brought gangsta rap into the mainstream and laid the foundation for West Coast hip-hop. The album is noted for its raw depiction of urban life, unflinching social commentary, and pioneering production techniques. Below is an in-depth review, focusing on the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of the album, along with an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics Lyrically, "Straight Outta Compton" is intense and unapologetic. The members of N.W.A.—Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella—delivered verses that painted a vivid, often controversial picture of life in Compton, California. The album’s lyrics are laced with aggressive language, violent imagery, and social commentary, reflecting the harsh realities of the streets. Tracks like the titular "Straight Outta Compton," "Gangsta Gangsta," and "Fuck tha Police" are emblematic of this style. 1. **"Straight Outta Compton"**: This opening track serves as a manifesto for the group. Ice Cube’s commanding voice introduces the listener to a world of violence and defiance. The track establishes the group’s identity and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The lyrics are powerful, with lines like “When I'm called off, I got a sawed off / Squeeze the trigger, and bodies are hauled off” demonstrating the unapologetically aggressive style that N.W.A. became known for. 2. **"Fuck tha Police"**: Perhaps the most controversial track on the album, "Fuck tha Police" is a scathing critique of police brutality and racial profiling. The song’s narrative structure, set up as a mock courtroom trial, indicts the police for systemic racism. Ice Cube and MC Ren's verses vividly describe encounters with law enforcement, and the hook, with its blunt and confrontational message, became a rallying cry against police misconduct. 3. **"Gangsta Gangsta"**: This track highlights the allure and dangers of the gangsta lifestyle. Ice Cube’s storytelling ability shines as he describes the adrenaline-fueled life of a gangsta, juxtaposing the excitement with the inevitable consequences. The lyrics capture the duality of living on the edge—thrilling yet perilous. Overall, the lyrical content is both a strength and a criticism point for the album. It’s lauded for its authenticity and raw power but criticized for glorifying violence and misogyny. ### Music and Production Dr. Dre’s production on "Straight Outta Compton" was groundbreaking. He utilized funk, soul, and R&B samples to create a hard-hitting, bass-heavy sound that became the blueprint for West Coast hip-hop. The beats are aggressive, complementing the intensity of the lyrics. 1. **Sampling**: Dre’s use of samples from artists like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic provided a gritty yet funky backdrop for the group’s hard-hitting lyrics. The use of breakbeats and looping techniques were innovative at the time, creating a raw, relentless sound that mirrored the harsh realities described in the lyrics. 2. **Instrumentation**: The production is characterized by heavy drum machines, booming 808s, and sharp snare hits. Tracks like "Dopeman" and "Express Yourself" showcase Dre’s ability to blend musicality with raw energy. “Express Yourself” is notable for its use of a clean beat and funk-influenced melody, contrasting with the rest of the album’s darker, more abrasive sound. 3. **Vocals**: Each member of N.W.A. brought a unique vocal style to the album. Ice Cube’s sharp delivery, MC Ren’s laid-back but forceful flow, and Eazy-E’s high-pitched, almost nasally voice provided a dynamic range of sounds. This vocal diversity contributed to the album's distinct identity. ### Themes The album explores several key themes, including racial injustice, police brutality, gang culture, and socio-economic struggles. These themes were not new to hip-hop, but N.W.A.’s unfiltered, confrontational approach was unprecedented. 1. **Police Brutality and Racial Profiling**: "Fuck tha Police" is the centerpiece in this regard, articulating a deep-seated anger and frustration towards law enforcement. This theme resonates throughout the album, reflecting the fraught relationship between the African American community and the police. 2. **Poverty and Desperation**: Songs like "Dopeman" and "8 Ball" delve into the world of drug dealing, portraying it as both a means of survival and a trap. The lyrics do not shy away from the consequences of this lifestyle, providing a grim view of the options available to young men in impoverished neighborhoods. 3. **Rebellion and Defiance**: The album’s tone is one of rebellion—against the police, societal norms, and even the music industry itself. This defiance is articulated through the explicit language and provocative content, challenging the listener to confront uncomfortable truths. 4. **Misogyny**: A significant criticism of the album is its portrayal of women. Tracks like “I Ain't tha 1” and “She Swallowed It” contain misogynistic lyrics that reflect a broader issue within the genre at the time. This aspect has been heavily criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and degrading women. ### Influence "Straight Outta Compton" had a profound impact on hip-hop and popular culture. It brought the realities of inner-city life to mainstream audiences and sparked a national conversation about freedom of expression and censorship in music. 1. **Pioneering Gangsta Rap**: The album is often credited with popularizing gangsta rap, influencing countless artists in the genre. It opened the door for other West Coast rappers and introduced a new sound and lyrical style that would dominate the 1990s. 2. **Social and Political Impact**: The album forced America to confront issues of police brutality and racial inequality. "Fuck tha Police" became an anthem for protest movements, and the FBI even sent a warning letter to the group, which only heightened their notoriety and influence. 3. **Censorship and Freedom of Speech**: The controversy surrounding the album led to debates over censorship and the limits of free speech in music. N.W.A.’s refusal to censor their lyrics set a precedent for artists to push boundaries and speak their truth, regardless of the consequences. 4. **Legacy and Longevity**: Decades after its release, "Straight Outta Compton" remains a seminal work in hip-hop. It has been reissued, sampled, and referenced in countless works. The 2015 biographical film of the same name further cemented its status as a cultural landmark. ### Pros 1. **Lyrical Authenticity**: The album’s lyrics are powerful and raw, providing an unfiltered look at the struggles and violence of inner-city life. The honesty and intensity of the lyrics have resonated with listeners across generations. 2. **Innovative Production**: Dr. Dre’s production laid the groundwork for the West Coast sound. His innovative use of samples, drum machines, and bass lines created a distinct musical identity that influenced the genre for years to come. 3. **Cultural Impact**: The album transcended music, impacting social and political discourse. It challenged censorship laws and brought attention to issues of police brutality and systemic racism. 4. **Diverse Voices**: Each member of N.W.A. brought a unique perspective and style, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. ### Cons 1. **Misogyny**: The album’s portrayal of women is problematic, with several tracks featuring lyrics that are overtly misogynistic. This has been a longstanding criticism of the album and detracts from its overall message. 2. **Glorification of Violence**: While the album is praised for its raw depiction of life in Compton, it has also been criticized for glorifying violence and criminal behavior. This has raised concerns about the potential impact on impressionable listeners. 3. **Lack of Musical Diversity**: While the production is groundbreaking, some critics argue that the album lacks musical diversity. The heavy reliance on similar beats and samples can make some tracks feel repetitive. 4. **Controversial Language and Content**: The explicit language and violent imagery may be off-putting to some listeners. While this is part of the album’s appeal to many, it also limits its accessibility and can overshadow its more meaningful messages. ### Conclusion "Straight Outta Compton" is a landmark album in hip-hop history. Its raw, unapologetic lyrics and groundbreaking production challenged the music industry and forced America to confront uncomfortable truths about race, violence, and systemic oppression. While it is not without its flaws—most notably its problematic portrayal of women and the potential glorification of violence—its cultural and musical impact is undeniable. The album remains a powerful testament to the power of music as a form of resistance and expression.

Stone cold classic with incredible raps and inventive production featuring nifty samples. Bags of humour too. Mandatory listening.

++: Straight Outta Compton, Fuck Tha Police, Gangsta Gangsta, If It Ain't Ruff, Parental Discretion Iz Advised, 8 Ball (Remix), Something Like That, Express Yourself, I Ain't Tha 1, Quiet on tha Set, Something 2 Dance 2 +: Compton's N the House (Remix), Dopeman (Remix) 9,7/10

Holds up. Nothing better. No notes.

5 - happy that I finally got to listen to this. There’s obviously the well known tracks, but it was a no skip album.

Brilliant use of swearing.

Another classic - nothing to add.

It’s always nice to be generated an album that I’m already very familiar with. Admittedly, it doesn’t happen often, but today is a good day. NWA are fantastic at mixing funk into hip hop, and it feels such a shame to me that this rarely seems to happen any more (shout out to LNDN DRGS who do mix in funk with hip hop - a band I was only recently introduced to). My favourite here would have to be Express Yourself, but everything on this album absolutely slaps.

A classic, the lyrical content still holds up after all this time, the beats are defo from the old school vibe. Would be interesting to hear what it would be like today if Dre re-produced it

No wonder Dr. Dre became a billionaire.

I saw the film on a plane and bought the CD soon after. People say a lot about political (in)correctness of the Gangsta Rap album (first of its kind?) but I think that's missing the point. This is definitely an album where it's not just about the tunes, but also about the context. I find this a very authentic album and culturally very important. Just for that it is definitely a Must Hear album. Does it sound good too? To me, yes (and I'm not a real rap fan).

It’s a classic. Dips a tiny bit in the middle but it’s good, it was groundbreaking, and it still hit hard.