According to the L.A. Times, Compton, the city that birthed legendary rapper Eazy-E, is set to pay homage to its native son in a distinctive way. On Nov. 22, the city will officially rename the 100 block of Auto Drive South, now leading into the Gateway Towne Center shopping plaza, as “Eazy Street,” immortalizing the late rap icon.
Born and raised in Compton, Eazy-E, whose real name is Eric Lynn Wright, co-founded N.W.A. alongside Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince, influencing the West Coast rap scene with groundbreaking albums.
Erica Wright, Eazy-E’s daughter, expressed the profound significance of the event, stating to the LA Times, “My dad loved where he was from. Nothing could keep him from Compton. This will forever be a highlight in my life.” Reflecting on the symbolic gesture, Eric Darnell Wright Jr., known as Lil Eazy-E, emphasized, “The street naming serves as a symbol of recognition and commemoration, ensuring that our father has a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”
Wright Jr., set to perform at the celebration alongside DJ Yella, lauded the initiative as a wonderful way for Compton to honor Eazy-E’s profound influence and cultural significance in the community. Eazy-E’s journey from a high school dropout involved in the drug trade to a hip-hop icon is a testament to his impact on the genre and the city of Compton.
Compton native Eric Lynn Wright, through N.W.A.’s debut album “Straight Outta Compton” and his solo project “Eazy-Duz-It,” played a pivotal role in reshaping the hip-hop landscape. These releases, under Wright’s label, Ruthless Records, marked a turning point for the genre, challenging East Coast dominance.
Alonzo Williams, often referred to as the godfather of West Coast hip-hop, heads the Compton Entertainment Chamber of Commerce and spearheaded the naming of Eazy Street. Williams, an early collaborator of Wright, emphasized the importance of the initiative in preserving Eazy-E’s legacy and showcasing Compton’s cultural contributions.
“People come to Compton to see what Compton has to offer,”
said Williams to the LA Times, noting the lack of tourist attractions. In addition to Eazy Street, Williams envisions starting Compton’s own walk of fame, further celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage.As the city prepares for the unveiling of Eazy Street, Compton stands ready to honor the trailblazing rapper whose influence continues to resonate in the world of hip-hop.