Nearly a year after the tragic passing of Eazy-E, his second and final solo album, Str8 Off Tha Streets of Muthaphukkin Compton, was released on January 30, 1996. The album served as a posthumous farewell from the N.W.A. legend, capturing the raw energy, defiant spirit, and street-centered lyricism that made Eazy one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Originally planned for release in 1995, Str8 Off Tha Streets was still in production when Eazy-E passed away on March 26, 1995, due to complications from AIDS. However, his Ruthless Records team ensured the album’s completion, making it a crucial part of his legacy. The project featured production from longtime collaborators DJ Yella, Cold 187um, and others, keeping true to the sound that defined West Coast gangsta rap.
The album spawned notable tracks like “Just tah Let U Know,” which became a standout single, and “Tha Muthaphukkin Real” featuring MC Ren, a song that felt like a return to N.W.A.’s rebellious roots. Other tracks, such as “Eternal E” and “Still a Nigga”, reinforced Eazy’s unapologetic approach to storytelling and his signature high-pitched flow.
Despite being released after his passing, the album was well-received, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Eazy-E’s enduring impact on hip-hop. Fans and critics alike praised its authenticity, seeing it as a proper sendoff to the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap.”
Nearly three decades later, Str8 Off Tha Streets of Muthaphukkin Compton remains an essential listen for those who want to understand Eazy-E’s influence on West Coast rap. His music, label, and legacy continue to inspire generations, proving that his voice will never be forgotten.
