On this date in 1990, the self-proclaimed “world’s most dangerous group” released their second overall project and only EP, 100 Miles and Runnin’, through Ruthless/Priority Records.
This was N.W.A.’s first release without their lead songwriter and most celebrated emcee, O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, whose bitter contract dispute with the group led to his now-infamous departure. The five-track project marked the opening shot in the highly publicized feud between Cube and his former groupmates—a war of words that would later give birth to Cube’s legendary diss track “No Vaseline.”
Even without Cube’s pen and presence, 100 Miles and Runnin’ became a commercial success, earning platinum certification in less than two years. For the first time, the group also benefited from radio support, which helped propel the EP’s visibility far beyond their core fan base.
The title track stands out as the project’s most recognizable song, appearing not only on the EP but later on N.W.A’s Greatest Hits. Another standout, “Real Niggaz,” emerged as a fan favorite and eventually found its way onto the group’s final studio album, Niggaz4Life.
More than three decades later, 100 Miles and Runnin’ remains a pivotal chapter in N.W.A’s story; a bridge between their groundbreaking debut and their final album, as well as a key moment in West Coast rap history. Salute to DJ Yella, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, and the late Eazy-E for crafting a project that still resonates in Hip Hop culture.