N.W.A, the groundbreaking gangsta rap group hailing from Compton, California, was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after years of being overlooked. This seminal group, alongside first-time nominees Chicago, Cheap Trick, The Steve Miller Band, and third-timer Deep Purple, was honored on Friday night, April 8th, marking the 31st annual induction ceremony. N.W.A joined the ranks of hip-hop royalty, becoming only the fifth rap group to receive this prestigious accolade, following in the footsteps of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. This recognition cemented their legacy, proving the undeniable impact of Nwa Songs on music and culture.
The success of the biopic Straight Outta Compton may have played a role in their induction, highlighting the group’s enduring influence. Despite receiving only one Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, the film was a box office smash, grossing over $160 million domestically in 2015 alone. This demonstrated the power of “The Strength of Street Knowledge,” a phrase that perfectly encapsulates N.W.A’s raw and impactful music. Whether or not they performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony at the Barclays Center (Ice Cube declined, stating they would not), their place in music history is permanently solidified through their revolutionary nwa songs.
Here is a countdown of the 10 best nwa songs that showcase their profound impact on music history.
10. Ice Cube feat. N.W.A, “Hello” (2000)
Released on Ice Cube’s War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc) album in 2000, “Hello” marked a significant reunion of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and MC Ren, nine years after N.W.A’s official disbandment. This track is a reflective look back at the group’s monumental legacy in hip hop. The hook, “I started this gangsta shit, and this the motherf—in’ thanks I get?” boldly proclaims N.W.A’s role in pioneering gangsta rap. Dr. Dre’s production, reminiscent of his Chronic 2001 era with its futuristic funk vibe, and his standout verse often steal the spotlight. However, Ice Cube and MC Ren deliver strong verses, proving their enduring chemistry and making “Hello” a fitting nostalgic nod to the N.W.A era as the millennium turned. This song reminds listeners of the origins of gangsta rap and the lasting influence of nwa songs in shaping the genre.
9. N.W.A, “Dopeman” (1987)
“Dopeman,” initially released as the B-side to Eazy-E’s “Boyz-N-Tha-Hood,” is a raw and aggressive depiction of street life. It opens with a skit portraying the desperation of drug addiction, setting a stark tone for the track. The song’s gritty production, characterized by rapid-fire drum machine rhythms, perfectly complements Ice Cube’s forceful flow. Lines like, “N—a begging for credit, he’s knocking out teeth/ Clocking much dollars on the 1st and 15th,” paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of drug dealing and addiction. “Dopeman” is a prime example of early nwa songs that fearlessly tackled controversial topics and established their signature raw and unfiltered style.
8. N.W.A, “Real N****z Don’t Die” (1991)
As the opening track of N.W.A’s second album, N—az4Life (often stylized as Efil4Zaggin), “Real N****z Don’t Die” was laden with anticipation. It was the group’s first full release since Ice Cube’s highly publicized departure, making it a crucial moment to prove their continued relevance and power. The remaining core members—Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella—had to deliver emphatically to demonstrate they hadn’t lost their edge. Sampling the upbeat hook from Rare Earth’s “I Just Want to Celebrate,” Dre attempted to create a somewhat lighter backdrop, but the underlying tension and veiled shots at Ice Cube made it clear that the stakes were exceptionally high. This track from the nwa songs catalog is significant for marking a pivotal moment in the group’s history and showcasing their resilience.
The 10 Best N.W.A. Songs (Updated 2016) | Billboard
Ice Cube in 2015, promoting the N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton.” The film’s success boosted N.W.A’s popularity and contributed to their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
7. N.W.A, “Alwayz Into Somethin‘” (1991)
“Alwayz Into Somethin’,” another track from N—az4Life, is celebrated as a precursor to the G-Funk sound that Dr. Dre would fully develop on The Chronic the following year. This rugged track, featuring ad-libs from dancehall reggae artist Admiral D, also includes a direct reference to former member Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson): “Dre I was speakin’ to your bitch O’Shea.” Despite the lingering tensions, “Alwayz Into Somethin'” stands out as a testament to N.W.A’s evolving sound and Dre’s innovative production techniques that would later define West Coast hip hop. This song is a key example in understanding the progression of nwa songs towards the G-Funk era.
6. N.W.A, “100 Miles and Runnin’” (1990)
The title track from their 1990 EP, 100 Miles and Runnin’, was released following Ice Cube’s departure and marked the opening salvo in the feud between N.W.A and their former member. MC Ren, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E attempt to portray Cube as a fugitive, even though his exit was due to contractual disputes. The song samples ominous movie dialogue, stating, “You don’t really think you’re gonna get away do you?” and Dre raps, “Started with five and, yo, one couldn’t take it/ So now there’s four ’cause the fifth couldn’t make it.” While turning industry drama into music seemed clever at the time, Ice Cube ultimately delivered the more impactful response with “No Vaseline.” Nevertheless, “100 Miles and Runnin'” remains a significant record in the history of nwa songs, capturing a moment of internal conflict and musical drama within the group.
5. N.W.A, “Gangsta Gangsta” (1988)
Sampling Boogie Down Productions’ “My Philosophy” for its hook — “It’s not about a salary, it’s all about reality” — “Gangsta Gangsta” served as a mission statement for N.W.A. Their version of reality was “street knowledge,” a powerful force that would generate a lucrative genre of music. While N.W.A adopted the image and lyrical themes of gang members, only Eazy-E had actual street hustling experience. The group authentically voiced the experiences of marginalized young black men facing societal neglect and police harassment. When they proclaimed, “You don’t like how I’m livin’, well f— you!” it was a raw expression of their reality. The song concludes with an Eazy-E verse that eerily foreshadows his future health struggles with an exchange: [female voices] “We want to f— you, Eazy!” “I want to f— you too.” This raw portrayal of life is central to the impact of nwa songs.
4. Eazy-E, “Boyz-N-Tha-Hood” (1987)
Although technically an Eazy-E single, “Boyz-N-Tha-Hood” is undeniably crucial to the N.W.A story, as it was the song that started it all. Released on Macola Records and sold at the Compton Swap Meet, it became a viral hit before the internet era. Eazy-E’s unconventional high-pitched voice, combined with Ice Cube’s blunt lyrics, created a groundbreaking sound. The song’s raw and unprecedented nature resonated deeply with the streets. Its success not only propelled the formation of N.W.A but also inspired the title of John Singleton’s 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, which launched Ice Cube’s acting career. This foundational track is essential for understanding the origins of nwa songs and their cultural impact.
3. N.W.A, “Express Yourself” (1988)
Built around a catchy sample from Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, “Express Yourself” was arguably N.W.A’s most radio-friendly and least profane track. Dr. Dre’s opening lines, “I’m expressing with my full capabilities/ And now I’m living in correctional facilities,” are iconic, though somewhat ironically overshadowed by his later claim not to smoke weed “’cause it’s known to give a brother brain damage”—given his subsequent album The Chronic. Despite the irony, “Express Yourself” showcased N.W.A’s ability to create compelling music with a broader appeal while still delivering a powerful message about freedom of expression. This track stands out among nwa songs for its unique blend of accessibility and social commentary.
2. N.W.A, “F— Tha Police” (1988)
“F— Tha Police,” the second track from Straight Outta Compton, fearlessly confronted police brutality and racial profiling, placing N.W.A and their record label on an FBI watch list. The song’s controversial lyrics became even more relevant four years later when the Los Angeles riots erupted following the Rodney King beating. The title itself has become a global rallying cry against police misconduct. With ongoing instances of police violence sparking protests across the U.S., “F— Tha Police” remains tragically relevant today. The Los Angeles Police Commission’s call for an overhaul of deadly force guidelines after nearly 2,000 uses of force by LAPD officers last year, including 21 fatal shootings, underscores the song’s enduring importance. “F— Tha Police” is arguably the most politically charged and impactful of all nwa songs.
1. N.W.A, “Straight Outta Compton” (1988)
“Straight Outta Compton,” the title track from N.W.A’s 1988 album, transformed the working-class city of Compton into a symbol of urban decay and social issues in America. Dr. Dre’s relentless beat, punctuated by screeching tires and machine-gun fire sound effects, created the perfect sonic backdrop for Ice Cube’s aggressive rhymes alongside MC Ren and Eazy-E. As Ice Cube described it, the song was “a murder rap to keep y’all dancing,” establishing N.W.A as “the world’s most dangerous group.” “Straight Outta Compton” revolutionized hip-hop, forever changing the landscape of music and popular culture. This iconic track is the quintessential example of nwa songs and their groundbreaking impact.
N.W.A’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to their lasting legacy and the power of their music. Their nwa songs continue to resonate, provoke, and influence generations, cementing their place as icons of hip-hop and American culture.
