On July 10, 1988, 30 years ago today, West Coast gangsta rap group, N.W.A. released their lead single, “Straight Outta Compton,” from their debut album of the same name.
The album was one of the first to feature a Parental Advisory sticker, as it detailed struggles of South-Central L.A. But in reciting their truths, “Straight Outta Compton,” along with another one of the group’s classic hits, “F**k the Police,” sparked widespread controversy and criticisms for “glorifying the gangsta lifestyle.”
In 1989, Ice Cube maintained the group’s position on their music, saying their lyrics are simply “documentaries.” The same year, a music video for “Straight Outta Compton” was released, showing the group walking through the city of Compton, as they encounter different struggles of the streets. But, it also led to some unwanted controversy, as many outlets refused to play it.
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However, in 2015, the song debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 100, as a result of the release of the namesake film. Since the group had been banned from several radio stations in their prime, the song became the group’s first Top 40 hit, 27 years after its release.
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What is your favorite line from this song?
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