Who Were The Original Members Of NWA?

Who Were The Original Members Of NWA? The original members of NWA are 1. Arabian Prince 2. Dr. Dre 3. Eazy-E 4. Ice Cube.
They are the most influential group in hip-hop history. Established in 1987, the group was formed by the original four while another two joined later that year.
The West Coast Legends are considered a significant popularizer and controversial figure in gangsta rap music. Undoubtedly, they are one of the greatest rap groups of all time.
The band was notable for its explicit lyrics and proactive storytelling where they have brought together the harsh realities of inner-city life into the mainstream music world. Many audiences relate to their music and feel a connection to the struggles presented in the lyrics.
N.W.A. faced several challenges and conflicts in their brief but impactful career, which ultimately caused their eventual dissolution in 1991.
The Members Of N.W.A
Members name | Active Years |
Eazy-E | 1987–1991; died 1995 |
Dr. Dre | 1987–1991, 1999–2002, 2016 |
Ice Cube | 1987–1989, 1999–2002, 2015, 2016 |
DJ Yella | 1987–1991, 1999–2002, 2015, 2016 |
MC Ren | 1988–1991, 1999–2002, 2015, 2016 |
Arabian Prince | 1987–1988 |
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Original Members Of N.W.A
The original members of N.W.A are 1. Arabian Prince 2. Dr. Dre 3. Eazy-E 4. Ice Cube. The original lineup with their real names are listed below:
- Arabian Prince - Kim Renard Nazel
- Dr. Dre - Andre Romell Young
- Eazy-E - Eric Lynn Wright
- Ice Cube - O'Shea Jackson Sr.
These four cores of N.W.A formed the group and made groundbreaking music and made a huge impact in the field of hip-hop style.
The band was assembled by Eazy-E, known as a co-founder of Ruthless Records. His encounter with Dr. Dre, a DJ and producer, marked the start of their partnership.
The group lineup was completed with the additional members of Ice Cube and Arabian Prince. Their breakthrough came with their debut album "Straight Outta Compton (1998)" led with three opening tracks.
The departure and internal conflict between the members led to the end of N.W.A in 1991. Nevertheless, their legacy in hip-hop remains profound.
NWA Members Names
NWA Members Names are 1. Arabian Prince 2. DJ Yella 3. Dr. Dre 4. Eazy-E and others. They are the West Coast hip-hop rappers.
These six individuals created the N.W.A. and were responsible for pioneer contributions to the hip-hop music scene.
1. Arabian Prince
Arabian Prince is the stage name of Kim Renard Nazel a rapper, record producer, and DJ. He is the founding member of the band who is also noted as Professor X.
Nazel was involved in the electro and hip-hop styles of Los Angeles and has launched solo music and worked as a DJ, gaining experience in the 1980s hip-hop culture.
However, he left the band after the release of their first album "Straight Outta Compton (1988)". After parting his way from N.W.A. he continued his work as a solo artist and producer. Nazel remained active in the West Coast hip-hop style.
2. DJ Yella
Professionally noted as DJ Yella, Antoine Carraby is an American DJ, rapper, record producer, and film director. He is a pivotal figure in the West Coast hip-hop history.
Yella was fascinated by music at a young age and grew up listening to funk music and learned to play drums. As a teenager, he performed in many clubs in Los Angeles and named himself Yella which was inspired by Tom Tom Club's Mr. Yellow.
He was one of the members who stuck with the other members of the group since its formation.
3. Dr. Dre
Andre Romell Young, best known as Dr. Dre is a record producer and rapper by profession. He is regarded as the second richest hip-hop figure.
He was also a member of World Class Wreckin' Cru with DJ Yella but rose to prominence with the gangsta rap group N.W.A in 1987.
After the group hiatus, he built his solo career and has earned many accolades including seven Grammy Awards, and has been a driving aspect in setting the new heights for hip-hop in artistic and commercial success.
4. Eazy-E
Formally recognized as Eric Lynn Wright, Eazy-E is the rapper who launched West Coast and gangsta rap. He is considered the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap" as well.
He was the leading member of the team, N.W.A., and co-founder of Ruthless Records. His distinct high-pitched vocals made him the band's frontman.
Tragically, Wright was diagnosed with AIDS in 1995 and passed in the same year at the age of 30.
5. Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson Sr., best known at Ice Cube, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor, and film producer. He is noted for his lyrics on the band's albums.
A native of Los Angeles has set powerful and socially conscious lyrics that set him apart. He used to address the concepts of racial inequalities and challenges suffered by Black communities.
Due to the creative differences and financial disputes, Ice Cube pursued his journey as a solo artist and cemented his status as a hip-hop icon.
Apart from the music, he also made a successful acting career with roles like "Boys n the Hood" and others.
6. MC Ren
MC Ren whose real name is Lorenzo Jerald Patterson is a rapper, record producer, and songwriter and also a founder of Villain Entertainment.
His songwriting and storytelling capabilities have been landmarks in various singles and albums of the group. Patterson's contribution helped to solidify the N.W.A.'s status in gangsta rap.
After the breakup, he started his solo career and launched albums such as "Kizz My Black Azz" and "The Villain in Black".
NWA Members Still Alive
NWA Members Still Alive are 1. DJ Yella 2. Dr. Dre 3. Ice Cube 4. MC Ren. They all have successful solo careers.
The members still alive in N.W.A with their birthdates and ages are mentioned below:
- Arabian Prince - June 17, 1965 (58 years)
- Dr. Dre - February 18, 1965 (58 years)
- Ice Cube - June 15, 1969 (54 years)
- MC Ren - June 16, 1969 (54 years)
These are the members still alive and active and also have made a place in their successful solo works. Some of them have also been famous in acting careers.
NWA Members Dead
NWA Members Dead is Eric Lynn Wright, also known as Eazy-E. He passed away on March 26, 1995, at the age of 30.
Wright was a co-founder of N.W.A and also most recognizable members who tragically passed due to complications from AIDS.
He was diagnosed with HIV/ADIS and announced his illness in public on March 16, 1995. After one month of his diagnosis, he died from ADIS-induced pneumonia.
Eazy-E's early death was a significant loss to the hip-hop community and is respected and remembered for his contribution to the gangsta rap genre and N.W.A.
Members of NWA Now
Members of NWA Now have flourished into their own successful solo career paths. They have remained influential figures in their respective fields.
Dr. Dre's career as a pioneering rapper and producer to a mentor, actor, entrepreneur, and others has made a huge impact on the music and entrainment industry.
He collaborated with Eminem and helped to build the careers of 50 Cent, The Game, and Kendrick Lamar. He has been positioned as the second-richest rapper alive.
Likewise, Ice Cube has starred in several movies including "Boys n the Hood", "Barbershop", "21 Jump Street" and so on. As of 2020, he has popped up in 40 films including comedy movies.
Apart from DJ, rapper, and record producer, DJ Yella has been directing movies and working on his new album as well.
Moreover, MC Ren launched Osiris's tracklist and his EP in 2022 with guest appearances from Cold 187um, Ras Kass, Kurupt, and others.
Lastly, Arabian Prince appeared on the 'AmeriKKKant' album in 2018 and the 'Moral Hygine' album in 2021, of the metal band Ministry.
NWA Members Net Worth
NWA Members Net Worth is listed in the table below:
Name | Net Worth |
Dr. Dre | $800 million |
Arabian Prince | $500 million |
Ice Cube | $160 million |
MC Ren | $1 million |
DJ Yella | $1 million |
The members of N.W.A., especially Dr. Dre, Arabian Prince, and Ice Cube have achieved weighty success through their music careers, business ventures, and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Dr. Dre is regarded as the second highest-richest hip-hop artist as of 2018. He has a fortunate career as an actor, record producer, rapper, and entrepreneur.
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