Born and raised in Compton, a small yet violent city near Los Angeles, Wright had several legal troubles before founding Ruthless in 1987. After a short solo career with frequent collaboration with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, they joined, forming N.W.A, later that year.
N.W.A's debut studio album, Straight Outta Compton, was released in 1988. Controversial upon release, it is now ranked among the greatest and most influential albums. The group released its third and final studio album, Niggaz4Life.
N.W.A began to split up after Jerry Heller became the band's manager. Dr. Dre recalls: "The split came when Jerry Heller got involved. He played the divide and conquer game. Instead of taking care of everybody, he picked one nigga to take care of and that was Eazy. And Eazy was like, 'I'm taken care of, so fuck it'." Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. sent Suge Knight to look into Eazy-E's financial situation as they began to grow suspicious of Eazy-E and Jerry Heller. Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. asked Eazy-E to release him from Ruthless, but Eazy-E refused. The impasse led to what reportedly transpired between Suge Knight and Eazy-E at the recording studio where Niggaz4life was recorded. After he refused to release Dr. Dre and The D.O.C., Suge Knight told Eazy-E that he had kidnapped Jerry Heller and was holding him prisoner in a van. This did not convince Eazy-E to release Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. from Ruthless, and Suge Knight threatened Eazy-E's family: Suge Knight gave Eazy-E a piece of paper that contained Eazy's mother's address, telling him, "I know where your mama stays." Eazy-E finally signed Dr. Dre and The D.O.C.'s releases, officially ending N.W.A.
The feud with Dr. Dre continued after a track on Dre's debut album The Chronic, "Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')", contained lyrics that insulted Eazy-E. Eazy responded with the EP, It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa, featuring the tracks "Real Muthaphuckkin G's" and "It's On". The album, which was released on October 25, 1993, contains pictures of Dre wearing "lacy outfits and makeup" when he was a member of the Electro-hop World Class Wreckin' Cru.
During N.W.A's splintering Eazy-E resumed his solo career released two EPs. Yet he remained more significant behind the scenes, signing and nationally debuting the rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony from 1993 to 1994.
On February 24, 1995, Wright was admitted to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles with a violent cough. He was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. He announced his illness in a public statement on March 16, 1995. During the week of March 20, having already made amends with Ice Cube, he drafted a final message to his fans. On March 26, 1995, Eazy-E died from AIDS-induced pneumonia, one month after his diagnosis. He was 30 years old (most reports at the time said he was 31 due to the falsification of his date of birth by one year). He was buried on April 7, 1995, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California. Over 3,000 people attended his funeral, including Jerry Heller and DJ Yella. He was buried in a gold casket, and was dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans, and his Compton hat. On January 30, 1996, ten months after Eazy-E's death, his final album, Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton was released.
Easy had 11 children, one of which, Eric, would start his own rap career under the name Lil Eazy-E.
I'mma Break It Down
Eazy-E Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
takin' out profanity so they can play it though
listen to a hell of a kick and the high hat
going to the record store say ya gonna buy
that the E is connected to the A and the Z ya say why
so that's how the beats stack it up on material made of hits
takin' my time of Eastline to make sure it fit
push play on the instrumental that's recorded
some sort of track appeared like a plaque
and some hell of a screen from the girls in the back
takin' a bow cause I got style
never at the bottom of the ways on the top of the pile
yo it's Eazy on top even though I'm short
guaranteed to help when I walk on the court
so get up make some noise for the gangsta clap
gonna tip the laugh I'm not a pranksta
I'm serious Dre my sounds so quit playin' around
cause I'mma break it down
[Eazy-E]
Last time I was takin' my time with this
but other suckaz were makin' a rhyme with this
I had to change the tip or make it hyper
but they was rotten, I was gettin' riper
ready to go, like never before
givin' you more because I'm ready to score
Ren is my buddy you can tell I said often
helpin' me destroy the suckaz that's softin'
curin' diseases, my rhyme pleases, throw it a key
balls havin' seasons, this is a doc trim
and I'm locked in, and I made up my mind
and I think I'm gonna rock then
you got beaches chill and I'mma push ya
to freeze after I'll cut ya cause I'mma butcher
and say ya have pricin' and then out ya go
cause a percentage on point bellys are very low
messin' with a gun but once ya get hurt
like a said before ya get rushed to the dirt
I'm not a law man, but I'mma raw man
M.C. Ren: "But ya the dopest one I ever saw!"
I keep droppin' it pound for pound
and when I'm on the mic I always throw down
to keep y'all dancin' to my funky sound
so listen cause I'mma break it down
[Eazy-E]
Now look at me and not the poster
and you could see right off I got the most of
the talent, experience or a trade
and complements for the rhyme that's made
talks over today if this one so
pick another artist and dis one
I got the ballet of the chosen vote
cause I don't need water to clear my throat
comin' from the rain the show is like dancin'
nasty like and the girls are like glancin'
wantin' to get wit me this routine
keepin' it sprung still stayin' mean
can ya dis this man I don't think so
once I start writin' the way I let the ink go
comin' out with songs like hit after hit
cause this is legit and yours ain't shit
makin' it sound so dope cause I'm a genius
but your amazed with ya happy to see this
brother go crazy on wax
flowin' away like if I was on a sax
doin' a solo in the shade I'm a spotlight
relax and chill while your up tight
pumpin' up the funky sounds
yo you should know it's kinda persist
that the E is gonna break it down
The lyrics of Eazy-E's song "I'mma Break It Down" reflect his admiration for the art of hip hop and his love for creating music. The first verse speaks to the power of music and the process of creating it. The line "My eternal jam is the juice of the radio" expresses Eazy-E's passion for the music that inspires him to create his own. He notes the importance of removing profanity from his music so that it can be played on the radio. Additionally, he speaks to the art of creating beats and material made of hits.
The second verse speaks to Eazy-E's confidence in his own talent and his commitment to perfecting his craft. He notes that he is always "ready to go, like never before" and is constantly striving to improve his skills. He also showcases his ability to rhyme and the power of his lyrics to impact listeners. He implies that he is not interested in having others imitate his work, but rather he is committed to making a unique contribution to the industry.
Overall, the song is a reflection of Eazy-E's love for hip hop and his commitment to creating music that is original, impactful, and inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
My eternal jam is the juice of the radio
I love listening to music on the radio.
takin' out profanity so they can play it though
Removing offensive language so the song can be played on the radio.
listen to a hell of a kick and the high hat
Enjoying the drumbeat of the song.
going to the record store say ya gonna buy that
Going to the store to purchase the song on record.
the E is connected to the A and the Z ya say why
The initials Eazy-E contain all the letters of the alphabet, which is impressive.
so that's how the beats stack it up on material made of hits
The beats of the song are built up using many successful hits.
takin' my time of Eastline to make sure it fit
Spending time perfecting the lyrics to fit the beat of the song.
push play on the instrumental that's recorded
Starting the instrumental track of the song.
step on stage and I'm suddenly awarded
Receiving recognition by the audience when performing on stage.
some sort of track appeared like a plaque
The song became popular like an award-winning plaque.
and some hell of a screen from the girls in the back
Girls in the crowd were showing a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
takin' a bow cause I got style
Bowing to show appreciation for the audience's positive reaction to the performance.
never at the bottom of the ways on the top of the pile
Always successful and on top of the game.
yo it's Eazy on top even though I'm short
Despite being physically short, I am still on top of the music industry.
guaranteed to help when I walk on the court
Having confidence and success in basketball.
so get up make some noise for the gangsta clap
Encouraging the audience to make noise and show enthusiasm.
gonna tip the laugh I'm not a pranksta
Going to make them laugh, but not in a mean-spirited way.
I'm serious Dre my sounds so quit playin' around
Serious about my music and asking Dr. Dre to stop fooling around.
cause I'mma break it down
I will break down the song and make it successful.
Last time I was takin' my time with this
The last time I wrote a song, I took my time with it.
but other suckaz were makin' a rhyme with this
Other rappers were making rhymes similar to mine.
I had to change the tip or make it hyper
I changed the style of the song to make it more impressive.
but they was rotten, I was gettin' riper
While other rappers were becoming less popular, I was becoming more successful.
ready to go, like never before
Prepared to perform better than ever before.
givin' you more because I'm ready to score
Giving the audience more music because I'm ready to be successful again.
Ren is my buddy you can tell I said often
Talking about how close I am to my friend MC Ren.
helpin' me destroy the suckaz that's softin'
MC Ren helps me get rid of competitors who are not as good as us.
curin' diseases, my rhyme pleases, throw it a key
My music takes away people's problems and makes them happy.
balls havin' seasons, this is a doc trim
Referring to the fluctuation of confidence levels in people. Doc trim is another way of saying 'cutting the bullshit.'
and I'm locked in, and I made up my mind
Focused and committed to my music.
and I think I'm gonna rock then
Confident I will be successful in my music career.
you got beaches chill and I'mma push ya
If you're relaxing, I will energize you with my music.
to freeze after I'll cut ya cause I'mma butcher
If you can't handle the energy, I will overwhelm you with my music.
and say ya have pricin' and then out ya go
If you can't afford to see my show, you won't be able to come in.
cause a percentage on point bellys are very low
Few people can afford to see my show because it's expensive.
messin' with a gun but once ya get hurt
Playing with dangerous things can result in serious injuries.
like a said before ya get rushed to the dirt
Repeating the idea that dangerous activities can lead to serious harm.
I'm not a law man, but I'mma raw man
I don't follow the rules, but I am real and authentic.
M.C. Ren: "But ya the dopest one I ever saw!"
MC Ren thinks I'm the best he's ever seen.
I keep droppin' it pound for pound
Continuing to release successful songs one after another.
and when I'm on the mic I always throw down
When I perform, I always do my best.
to keep y'all dancin' to my funky sound
Making sure the audience is dancing and enjoying the music.
so listen cause I'mma break it down
Listen to my music because it's going to be successful.
Now look at me and not the poster
Look at me as a person and not just a celebrity figure.
and you could see right off I got the most of
You can tell I have a lot of talent and experience.
the talent, experience or a trade
I have the necessary skills to be successful in music.
and complements for the rhyme that's made
People appreciate the lyrics I write for my songs.
talks over today if this one so
If people don't like this song, there's always another one to listen to.
pick another artist and dis one
It's okay to not like my music and find another artist to listen to.
I got the ballet of the chosen vote
I am popular and well-liked by many people.
cause I don't need water to clear my throat
I am able to perform without needing to clear my throat with water.
comin' from the rain the show is like dancin'
Connecting the rain to dance because they are both fluid and constantly changing.
nasty like and the girls are like glancin'
The music is energetic and the girls in the crowd are showing interest.
wantin' to get wit me this routine
Girls in the crowd want to be around me because I am popular and successful.
keepin' it sprung still stayin' mean
Despite being successful, I am still tough and gritty.
can ya dis this man I don't think so
It's hard to put down my music and lyrics because of my talent and experience.
once I start writin' the way I let the ink go
Once I start writing lyrics, they flow out of me easily and successfully.
comin' out with songs like hit after hit
Releasing successful songs one after another.
cause this is legit and yours ain't shit
My music is authentic and original while others are not as good.
makin' it sound so dope cause I'm a genius
I make music sound amazing because of my natural talent and skill.
but your amazed with ya happy to see this
Fans are impressed and happy to see my success and talent.
brother go crazy on wax
I make amazing music in the studio.
flowin' away like if I was on a sax
My music flows smoothly and fluidly like a saxophone would.
doin' a solo in the shade I'm a spotlight
I make music that is so good it can be done alone, yet still stands out.
relax and chill while your up tight
My music is enjoyable and can help you relax, even if you are normally tense.
pumpin' up the funky sounds
Making the music exciting and energizing for the audience.
yo you should know it's kinda persist
The success of my music is consistent and long-lasting.
that the E is gonna break it down
I will continue to be successful and make amazing music.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind