Eric Lynn Wright (1964-1995), famously known as Eazy-E, was an American rapper from Compton, California, widely recognized as the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap." He was instrumental in propelling West Coast rap by founding Ruthless Records in 1987 and leading the iconic group N.W.A. The group, which included Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, released their groundbreaking and highly controversial debut album, Straight Outta Compton, in 1989, significantly shaping the genre.

Before his music career, Wright financed Ruthless Records with funds earned from drug dealing, a dangerous past that profoundly influenced his persona and lyrics. After N.W.A's disbandment in the early 1990s due to internal disputes, Eazy-E continued his solo career and notably signed the acclaimed rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony from 1993 to 1994, further cementing his legacy in hip-hop. His influential career was tragically cut short when he passed away in 1995.