Review Summary: The archetypal classic spreads way beyond its limits
Stereotyping is found everywhere. These nasty habits are not born within us, but learned and influenced from every facet of media we face. The various types of music we hear has stereotypes of their own. Some big and small, and some that need an overhaul. There are many personal examples told quite often. Some proclamations state metal is for “emo people”, while other uneducated pricks claim country music is for southern fellows. By now, you get the idea. It's generally easier to revert to these stereotypes because it takes less effort than thoroughly identifying an individual.
Every once in a while, an album becomes so big, it impacts the way we look at a certain way of life. It influences communities outside of the content itself. Very rarely is there a piece of music that draws audiences from different crowds to enjoy one certain piece of art. And when it does happen, the stereotypes end up foreign. ‘Straight Outta Compton’ rolls into music stores one day, and all the sudden this genuine, savage set of hip hop tunes turn out to be the main headline of California residents, and shortly, the rest of the country. If there is a hip hop record that can persuade the most narrow minded gangster rap critic positive acclaim, ‘NWA’s first album can absolutely do so.
Featuring one of the most influential groups in the music industry and pop culture, ‘NWA’ were in the middle of fighting stereotypes themselves. Fueled by the abusive authorities and low quality women that surround them. The five piece hip hop group at the time were destined to break the standards never thought possible. The lineup consisted of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, DJ Yella and Eazy-E. Most of who take a part in the rapping.
‘Straight Outta Compton’ paints a street life picture in the form of violence, anti-authority and drugs in an unforgiving, in your face manner. The most famous track on the record, ‘*** the Police’ is a song about police brutality and power abuse. This is just one example of many timeless classic tunes and chant persuading one liners. It's easy to see why ‘Straight Outta Compton’ appeals to so many. Stumbling onto this record, there will be rhyming structures that's so simple it's instantly mind blowing, and automatically catchy to the point of unstoppable head bopping. Not only that, but it's intelligible, and heavy in its own way. Other genres hit home with refined, climactic instrumentals, or technical music theory patterns. ‘NWA’ paved the way for another method of getting a message across; with their raw, heart-on-sleeve rapping prowess paired by electronics and sampled backdrops in the background. Or as they like to call it: street knowledge.
Despite the description of their sound, the album isn't a non-stop roller coaster affair. There are some points of ease. One bad part about this album has nothing to do with ‘Straight Outta Compton’ itself, but in my belief, ‘Boys In The Hood’, Eazy-E’s song dedicated to him, should have been on this record. The reason why it wasn't here is unknown. He's mostly known for his contributions in ‘NWA’, not his solo career. One bad stereotype hip-hop gets is about the lyrical subject matter; more specifically modern day hip hop. Occasionally, there will be a small percentage of ignorance quoting the rap genre as lowlifes talking about drugs, and getting pussy. But not here; anyone with a brain will realize it goes deeper than that with ‘Straight Outta Compton’. Another misconception is related to the culture around this genre. Yes, the sound may be representative of its environment at the time, but good artists create the best with what they're given. Great music is celebrated by anyone with the passion for it; no matter where you come from.
‘Straight Outta Compton’ is a keeper that surpasses any standard or expectations. No matter who you are, what you are, or what kind of music you're into, this was a special hip hop group that splashed revolutionary colors on a bland blank canvas. This album is a classic because it defied boundaries with its material and predominance. This is one of those rare albums that could appeal to almost everyone. It's also a great platform for getting into the hip hop game. ‘Straight Outta Compton’ shines in its effortless, yet effective nursery rhyme lyric structure, rebellious rock spirit, classical grandness, and jazz comparable beauty. Not only did ‘NWA’ create their debut straight out of their hometown, they changed the entire world. The members of ‘NWA’ had to fight many stereotypes and adversity to put out this album, and they are rewarded with legendary critical acclaim. Put it this way: you know you're hot stuff when someone grants permission to make a movie about you.
