NWA Greates Hits album review

Rating of the product: 5 stars
Old school gangsta rap classic-definitely worth your attention and buy
Some people might ask themselves if I can relate to NWA’s album as a white European woman. The answer’s yes. Of course, not in the same way an African American would relate to in the ghetto of South Central LA (life in European ghettos is quite different and less violent than in Compton), but still, this album has a huge meaning for me.
Why? Because I have lived within the African community in a French ghetto for years. Both of my kids are bi racial and I have experienced racial discrimination in my flesh. Also, the motherfucking police has tried to mess with my eldest son last Summer. I have always hated the police’s arrogant stupidity against minorities and I think I’m not about to change my mind.
I am tired of racism and racial discrimination. This album should be interpreted as a struggle of black people for more respect and against racial discrimination. No more second class citizens, but 5 proud black men Ice Cube, Dr Dre, Mc Ren, Yella and Eazy E (Eternal E, RIP Eric Wright) show some real attitude against discriminatory attitudes and bad cops.
As James Brown claimed : « Say it loud, I’m black and proud », the NWA crew says in a more arrogant and offensive way and that’s the whole beauty of it. No more humiliations, but some proud black guys determined to put fear against their opponents.
Instrumentally the album should be listened to with an attentive ear. It is rich of many musical styles: a pinch of James Brown influence for the jazzy-soul instrumental sounds, a beautiful reggae note from Yella, a typical Dr Dre G Funk style, nice vocals mixed up with scratches.
Musically, the album is a beautiful jewel that will pleasure black music lovers and I’d say that this good old school rap album tops many contemporary rap albums by its high quality work.
Gangsta Gangsta starts with police sirens gunshots and scratches sounds while Ice Cube introduces the track, showing some teeth. The track is provocative, misogynistic sounding on purpose. NWA shocks the kind of conceited people who are not ready to open their eyes about ghetto every day reality. The group tells it like it is. Weed, guns, violence, murders are part of that rough Compton reality.
Among the most beautiful tracks of the album don’t miss NWA’s famous « Fuck The Police ».
The discriminatory way black folks and other racial minorities are treated by the police is, unfortunately, a daily reality.
But this time, the NWA gang takes over and is determined to speak its mind against the police.
I particularly like the way Ice Cube talks about the cops’ usual violence with a fighting spirit:
« Fuck the police
Comin’ straight from the underground
Young nigga got it bad cause I’m brown
And not the other color so police think
They have the authority to kill a minority
Fuck that shit, cause I ain’t the one
For a punk mother fucker with a badge and a gun
To be beatin’ on, and throw in jail
We could go toe to toe in the middle of a cell
Fuckin with me cause I’m a teenager
With a little bit of gold and a pager
Searching my car, looking for the product
Thinking every nigga is selling narcotics
You’d rather see me in the pen
Then me and Lorenzo rolling in the Benzo
Beat the police outta shape
And when I’m finished, bring the yellow tape
To tape off the scene of the slaughter
Still can’t swallow bread and water
I don’t know if they fags or what
Search a nigga down and grabbing his nuts
And on the other hand, without a gun they can’t get none
But don’t let it be a black and a white one
Cause they slam ya down to the street top
Black police showing out for the white cop
Ice Cube will swarm
On any mother fucker in a blue uniform
Just cause I’m from the CPT, punk police are afraid of me
A young nigga on a war path
And when I’m finished, it’s gonna be a bloodbath
Of cops, dying in LA
Yo Dre, I got something to say… »
The track is very well handled lyrically and instrumentally. I’d describe it as perfect. Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Mc Ren and Eazy E have already spoken out their verdict against corrupt cops who spoil their daily life.
Hello, the final NWA track is also one of those very enjoyable « anti police track » not to miss in any case. If you get the chance, also watch the video to Hello on yahoo launch.
« When something happens in South Central Los Angeles, nothing happens, it is just another nigga dead »
Straight Outta Compton points out the indifference in front of black men’s daily murders. NWA members are here to react against indifference and racism on an explosive and dynamic gangsta track that will involve villains Ice Cube, MC Ren and Eazy E who are ready to attack with some loaded guns-lyrically and literally.
The beauty of NWA’s music also lies in the good rhythmic beats and nice scratches and instrumentals that will make you want to nod your head and dance to the track.
Always Into Something enlightens Dr Dre’s huge talent and DJ Yella‘s reggae sounding voice. Dr Dre’s original sound and beats make this track very much enjoyable for the listener.
Oh yea, as a woman, I think you are going to ask me what I think of Just Don’t Bite It and A Bitch Is A Bitch. They are very misogynic sounding (who said that Eminem invented misogyny?), so what?
I am an adult woman who has fun listening to them, because I interpret them as one of NWA’s provocative side and who considers that women who respect themselves don‘t fit into the « slut »  and « bitch »  category. A female emcee would diss her fellow male emcees by showing some teeth too and she would certainly use sexual demeaning terms aimed at men. I’m not taking offense at NWA’s verses, because I consider that I don’t have to.
Misogyny is present in hip hop culture. Those are just words and music when you’re opened minded enough to understand the artists’ intentions.
Globally, NWA’s Greatest Hits album fully deserves 5 stars. Many new school rappers should definitely search some inspiration in this masterpiece that belongs into your hip hop library.