N.W.A. (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was a pioneering American hip-hop group that emerged from Compton, California in the mid-1980s. Their music was characterized by a raw and unfiltered portrayal of life in the inner city, with lyrics that tackled issues of race, violence, and police brutality. They were a controversial group, but their impact on the world of hip-hop was undeniable. Today, they are widely regarded as one of the most important and influential groups in the history of hip-hop music. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best N.W.A. songs of all time. These tracks showcase the group’s unique style, their ability to capture the realities of life in the inner city, and their willingness to speak truth to power. From classic tracks like “Straight Outta Compton” and “Fuck the Police” to lesser-known gems like “Dopeman” and “8 Ball,” these songs represent the very best of N.W.A.’s music and serve as a testament to their enduring legacy in the world of hip-hop.
1. Straight Outta Compton
“Straight Outta Compton” is a classic gangsta rap song that was released in 1988 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track is the title track of their debut studio album, “Straight Outta Compton,” and is widely considered to be one of the most influential and groundbreaking rap songs of all time. The song’s aggressive and unapologetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of the group’s experiences growing up in Compton, California, and their struggles with police brutality, gang violence, and racial inequality.
The beat of the song is dominated by a heavy, menacing bassline and the distinctive sound of a police siren, which sets the tone for the group’s uncompromising and confrontational lyrics. The song’s opening line, “Straight outta Compton, crazy motherf***er named Ice Cube,” immediately grabs the listener’s attention and sets the stage for the rest of the song’s powerful and provocative verses. The song’s popularity and impact have been felt not only in the rap community but also in popular culture, with references to the song appearing in movies, television shows, and other forms of media.
2. Fuck the Police
“Fuck the Police” is a protest song released in 1988 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track is widely regarded as one of the most controversial and politically charged songs in the history of rap music. The lyrics of the song describe the group’s experiences with police brutality and racial profiling and call for a revolution against the systemic oppression and racism that they face on a daily basis.
The song’s aggressive and confrontational tone is matched by its hard-hitting beat, which features a heavy bassline and a piercing whistle sound. The song’s title and chorus, “Fuck the Police,” have become iconic and are often cited as a rallying cry for social justice and police reform. Despite the controversy surrounding the song, it has remained popular and influential, with artists across multiple genres paying homage to it and its message of resistance and empowerment. “Fuck the Police” remains a powerful and poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in America.
3. Express Yourself
“Express Yourself” is a funky and upbeat rap song released in 1988 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track encourages listeners to be themselves, to speak their minds, and to pursue their passions. The song’s message of self-expression and individuality is reflected in its catchy chorus, which repeats the line, “Express Yourself,” over and over again.
The song’s lively beat features a funky bassline and a catchy horn section that give the track a celebratory and optimistic vibe. The song’s lyrics also touch on issues of social justice and racial inequality, with lines such as “I’m expressin’ with my full capabilities / And now I’m livin’ in correctional facilities.” “Express Yourself” is widely regarded as one of N.W.A.’s most positive and uplifting songs, and its message of self-empowerment continues to resonate with fans today.
4. Gangsta, Gangsta
“Gangsta, Gangsta” is a gritty and intense rap song released in 1988 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track paints a vivid picture of the group’s experiences growing up in Compton, California, and their struggles with gang violence, drug addiction, and police brutality. The song’s lyrics are graphic and explicit, and they describe the harsh realities of life in the inner city.
The beat of the song is dominated by a menacing bassline and a sparse, minimalist drum pattern that add to the song’s raw and unfiltered vibe. The song’s chorus, “Gangsta, Gangsta, that’s what they’re yellin’,” has become a popular catchphrase and is often cited as an example of N.W.A.’s influence on the development of gangsta rap. “Gangsta, Gangsta” remains a powerful and evocative depiction of life in the inner city, and it continues to be celebrated and studied by fans and scholars alike.
5. 100 Miles and Runnin’
“100 Miles and Runnin'” is a fast-paced and aggressive rap song released in 1990 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track was recorded in response to the group’s feud with former member Ice Cube, who had left the group over creative differences. The song’s lyrics are confrontational and boastful, and they showcase the group’s lyrical skill and technical prowess.
The beat of the song is dominated by a frenetic drum pattern and a sparse, repetitive bassline that give the track a sense of urgency and intensity. The song’s chorus, “Straight outta Compton, crazy motherf*ers named Ice Cube / From the gang called N**s With Attitudes,” is a direct reference to Ice Cube’s departure from the group and his subsequent criticism of his former bandmates. “100 Miles and Runnin'” remains a classic example of N.W.A.’s ability to turn personal conflict into compelling and engaging music.
6. Dopeman
“Dopeman” is a hard-hitting and intense rap song released in 1987 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track tells the story of a drug dealer who becomes rich and powerful by selling drugs to addicts in the inner city. The song’s lyrics are graphic and explicit, and they describe the violent and dangerous world of drug dealing.
The beat of the song features a slow and menacing bassline and a sparse, minimalist drum pattern that add to the song’s ominous and foreboding vibe. The song’s chorus, “Dopeman, dopeman, don’t deal in dreams / Dopeman, dopeman, don’t deal in schemes,” is a warning to listeners about the dangers of drug addiction and the high price that must be paid for the pursuit of wealth and power.
7. I Ain’t tha 1
“I Ain’t tha 1” is a confrontational and aggressive rap song released in 1988 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track features biting lyrics and a defiant attitude, with the group’s members refusing to back down in the face of criticism and controversy.
The beat of the song is driven by a thumping bassline and a sparse, minimalist drum pattern that give the track a sense of urgency and intensity. The song’s chorus, “I ain’t tha one, the one to get played like a poo butt / See I’m from the streets, so I know what’s up,” is a declaration of the group’s toughness and resilience in the face of adversity.
8. 8 Ball
“8 Ball” is a gritty and intense rap song released in 1988 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track tells the story of life in the inner city, with the group’s members describing the struggles and hardships of growing up in Compton, California.
The beat of the song is dominated by a driving bassline and a sparse, minimalist drum pattern that give the track a sense of urgency and intensity. The song’s chorus, “Eight-ball rollin’, seven do be flyin’ / Six cars behind me, five n****s tryin’,” is a vivid and powerful depiction of the violence and danger that permeate life in the inner city. “8 Ball” remains a classic example of N.W.A.’s ability to capture the raw and unfiltered reality of life in the inner city and to turn that reality into compelling and engaging music.
9. Alwayz Into Somethin’
“Alwayz Into Somethin'” is a dynamic and energetic rap song released in 1990 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track features driving beats and sharp lyrics, with the group’s members describing their lives as they continue to face and overcome obstacles in the inner city.
The beat of the song is characterized by a bouncy and catchy bassline and a minimalist drum pattern that create a sense of momentum and energy. The song’s chorus, “I’m alwayz into somethin’, I’m alwayz into somethin’ / I’m alwayz into somethin’, I’m alwayz into somethin’,” is a declaration of the group’s unrelenting spirit and determination to succeed, no matter what obstacles stand in their way.
10. Appetite for Destruction
“Appetite for Destruction” is a powerful and intense rap song released in 1991 by the American hip-hop group N.W.A. The track features dark and moody beats and sharp lyrics that tackle issues of race, violence, and police brutality.
The beat of the song is driven by a heavy and menacing bassline and a sparse, minimalist drum pattern that create a sense of foreboding and danger. The song’s chorus, “I got a taste for waste and a taste and a taste for destruction / I got a gun in my hand, I’m goin’ to your function,” is a chilling and provocative statement of the group’s willingness to use violence as a means of resistance against a system that they see as oppressive and unjust. “Appetite for Destruction” is a powerful and provocative song that remains a classic example of N.W.A.’s ability to speak truth to power and to push the boundaries of what was possible in hip-hop music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
