N.W.A. (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was a hip-hop group that emerged in the mid-1980s and quickly became one of the most influential and controversial groups in the genre’s history. Their music was characterized by its raw, aggressive sound and its unapologetic lyrics that tackled issues such as police brutality, gang violence, and racial inequality. The group’s members, including Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, were known for their uncompromising attitude and their willingness to speak truth to power, which made them both loved and reviled by fans and critics alike.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best N.W.A. songs of all time. These songs have become iconic in the hip-hop community and have had a lasting impact on the genre. From the group’s early tracks such as “Straight Outta Compton” and “F*** tha Police,” to later hits like “Express Yourself” and “Gangsta Gangsta,” we will be taking a deep dive into the music that made N.W.A. one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, this article is sure to provide a comprehensive look at the music that made N.W.A. a household name.
1. Alwayz Into Somethin’
“Alwayz Into Somethin'” is a track from N.W.A.’s second album, “Niggaz4Life” released in 1991. The song features the group’s trademark aggressive and profane lyrics set to a thumping beat. The lyrics reflect the group’s experiences with gang life and police harassment, as well as their wealth and status in the music industry. The chorus is infectious and catchy, with the group proclaiming that they are “always into somethin’,” whether it be making music, getting money, or fighting back against those who try to bring them down. The song’s energy and attitude are typical of N.W.A.’s style, and it showcases the group’s ability to create compelling music that speaks to the experiences of their fans. “Alwayz Into Somethin'” remains a beloved track in hip-hop history and a testament to N.W.A.’s lasting impact on the genre.
2. 8 Ball
“8 Ball” is a classic track from N.W.A.’s debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” released in 1988. The song is a hard-hitting reflection on the violent and chaotic world of gang life in South Central Los Angeles, where the members of N.W.A. grew up. The lyrics are raw and unflinching, describing shootings, drug deals, and police brutality with brutal honesty. The track is built around a menacing beat, with a looping synth riff that gives the song an ominous, foreboding atmosphere. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “rolling in my 8 Ball,” is both catchy and menacing, underscoring the sense of danger and lawlessness that permeates the song. “8 Ball” is a powerful statement from N.W.A., and it remains a fan favorite to this day, a testament to the group’s ability to capture the harsh realities of life in the inner city with unflinching honesty and uncompromising artistry.
3. Appetite for Destruction
“Appetite for Destruction” is a standout track from N.W.A.’s second album, “Niggaz4Life,” released in 1991. The song is a scathing indictment of the music industry, and the group’s critics who accused them of promoting violence and misogyny in their lyrics. The lyrics are confrontational and unapologetic, with the members of N.W.A. defiantly defending their art and their right to free expression. The beat is hard-hitting, with a driving bassline and a sample of the Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine” that adds a touch of irony to the song’s message. The chorus is simple but effective, with the group proclaiming that they have an “appetite for destruction” that can’t be denied. “Appetite for Destruction” is a powerful statement from N.W.A., both in its message and its musical execution, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
4. 100 Miles and Runnin’
“100 Miles and Runnin'” is a classic track from N.W.A., released as a single in 1990 following the departure of Ice Cube from the group. The song features the remaining members of N.W.A. – Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella – showcasing their skills as rappers and producers. The lyrics are a powerful statement of the group’s defiance in the face of their critics and enemies, with the members of N.W.A. proclaiming their status as “the world’s most dangerous group.” The beat is funky and hard-hitting, with a grooving bassline and a sample of James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” that gives the song its infectious rhythm. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “100 miles and runnin’,” is both catchy and defiant, underscoring the group’s determination to succeed against all odds. “100 Miles and Runnin'” is a classic track from one of the most important groups in hip-hop history, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
5. I Ain’t tha 1
“I Ain’t tha 1” is a classic track from N.W.A.’s debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” released in 1988. The song features the group’s trademark sound – hard-hitting beats, aggressive lyrics, and a confrontational attitude. The lyrics of “I Ain’t tha 1” are a direct response to the criticism and controversy that surrounded N.W.A. at the time, with the group defiantly defending their music and their message. The beat is funky and uptempo, with a grooving bassline and a sample of George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” that gives the song its infectious rhythm. The chorus is simple but effective, with the group proclaiming that they “ain’t the ones to be played like a poop butt.” “I Ain’t tha 1” is a powerful statement from N.W.A., both in its message and its musical execution, and it remains a fan favorite to this day, a testament to the group’s enduring influence on the genre of hip-hop.
6. Dopeman
“Dopeman” is a classic track from N.W.A.’s debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” released in 1988. The song tells the story of a drug dealer, with the members of N.W.A. using their skills as storytellers to paint a vivid picture of the world of drugs and violence in their community. The beat is hard-hitting and funky, with a grooving bassline and a sample of Parliament’s “Mothership Connection” that gives the song its infectious rhythm. The lyrics are raw and unapologetic, with the members of N.W.A. describing the life of a drug dealer with a mix of cynicism and despair. The chorus is both catchy and ominous, with the group proclaiming that “the dopeman’s in town,” underscoring the sense of danger and lawlessness that permeates the song. “Dopeman” is a powerful statement from N.W.A., both in its message and its musical execution, and it remains a fan favorite to this day, a testament to the group’s enduring impact on the genre of hip-hop.
7. Fuck the Police
“Fuck the Police” is one of N.W.A.’s most famous and controversial tracks, released on their debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” in 1988. The song’s lyrics are a scathing indictment of police brutality and racial profiling, with the members of N.W.A. speaking out against the systemic oppression faced by black people in their community. The beat is simple but effective, with a sparse piano riff and a thumping bassline that give the song its menacing energy. The chorus is iconic, with the members of N.W.A. repeating the phrase “fuck the police” with anger and defiance. “Fuck the Police” was a powerful statement from N.W.A., and it remains a seminal moment in the history of hip-hop, a testament to the power of music to give voice to the marginalized and oppressed. While controversial at the time of its release, the song has since been recognized as a landmark moment in the struggle for social justice and equality in America.
8. Gangsta, Gangsta
“Gangsta, Gangsta” is a classic track from N.W.A.’s debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” released in 1988. The song is an unapologetic celebration of gang culture and the street life, with the members of N.W.A. painting a vivid picture of the violence, sex, and money that defined their world. The beat is hard-hitting and funky, with a grooving bassline and a sample of Bootsy Collins’ “I’d Rather Be With You” that gives the song its infectious rhythm. The lyrics are raw and unflinching, with the members of N.W.A. using their skills as storytellers to create a compelling portrait of life in the inner city. The chorus is both catchy and menacing, with the group proclaiming that “life ain’t nothing but bitches and money.” “Gangsta, Gangsta” is a classic track from one of the most important groups in hip-hop history, and it remains a fan favorite to this day, a testament to the group’s enduring influence on the genre.
9. Straight Outta Compton
“Straight Outta Compton” is the title track from N.W.A.’s debut album, released in 1988. The song is a classic in the hip-hop genre and has become synonymous with the group’s name. The beat is hard-hitting and menacing, with a driving bassline and a sample of funk band Funkadelic’s “You’ll Like It Too” that gives the song its infectious rhythm. The lyrics are a powerful statement of the group’s defiance in the face of oppression and censorship, with the members of N.W.A. proclaiming their right to free speech and their determination to speak truth to power. The chorus is simple but effective, with the group repeating the phrase “straight outta Compton,” underscoring their pride in their roots and their community. “Straight Outta Compton” is a landmark track in the history of hip-hop, a testament to the power of music to give voice to the marginalized and oppressed. The song remains a fan favorite to this day, a testament to the enduring influence of N.W.A. on the genre.
10. Express Yourself
“Express Yourself” is a standout track from N.W.A.’s second album, “Straight Outta Compton,” released in 1988. The song is a departure from the group’s trademark sound, with a more laid-back and positive vibe. The beat is funky and upbeat, with a grooving bassline and a sample of Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s “Express Yourself” that gives the song its infectious rhythm. The lyrics are a call to individuality and self-expression, with the members of N.W.A. encouraging their listeners to be true to themselves and follow their dreams. The chorus is both catchy and uplifting, with the group proclaiming that “life is too short, so I got to live it well.” “Express Yourself” is a classic track from one of the most important groups in hip-hop history, and it remains a fan favorite to this day, a testament to the group’s ability to create compelling music that speaks to the experiences of their fans.
Darren Jamison 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.
