“Straight Outta Compton” is the debut studio album by American gangsta rap group N.W.A, formed in Compton, Los Angeles County, in early 1987, led by Eazy-E. Released on August 8, 1988, under Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records, the album was produced by N.W.A members Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and Arabian Prince. Lyrics were primarily written by Ice Cube and MC Ren, with contributions from The D.O.C.
The album’s provocative content, depicting street violence and criticizing authorities, notably with tracks like “Fuck tha Police,” garnered widespread attention and controversy. Despite limited radio airplay, “Straight Outta Compton” achieved platinum status within a year of release, marking a milestone for gangsta rap. It peaked at number 9 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 37 on the Billboard 200.
The album’s influence on the rap genre was profound, shifting it towards hardcore gangsta rap. Remastered editions in 2000 and 2007 included bonus tracks, and a biographical film in 2015 renewed interest, leading to a 3x Multi-Platinum certification by the end of the year. In 2016, it became the first rap album inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, followed by its inclusion in the National Recording Registry in 2017 for its cultural significance.
| A1 | Straight Outta Compton | 4:19 | |
| A2 | _ _ _ _ Tha Police (Fill In The Blanks) | 5:46 | |
| A3 | Gangsta Gangsta | 5:37 | |
| A4 | If It Ain’t Ruff | 3:34 | |
| A5 | Parental Discretion Iz Advised | 5:16 | |
| B1 | Express Yourself | 4:23 | |
| B2 | Compton’s N The House (Remix) | 5:20 | |
| B3 | I Ain’t Tha 1 | 4:54 | |
| B4 | Dopeman (Remix) | 5:20 | |
| B5 | Quiet On Tha Set | 4:00 |
