Film : Boyz N The Hood Album : Straight Outta Compton

The film Boyz N The Hood was released in 1991. The film is about a group of friends that try to live their lives in the ghetto, each taking a different path. The film stars notable actors such as Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Laurence Fishburne. The film itself is definitely a tragic drama with bits of comedy sprouting up here and there. It does a good job at realistically viewing the ghetto and the "gangsta" lifestyle. The film has earned numerous awards and for good reason. Its a very good and thoughtful story. I don't want to reveal any of the details as certain ones are crucial. It is definitely recommended for those interested in African American culture in the early 1990's.

The album Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. was released in 1988. The album is considered one of the biggest influences of the gangsta rap genre. The music itself is very sample-heavy. The album is littered with good ole fashion profanity and with songs about sex, violence, and social injustice. The album is much more 'hardcore" than the rap that is around today. Rappers Ice Cube, Ren, Easy-E, and Dr. Dre can easily rap with the best rappers. Their style is much more aggressive than the rappers of today. This album is a must have if you would like to see where gangsta rap originally started.