Released: 1993
Label: Ruthless Records
Aight, we ’bout to dive deep into the rhymes of one of the realest to ever touch the mic, Eazy-E, and break down the lyrics of that stone-cold gangsta classic, ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’. When this album dropped in ’93, it was like an explosive retaliation in the rap wars, a sonic vendetta unleashed by the street-wise poet Eazy-E against his former homie, Dr. Dre. Each track was packed with lyrical ammunition, making the album a pure embodiment of feuding, disses and pure hip-hop warfare.
This ain’t just about the beef, though. ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’ showcases Eazy-E at his lyrical best, offering peeps a glimpse into the heart and soul of Compton. From the raw storytelling of ‘Real Muthaphuckkin G’s’ to the slick wordplay on ‘Still a Nigga,’ this album is a testament to why Eazy-E is forever engraved in the annals of hip-hop history. It’s the lyrics, laced with reality and grit, that set this album apart, y’know?
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane, from the backstreets of Compton to the top of the charts. So let’s get into it. From the unforgiving disses to the unabashed self-assertion, here are the breakdowns of the lyrics on ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’ by ‘Eazy-E’.
1. Exxtra Special Thankz
Dre) 187um Killa”, Eazy-E kicks things off with “Exxtra Special Thankz”, a fiery shout-out track. Eazy-E, the self-proclaimed “hip-hop thugster,” is back in business and he ain’t playing games. The bars ooze disses seasoned with sarcasm aimed at his adversaries, namely Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. The track epitomizes rap feuds in the ’90s, referencing the notoriety of the artist’s beef with former N.W.A bandmate, Dre. Eazy’s tongue-in-cheek attitude, coupled with the brazenness of his lyrics, establishes the raw and unfiltered tone for the rest of this hardcore hip-hop project.
2. Real Muthaphuckkin G’s
Dre and Snoop Dogg. This track is often lauded as one of the greatest diss songs in hip-hop history. E’s verses are a vivid portrayal of his street toughness, and his lyrical dexterity is on full display, as he challenges Dre and Snoop’s authenticity. The track is an exploration of what it means to be a ‘Real motherf***kin G’, critiquing the façade of toughness and street cred that Eazy believes his former NWA associate and the D-O-double-G were putting on. The song makes it clear that Eazy’s quarrels weren’t solely based on personal frictions but rooted in questions of authenticity and respect within the hip-hop community.
3. Any Last Werdz
Eazy’s lyrics are a raw portrayal of life as a Black man in America, specifically Compton, seething with tales of death, police brutality, racial inequality, and the brutal underbelly of the societal system. His chosen method of expression – striking, hard-hitting rhymes, and an attitude that screams defiance – weaves a tale that’s both chilling and fascinating. Eazy’s narrative, as unsettling as it can be, serves as a reminder of the lived experiences of many, echoing true in countless corners of the world beyond Compton’s borders.
4. Still a Nigga
Serving raw, undeniable tales from the hood, Eazy echoes the socio-political climate of his time and reveals the glacial realities of gangsta living. Notorious for not mincing his words, Eazy is audacious with his affronts, capturing the essence of his exasperating circumstances. He uses the track to underscore his ‘realness’ and his survivalist mindset, a product of his upbringing in a ruthless environment. Moreover, the song subtly exposes the systems and stereotypes that contributed to the monster society made him. Yet, amid these themes, Eazy-E’s entrepreneurial spirit peeks through; he’s a hustler, using his truth as his ticket to the game, maintaining his authenticity while stacking his bread.
5. Gimmie That Nutt
“Gimmie That Nutt” off his EP ‘It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa’ is no exception. The track is a masterclass in Eazy-E’s brash humour and unapologetic explicitness, as he navigates the realms of sexual escapades. The lyrics paint an audacious picture, laced with a touch of comedy and crude references. It’s a slice of Eazy-E’s nonchalance, ego, and penchant for the risqué, and boy, does he take us for a ride. Explicit as it is, this song serves as another testament to Eazy-E’s dauntless artistic expression within the hip-hop landscape.
6. It’s On
Thematically, it’s Eazy-E asserting dominance, calling out rivals and re-establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the game. Eazy-E was known for his rugged approach to hip-hop, blending elements of pure heart-racing bravado with street-conscious lyricism, and this track embodies that spirit. In this song, he broadcasts that despite the changes around him, he remains unfazed. The repeated line “If it’s on motherfucker then it’s on” conveys Eazy-E’s perpetual readiness for retaliation. Through this song, Eazy portrays a stark picture of his contempt for former comrades turned rivals, showing that in the world of hip-hop, staying ready to square off is part and parcel of the terrain.
7. Boyz n Tha Hood (G-Mix)
With an edgier delivery and a pumped-up tempo, Eazy puts all his street-acquired knowledge on display. The lyrics depict harsh realities of the LA streets – drug dealing, violence, and the constant tension with law enforcement. It’s a no-holds-barred narrative that gives an unfiltered look into Eazy’s world. His raw storytelling, underscored by the bouncing West Coast instrumental, is a chilling yet captivating testament to his ‘hood’, affirming its everlasting influence on his life and art.
8. Down 2 Tha Last Roach
Eazy, here known as Mr. Roach Clip, revels in the haze of chronic fever, painting trippy images enhanced by the skunky funk of high-grade indica. The single is laced with E’s characteristic devil-may-care audacity, where his stoned consciousness dances with devilish thoughts. With spliff in hand, Eazy rides through the Ruthless realms, blaring his own music on 8-track, reminding us of his bravado. His verses and the vivid language offer a stark contrast to the harsh realities of his life, particularly his court trials and incarcerations. While it’s a far cry from the gangsta reality we’re used to, “Down 2 Tha Last Roach” presents an alternate, therapeutically trippy narrative that’s quintessentially Eazy.
