15 Landmark Albums That Changed The Face Of Music Forever
6. NWA - Straight Outta Compton
Without a doubt, the release of Straight Outta Compton in 1988 marked a major change in the evolution of hip hop. NWA injected a much angrier, more visceral attitude to the scene that was previously unheard. Instead of emphasising technique and broad political topics, NWA brought attention to the problems going on right outside their door and their community, and did it with an uncompromising voice. The result was the birth of 'gangsta' rap which would become a staple of the 90s hip-hop scene. While punk rock was the voice of the disenfranchised of the seventies and eighties, gangsta rap would assume that mantle and become the forum for vitriolic commentary about racism, police discrimination, and poverty. It was rebellion that refused to go unnoticed. Straight Outta Compton also launched the career of Dr. Dre, arguably one of the greatest producers in hip hop. Not only could he pick up the mic like the best of them, he could also work the production booth and make it sound amazing, as evident in his own 1992 release The Chronic. That's not to mention the artists who owe Dre tremendous credit for their own success too. Without Dr. Dres production skills, artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem would never have reached the heights they have. It all started with Straight Outta Compton. Album highlights: F**k the Police, Straight Outta Compton, Express Yourself
