Straight Outta….

Growing up on the East Coast where I could only listen to Gospel, Classical, and Jazz music, I yearned to know more about Hip Hop and R &B. I was late on finding out about grows like NWA, Run DMC, and Public Enemy. Recently, I was able to see an exhibit in the Museum of the City of New York, but it only featured East Coast rap and rap culture. I wasn’t sold on seeing Straight Outta Compton, but now that I’m dating a West Coaster, I figured I’d see what it was all about. Walking into the theater with little expectation, but an open mind, my limited expectations were by far exceeded.

In this biopic I was introduced to Andre, Eric, and O’shea. These were the key players, and in my opinion the people that made NWA everything that it was. I saw their journey to find themselves, to freedom, and to be the voice of their generation. All they wanted was respect, not to be stopped simply due to the color of their skin or their choice of attire, and to make their families proud. Instead what they did was break barriers, and become Dr. Dre, Eazy E, and Ice Cube.

This movie showed where God given talent, belief in yourself, and a divine connection can take you. It also showed an evolution of a friendship, and Business 101. It is definitely a motivational movie, where anyone could walk away with a newfound respect and understanding for rap and people in Compton.