Niggaz Wit Attitude

NWA in 1988. From left to right: Arabian Prince, M.C. Ren, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, Dr. Dre.
Origin:	Compton, California, United States
Genre:	West coast hip-hop • Gangsta rap
Years active:	1986-1991 • (2000; partial reunion)
Members:	Arabian Prince M.C. Ren Ice Cube Eazy-Mothafuckin'-E DJ Yella Dr. Dre Krazy D

Niggaz Wit Attitude (commonly shortened as N.W.A.; active: 1986-1991) was a west coast hip-hop group from the ghetto town of Compton, California. They are most commonly known for their song, "Fuck tha Police" which was written about the corrupt LAPD. In response to the song, the FBI wrote a butthurt hate-mail letter to the record company who produced the song, stating that they "disapproved" of the song's lyrics and arguing that the song misrepresented the police. Due to the controversy of many of their songs' "explicit" lyrics, their songs have been b& from several mainstream radio stations. Despite this, they somehow managed to sell over 10 million records. Apparently, their songs are disrespectful towards women and are intended to glorify drugs and crime.

FBI Letter to N.W.A.

On August 1, 1989, the assistant director of the Office of Public Affairs in the FBI wrote the producer of N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton album a butthurt letter regarding the lyrics of the song, "Fuck tha Police". The letter itself, very basic and cut to the chase, claimed that a simple rap song "encourages" violence against the police. By trying to back up his claim with statistics, Miltard fails to realize that that violence against the pigs existed long before the song was ever released. This faggot is even so confident that everyone will agree with him that he ends the letter with, "I believe my views reflect the opinion of the entire law enforcement community."

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investgation
Washington D.C.
August 1, 1989

---

Mr. Gui Manganiello
National Promotions Director
Priority Records
Suite 800
6430 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, California    90028

Dear Mr. Manganiello,

       A song recorded by the rap group N.W.A. on their album entitled "Straight Outta Compton" encourages violence against and disrespect for the law enforcement officer and has been brought to my attention.  I understand that your company recorded and distributed this album, and I am writing to share my thoughts and concerns with you.

       Advocating assault and violence is wrong, and we in the law enforcement community take exception to such action. Violent crime, a major problem in our country, reached an unprecedented high in 1988.  Seventy-eight law enforcement officers were feloniously slain in the line of duty during 1988, four more than in 1987.  Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to the protection of our citizens, and recordings, such as the one from N.W.A. are both discouraging and degrading to these brave, dedicated officers.

Music plays a significant role in society, and I wanted you to be aware of the FBI's position relative to this song and its message.  I believe my views reflect the opinion of the entire law enforcement community.

Sincerely yours,
Milt Ahlerich
Assistant Director
Office of Public Affairs

See Also

• Kanye West
• Rap
• Music
• FBI
• Fuck Tha Police

External Links

• The FBI Agent Who Hunted N.W.A.

Niggaz Wit Attitude is part of a series on Music Visit the Music Portal for complete coverage.