Which 1988 album by N.W.A made “Straight Outta Compton” a landmark of gangsta rap?

N.W.A’s 1988 album “Straight Outta Compton” made its title track a landmark of gangsta rap.

Released on August 8, 1988, by Ruthless Records and distributed by Priority Records, the album came from Compton, California. Its core lineup included Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, with Arabian Prince involved in the group’s earlier period. The record combined hard-edged production with direct accounts of urban life, police conflict, and street culture.

The album became especially notable because it achieved major attention without the usual support of mainstream radio. The FBI sent Ruthless Records a warning letter concerning “Fuck tha Police,” which intensified public discussion about the group’s language and themes.

“Straight Outta Compton” is sometimes confused with later solo albums by its members, such as Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” or Eazy-E’s “Eazy-Duz-It.” It is an N.W.A group album and a defining release of late-1980s West Coast rap.