Which hip hop group released the influential 1988 album 'Straight Outta Compton'?

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The hip hop group that released Straight Outta Compton is N.W.A.

Straight Outta Compton is N.W.A's landmark debut studio album. Although it was recorded during 1988 and is often associated with that year, its official release date was January 25, 1989, through Ruthless and Priority Records. The album was produced by Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and Arabian Prince, with major lyrical contributions from Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and MC Ren.

The record helped bring West Coast gangsta rap to a national audience. Its title track, “Gangsta Gangsta,” “Express Yourself,” and especially “F*** tha Police” made it one of the most discussed rap albums of its era. The FBI sent Ruthless Records a warning letter concerning the latter song, adding to the album's notoriety.

A frequent historical mix-up involves N.W.A. and the Posse, a 1987 compilation that preceded it. Straight Outta Compton is generally treated as N.W.A's authorized studio debut. It eventually became a triple-platinum album in the United States.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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