Carrying an Empire

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap radius”]T[/dropcap]he name Eric Wright Jr. may seem benign and unfamiliar to most, but the name Lil Eazy E invokes a singular bequeathed descriptor: Controversy. Hip-hop, in its infancy, embodied spoken word, fused with thumping fresh beats, funk and a powerful resonance; a spawning style that appealed to a broader audience than any other genre since rock and roll.  NWA pioneered the movement and along with Dr. Dre and Ice Cube (and Arabian Prince although he departed just prior to the crew’s explosion), Eazy E introduced a completely new realm of musical existence to all walks of youth. Kids loved it. And, those same kids were shocked into reality learning of Eazy E’s disconcerting early demise. Eric Wright Sr., aka Eazy E, was a towering influence on west coast hip-hop with the creation of Ruthless Records, and his legacy perpetuates. Attributed in part to this summer’s release of the biopic Straight Outta Compton, NWA is on fire again and attention has drummed up around the original member’s children. Lil Eazy E in his own unique style invokes these pioneering influences, while modernizing and originating, creating a sound that’s totally legit. Culture sits down and talks to Lil Eazy E, or Eric Wright Jr., about the music industry, his dad, life and his favorite cannabis.

What is it like being the CEO of NWA Entertainment at your young age?

Lil Eazy E: It’s tough because I started so young. As I grew older, I started working with Ruthless Records run by my step mom Tomika, who helped me flourish in business. From that point, it was a transition of learning and doing things right, like I should have been doing when I first started out. Now I’m very hands-on running things.

What’s in the future?

I’m working on three projects; my first official LP coming out soon, my brother Derrek’s album, and I’ve got a group called Compton Money Gang (CMG). CMG is myself, Derrek and some other family members. I also just performed with NWA Family. I kept the melodies of my father going, included my brother’s work along with CMG in the new songs and the people really liked it.

How does it feel being the son of someone so influential?

It’s good and I’m happy now, but as a child, it was very hurtful. Everyone in the world knows what happened to my dad. As I grew up and got into the business, I realized that my father’s image had been stigmatized. I mean, I love life so don’t get me wrong, but it would be so much better if my dad was still here.

You were only 11 when your dad died, how did you deal with that?

As a kid my dad ran with his crew, so it was the street life for me. The anger from not having him pushed me to grow up tough, growing up in the streets and hustling. But I realized I was missing out on everyday things other kids did. The father/son thing with school, the person who teaches you how to throw a football the first time, helping you with your first date with a girl. Because of all this and growing up in Compton California, I know it made me a stronger individual.

How do you feel about medical cannabis?

I’m 110 percent for it; for medical and recreational use. On the medical side, it’s factual that patients with various illnesses are being cured and helped with cannabis. We all know that big pharmacy has been making money off America and it’s time to climb that mountain. As for recreational use, it should be to help deal with stress and that’s a fact.

Do you have a favorite strain and a way to medicate?

I’m an Indica man, so OGs for sure, with rolling papers like Raw.

Snoop, Shade Moss and Xzibit are joining the “Celebrity Canna Game.” Are you coming out with anything soon?

A few years ago we did tests on a strain that would be named after my father. We have jumped back into that, working with some real green scientists. Soon everyone will be able to get an Eazy Roll and another big surprise. I can tell you the Eazy Roll will be a real strong OG. I’ll have a whole line of products and can’t wait for them to come out!

Anything you want to say to all the NWA and Lil Easy E fans and cannabis patients out there?

Big thanks for all the love and support from the fans. Wake and bake, keep yourself on the healthy high; don’t forget to show peace and love to the world.