Late N.W.A. and Ruthless Records founder, Eazy-E will have a street named in his honor in Compton, California, the city where he was raised.
Elected officials who voted in favor of the Eazy Street development included Senator Steve Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, Compton Mayor Emma Shariff, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and members of the Compton City Council, including Andre Spicer, Diedra Duhart, Jonathan Bowers, and Lillie P. Darden.
Some rappers are getting streets in their home states renamed in their honor in support of Hip-Hop @ 50.
It all began in 2009 when Run-DMC performed in Queens. In honor of Jam Master Jay, one of the group’s members, the intersection of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue in Hollis, Queens, was renamed Run-DMC JMJ Way.
Since then, one of the most treasured ways for a hometown to celebrate its own talents is through street names in their honor.
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The City of Compton is emulating this action and renaming Auto Plaza Drive South “Eazy Street,” officially honoring the rap legend.
On November 22, from noon to 3 p.m. PT, there will be a public commemorative event honoring the name change.
Eazy’s son, Lil Eazy-E, said during an interview: ’’It is a monument to our father Eric “Eazy-E” Wright’s influence and legacy in the genre and to hear him being honored during hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. To ensure that our father’s legacy is recognized and honored for many years to come, the street naming will serve as a symbol of recognition and commemoration. The city of Compton is honoring his influence and the cultural significance he has brought to the community. My dad’s legacy lives on in my hometown of Compton, California, on Eazy Street, 90221; for this, I am sincerely appreciative and honored.”
Rappers who have passed away and received honors include Eazy-E and most recently, Tupac Shakur got his name put on a street sign.
“Tupac Shakur Way” is the section of MacArthur Boulevard that runs between Van Buren and Grand Avenues.
MC Hammer, Too Short, and E-40 were among the well-known performers present to assist in the unveiling of the new street name, which gave the occasion even more significance.
Also, The Notorious B.I.G, in 2019, had the Brooklyn corner of Fulton Street and St. James Place renamed Christopher Wallace.
In 2016, Pumpkinhead got the Degraw Street that ran between Fourth and Fifth Avenues in Brooklyn renamed after him, while The Bronx’s Grand Concourse and East Fordham Road were formally renamed Big Pun Place in 2021.