Eazy-E, born Eric Lynn Wright, was an influential figure in the mid-to-late 1980s American hip-hop scene as a rapper and record producer. Known for his distinctive, high-pitched vocal delivery, he was a founding member of the influential gangsta rap group N.W.A along with Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. His solo album "Eazy-Duz-It" and N.W.A's "Straight Outta Compton" were pivotal in popularizing explicit lyrics and themes addressing the harsh realities of street life. Eazy-E's work significantly shaped the direction of hip-hop and contributed to the genre's social commentary aspect.