The original idea for Ruthless Records came when Wright asked Heller to go into business with him. He started recording songs during the mid-1980s in his parents' garage, thus starting Ruthless Records. However, after his cousin was shot and killed, he decided that he could make a better living in the Los Angeles hip hop scene, which was growing rapidly in popularity. In 1986, at age 22, Wright had allegedly earned as much as US$250,000 from dealing drugs. Likewise, 'dope dealer' was a role that accorded you certain privileges and respect." 'Thug' was a role that was widely understood on the street it gave you a certain level of protection in the sense that people hesitated to fuck with you. Heller explains: "The hood where he grew up was a dangerous place. Heller would claim that Wright's "dope dealer" label was part of his "self-forged armor". Wright's music manager Jerry Heller recalls seeing Wright selling marijuana, but not cocaine. Wright supported himself mainly by selling drugs, and introduced his cousin to the illicit occupation.
You had to be "thug," "playa," "athlete," "gangsta," or "dope man." Otherwise, there was only one role left to you: "victim." It’s about what’s really going on.” – Eazy-E Eazy-E quotes about success “Who gave it that title, gangsta rap? It’s reality rap. But we got our message across big time, and everyone in America started paying attention to the boys in the hood.” – Eazy-Eġ2. Then we started rapping about real stuff that shook up the LAPD and the FBI. “Yeah, I was a brother on the streets of Compton doing a lot of things most people look down on but it did pay off. Maybe success was too good to me.” – Eazy-Eġ1. “I have seven children by six different mothers. They have little kids in there who are, like, 12 years old, stealing cars and stuff like that.” – Eazy-Eġ0. “I go to correctional facilities and talk to kids there. People act a fool because they want to act a fool.” – Eazy-Eĩ. I just feel that I’ve got thousands and thousands of young fans that have to learn about what’s real when it comes to aids.” – Eazy-EĨ. “I’m not saying this because I’m looking for a soft cushion wherever I’m heading. They don’t care if it’s ugly they just want reality.” – Eazy-EĢ. They want to hear about the reality of their situation, not fairy tales. “The kids from the streets don’t want preaching or messages. They have little kids in there who are, like, 12 years old, stealing cars and stuff like that.”ġ. “What the cops did to Rodney King was wrong, and the officers who beat him should be sent straight to prison.” They don’t care if it’s ugly they just want reality.” “Nuthin’ can avoid this shot ’cause it’s hittin’ It’s so cool when you touch it, wear a mitten”