Eazy-E, born Eric Wright on September 7, 1964, was an influential American rapper and music producer. He is best known as a founding member of the hip-hop group N.W.A, which played a significant role in popularizing gangsta rap in the late 1980s. Eazy-E's distinctive voice and style helped shape the genre, and he was often referred to as the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap." In addition to his work with N.W.A, Eazy-E founded his own record label, Ruthless Records, which launched the careers of several other artists. He released solo albums, including "Eazy-Duz-It," and collaborated with various musicians. Eazy-E passed away on March 26, 1995, but his legacy continues to influence hip-hop culture.