Jerry Heller was an American music manager and businessman, best known for his work with the hip-hop group N.W.A. Born on October 6, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, he played a significant role in the rise of West Coast hip-hop during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Heller co-founded Ruthless Records with rapper Eazy-E, helping to launch the careers of several influential artists. Heller's management style and business practices were often controversial, leading to disputes with artists, including Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Despite the conflicts, he is credited with helping to popularize gangsta rap and shaping the music industry during that era.