The N.W.A Legacy, Vol. 1: 1988-1998 [Clean] - N.W.A.

Not to be considered an N.W.A best-of (1996's Greatest Hits accomplishes that), The N.W.A Legacy, Vol. 1: 1988-1998 is actually a compilation of some of the better cuts from the group, the group members' solo work, and their collaborations with others. In fact, there are only two actual N.W.A tracks on here, "Alwayz into Something" and "Straight Outta Compton," with more of the glory going to Eazy-E and Dr. Dre, the latter of whose "Natural Born Killaz," "Keep Their Heads Ringin'," and "Let Me Ride" are prominent on the disc. It's a nice sampler of early West Coast rap, but it doesn't quite delve into any artist's repertoire enough to give a true taste of any of them. Add this to the fact that the tracks aren't in chronological order, and The N.W.A Legacy, Vol. 1: 1988-1998 becomes a better option for those who are looking for a broad overview of a scene they don't know much about, but it's a fun collection nonetheless, and shouldn't be thought of any less because of it. [The album also comes in an abbreviated clean version, with all vulgarities removed, which makes it a lot less provocative and a lot less authentic.] ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide