He got himself into a bit of bother with one of their songs, but there's one high profile Kiwi fan of NWA who can't wait to see the rap crew's new film.
Yes, despite being arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for performing F*** the Police in 2011, Tiki Taaneplans to be among the first in line to see Straight Outta Compton when it opens in New Zealand today.
Taane says the group "changed my life".
"My older sister gave me a cassette tape with Straight Outta Compton on it when I was 14. It was so hardcore, so raw and so offensive. I just loved it - it was my soundtrack. Even though we didn't have the guns and the drive-bys, we related to everything else.
"Even today it's given me inspiration to sing about social and political issues because NWA was the realest shit."
The film covers the group's rapid ascent to become hip-hop conquerors - and their subsequent split into differing hip-hop factions, feuds, and the death of founding member Eazy-E.
* Read the Herald full review of Straight Outta Compton here.
Taane made international headlines when he was arrested for performing their most controversial song at a Tauranga show. The charges were dropped but the singer-songwriter says the incident proves NWA's legacy as one of the world's most dangerous acts remains undiminished after 25 years.
"For me to get arrested, handcuffed, walked through the crowd and thrown in jail for the night, just for singing F*** the Police, that is just how dangerous this band is.
"I'm really excited for the new generation to watch this, get schooled up and inspired on how powerful music can be when it comes from struggle and oppression.
"Whether that's a good thing for the authorities or not, I don't know."
