DJ Yella is a multi-platinum producer, member of the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame, and a founding member of the iconic Compton, California hip-hop group N.W.A. Yella, alongside Eazy-E, MC Ren, Ice Cube, Arabian Prince, and Dr. Dre helped “The World’s Most Dangerous Group” pave the way for West Coast hip-hop with their 1988 release Straight Outta Compton.
Prior to N.W.A, Yella had previously worked with Dre in the World Class Wreckin’ Cru, before spotlighting issues like racial profiling and police brutality to the world’s attention through songs like the controversial “Fuck Tha Police” among others.
During this exclusive Conversations With Chad interview, Chad Kiser talks to the legendary DJ Yella about the High Powered Productions team of he and Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock refusing to clear a sample for “Just Don’t Bite It” off the 100 Miles and Runnin’ EP, and N.W.A breaking up even as 1991’s Efil4Zaggin sat atop the charts at number 1.
DJ Yella also tells Chad about Bone Thugs-N-Harmony coming to Ruthless Records, getting the call from Dr. Dre to come to Death Row Records with him after the fallout with Eazy-E, how the Efil4Zaggin was originally supposed to be Eazy’s second album, and more.
Listen to the exclusive Conversation with DJ Yella below: