OMMA Catalogue Number

OMMA-0099

Artist

Easy E

Title

“L.A. is the Place / Boyz-n-the-Hood”

Release Details

Ruthless Records 12-inch EP (catalogue number R.R 001). Pressed in the United States in 1987 and sold directly by Easy E, prior to a distribution agreement with Macola Records.

Edition & Variant Identification

First press. Distinguished from later pressings by Easy E’s address on the label and with no Macola distribution note.

Matrix & Pressing Data

Runout A: RR-9763 A
Runout B: RR-9763 B

Physical Description

12-inch vinyl single on black vinyl, with Ruthless Records labels printed in red with black text.

Factory-Origin Characteristics

No factory-origin anomalies are observed on the present copy.

Condition Report

Near Mint condition with full original gloss, with no visible marks and no evidence of play wear. The labels are crisp and vivid, with no spindle indications and no writing, stickers, or alterations.

Provenance

Acquired from DJ Rene Hernandez by the Origins of Modern Music Archive on 25 February 2026. Hernandez reported that he had heard the record in the 1980s and later purchased the record in the early days of online auctions. Photos of his copy of the record was later published in Freddy Fresh Presents: The Rap Records, for which Hernandez received credit in the book.

Photomatching & Verification

As mentioned above, this record was owned and documented by Rene Hernandez and images reproduced in Freddy Fresh Presents: The Rap Records.

Market Context & Historical Notes

“L.A. Is the Place / Boyz-n-the-Hood,” is the first commercial release tied to Easy E and represents the launch of the influential label Ruthless Records, which helped launch West Coast gangsta rap. The B-side track, “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” quickly emerged as the dominant track on the EP, particularly after the distribution agreement with Macola Records. Written by Ice Cube and produced by Dr. Dre, the track would shape the next phase of hip-hop and anchor the style and production of NWA. This pressing emerged when records circulated through local DJ networks, with Easy E’s home address printed directly on the label. This release marks the formation of the partnership between Easy E, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre and is another example of the early, artist-controlled recording and distribution models that would define the industry.

Canonical Status in OMMA

This release is recognized by the Origins of Modern Music Archive as the artist’s canonical debut.

References and Source Documentation

Freddy Fresh (2004), Freddy Fresh Presents: The Rap Records, Nerby Publishing.

Discogs, “L.A. is the Place / Boyz-n-the-Hood” https://www.discogs.com/release/1509459-Eazy-E-The-Boyz-N-The-Hood

Personal correspondence from Rene Hernandez, including historical account and prior publication credit.