1. OMMA Catalogue Number

OMMA-0099

2. Artist

Easy E

3. Title

“L.A. is the Place / Boyz-n-the-Hood”

4. Release Details

Published by Ruthless Records in 1987 as a 12-inch EP (catalogue number R.R 001). Pressed in the United States and distributed as a commercial retail issued directly by Easy E, prior to Macola Records distribution arrangements.

5. Edition & Variant Identification

First press commercial edition, corresponding to the original self-distributed pre-Macola pressing issued by Easy E. This variant represents the earliest retail configuration of the release prior to wider distribution.

6. Matrix & Pressing Data

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

7. Physical Description

12-inch vinyl single on black vinyl, with Ruthless Records labels printed in red with black text. The present copy is in a generic sleeve of standard commercial stock. No inserts are present. The labels exhibit the original design associated with the earliest pressing configuration.

8. Factory-Origin Characteristics

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

9. Condition Report

The present copy is preserved in Near Mint condition. The vinyl surface retains full original gloss, with no visible marks and no evidence of playwear. The labels are crisp and vivid, with no spindle indications and no writing, stickers, or alterations. Record was not playtested to maintain pristine, possibly unplayed condition.

10. Provenance

Provenance: DJ Rene Hernandez; acquired directly by the Ransom Origins of Modern Music Archive on 25 February 2026. Hernandez reports acquiring the record in the early era of online auctions after initially encountering a copy in DJ circulation during the late 1980s; the record was subsequently archived and photos/label information later contributed to Freddy Fresh Presents: The Rap Records, for which Hernandez supplied reference scans and received credit.

11. Photomatching & Verification

The present copy corresponds to the specimen documented by Rene Hernandez and reproduced in Freddy Fresh Presents: The Rap Records, with supporting scans historically supplied by the prior owner. The chain of custody and prior publication establish continuity of provenance for this example.

12. Market Context & Historical Notes

“L.A. Is the Place / Boyz-n-the-Hood,” the first commercial release tied to Easy E and the launch of Ruthless Records, sits at the origin of West Coast gangsta rap. Issued as a 12-inch single but containing multiple tracks, the record is defined by “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” which quickly emerged as the dominant side, particularly after the later distribution agreement with Macola Records. Written by Ice Cube and produced by Dr. Dre, the track established the lyrical perspective and production style that would anchor N.W.A. and shape the next phase of hip-hop. This pre-Macola pressing captures a moment before formal distribution, when records circulated through DJs and local networks, with Easy E’s home address printed directly on the label. The release documents both the formation of the Easy E–Ice Cube–Dr. Dre partnership and an early, artist-controlled model of recording and distribution that would soon scale into a defining force in the industry.

13. Canonical Status in OMMA

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

14. 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

Primary provenance documentation provided personally by Rene Hernandez, including historical account and prior publication credit.