MC Eiht

Born Aaron Tyler on May 22, 1971, MC Eiht is a prominent American rapper and actor hailing from Compton, California. His stage name, inspired by KRS-One’s numeral, is a nod to “hood culture” with connections to Olde English 800 and .38 caliber firearms. MC Eiht is best known as the de facto leader of the West Coast hip hop group Compton’s Most Wanted, which also featured fellow Compton-based rappers Boom Bam, The Unknown DJ, Tha Chill, DJ Mike T, DJ Slip, and Ant Capone.

MC Eiht gained fame on the West Coast as part of Compton’s Most Wanted, with their success peaking in 1992 with the release of Music to Driveby. Eiht took on a role in the 1993 film Menace II Society, contributing the song “Streiht Up Menace” to the soundtrack. This song, which chronicles the film protagonist’s downturn within American inner-city life, is considered by many critics to be Eiht’s magnum opus.

Throughout his career, MC Eiht has released numerous solo albums, such as We Come Strapped, Death Threatz, and Last Man Standing. He’s also appeared in various low-budget movies and provided the voice for the character Ryder in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. His music, both solo and with Compton’s Most Wanted, has been featured in the Grand Theft Auto series as well.

MC Eiht was involved in a long-standing feud with fellow Compton DJ/rapper DJ Quik, lasting several years. The rivalry eventually subsided in 1997, and the two artists have since collaborated on multiple songs.