Arabian Prince

Although recognition has centered largely on his early stint with N.W.A., Arabian Prince had already worked as a producer and DJ throughout the early 1980s, experience that later allowed him to continue working after he exited the group. He first entered the industry while still attending middle school, cutting mixtapes after hours at KACE radio, where his father was employed, and handling DJ sets at school dances plus occasional club appearances. Between 1982 and 1983 he started laying down his own material, co-produced Bobby Jimmy & the Critters, and performed live with Egyptian Lover, World Class Wreckin' Cru, and the L.A. Dream Team. Singles such as "Innovator" and "Situation Hot" earned strong support on the Los Angeles club circuit, and his persistent studio tinkering opened the door to sessions with Dr. Dre and N.W.A. that appeared on 1988’s Straight Outta Compton. One year later he issued his debut album, Brother Arab, on Orpeus; the single “She’s Got a Big Posse” registered on the charts, and Tha Underworld followed in 1992. Where’s My Bytches, released in 1995, closed out his LPs of the decade, though he continued with assorted musical projects while also taking ownership positions in a special-effects company and an animation studio.