The 2024 Grammy Awards will pay tribute to the groundbreaking rap group N.W.A., honoring them with the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s Special Merit Awards ceremony.

Originating from Compton, California, during the late 1980s, N.W.A., consisting of Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, emerged as a force that revolutionized the landscape of hip-hop music. Their music boldly addressed societal issues prevalent in inner-city America.

The release of their seminal album, "Straight Outta Compton," in 1988, served as a cultural turning point, sparking widespread conversations about censorship, police brutality, and social injustice. Tracks like "F**k tha Police" and "Express Yourself" became anthems that echoed the sentiments of a generation grappling with systemic oppression.

Beyond their collective success, each member of N.W.A. carved out individual paths in the music industry. Dr. Dre's production genius, Ice Cube's impactful solo albums and foray into the film industry, Eazy-E's entrepreneurial endeavors with Ruthless Records, MC Ren's significant solo work, and DJ Yella's influential contributions to production demonstrated the group's immense impact and versatility.

Despite controversies surrounding their explicit lyrics, N.W.A.'s authenticity and unapologetic portrayal of societal realities earned them critical acclaim and a devoted following. Their trailblazing approach set the stage for subsequent generations of hip-hop artists.

The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony take place on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.