The song conveys the dangers of living in the streets of
Compton,
California and
South Central Los Angeles but also speaks of the appealing side of "gangsta life". The song has been covered or otherwise remade several times since its release, among them include versions done by
The Game and the 57th Street Rogue Dog with
Tech N9ne and a parody of the lyrics appear in "The Salaminizer" by
Gwar. The first three verses are delivered by
Ice Cube. The fourth and final verse is delivered by
Eazy-E. The song is interspersed with interjections from other
N.W.A. members. The song contains samples from "God Make Me Funky" by
The Headhunters, "Weak At The Knees" by
Steve Arrington, "My Philosophy" by
Boogie Down Productions and "
Be Thankful for What You Got" by
William DeVaughn among others. ==Track listing==