Before the rise of N.W.A, rap did not contain vulgar/inappropriate lyrics. Rap was almost like poetry, speaking what you feel at that particular time but also making it rhyme. Many rappers told stories through rap, giving the listener a way to experience what their life was like. Artists like Eric B. and Rakim, RUN DMC, and many others used these tactics. As rap became more popular, N.W.A was the first group to change it up and switch to a more gangsta approach. Their gangsta style helped them grow in the music industry and they will go down in history for it.