The Music Community Reacts to the Death of N.W.A Manager Jerry Heller

Reactions have poured in following the death of the controversial N.W.A manager Jerry Heller.

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Complex Original

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The world woke up this morning to the news that Jerry Heller, the former manager of the iconic rap group N.W.A, (pictured right)Ā has died. While his legacy remains controversial for myriad reasons, you can't deny that the West Coast hip-hop collective would never have gotten off the ground in the way that they did without his backing.

After finding out the news,Ā EazyĀ E'sĀ family issued the followingĀ statement toĀ Billboard:Ā "Eric "LilĀ EazyĀ E" Wright,Ā JrĀ and the family of Eric "EazyĀ E" Wright are deeply saddened over the homecoming of Mr. Jerry Heller.Ā Jerry Heller gave the worldĀ Eazy-EĀ and N.W.A, and for that, we are forever grateful. Condolences to his family and all his friends. Please respect his family and all the families of the N.W.A members during this time so all may grieve in peace."

In the same piece,Ā Alonzo Williams, a club owner and DJ for World Class Wreckin' Cru said that, "In order to win a battle it takes brains and muscle. Jerry was the mental muscle of the N.W.A. musical movement. Shrewd to a fault. Rest in peace."

Other industry members weighed in as the day wore on.

Just heard Jerry Heller died.. I was just watching Straight Outta Compton too that's crazy man.. He's definitely cemented in Hip Hop History
R.I.P. Jerry Heller, U were always good 2 us! Thanks 4 looking out for 3 teenagers who just wanted to be rap stars! pic.twitter.com/WtTWwfbkVE
RIP Jerry Heller. We know him as the bad guy behind NWA but he has history thru Macola w/ Egyptian Lover and Arabian Prince. #SoLong

Given the mixed take on his contributions to music, and to rap specifically, fan reaction to the news have been polarized. Some took to social media to express their remorse.

R.I.P Jerry Heller. The kickstarter of Eazy-E, Ruthless Records and N.W.A
Jerry Heller is one of the reasons NWA was able to blaze trails, set paths & open doors for so many others. https://t.co/aJqAx7eUf2
RIP Jerry Heller, Easy needed you up there with him at God's Kingdom
Rest in peace Jerry Heller! You were an incredible businessman & contributed so much to the hip hop culture. Thank you sir!
NWA would not have been what they were without Jerry Heller. I think they should all attend the funeral to be honest.
Jerry Heller wasn't the best manager but with his help, he got NWA out there and thank you for that. RIPJerry šŸ™āœØ

Others took the opportunity to get in one last shot against a figure that they felt exploited the group.

Really don't know what to say about Jerry Heller passing. It is sad, but doesn't erase his shadyness
RIP Jerry Heller, a guy who pushed rap forward ten years before setting it back eight or nine.

And a few simply couldn't refuse to draw parallels between Heller and Lou Pearlman, the recently deceased former manager of *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

Lou Pearlman and Jerry Heller died a month apart from each other which proves I was right all along and they are the same person
First Lou Pearlman now Jerry Heller. Now they are swindling the money out of Angels pockets & handcuffing Jesus to a shitty contract. #RIP

RIP Jerry.

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