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) 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, Eazy E's family issued the following statement to Billboard: "Eric "Lil Eazy E" Wright, Jr and the family of Eric "Eazy E" Wright are deeply saddened over the homecoming of Mr. Jerry Heller. Jerry Heller gave the world Eazy-E 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, 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.
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.
Others took the opportunity to get in one last shot against a figure that they felt exploited the group.
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.
RIP Jerry.