PhotoJerry Heller, a veteran music manager who helped introduce N.W.A to the masses and promoted gangsta rap to a mainstream audience, died on Friday in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Ice Cube left in 1989, and the group, which Mr. Heller managed, broke up in 1991 amid accusations of mismanagement. Mr. Heller remained close to Eazy-E, but Dr. Dre and Ice Cube criticized Mr. Heller publicly. Mr. Ballen told The Associated Press that the litigation had caused Mr. Heller significant stress. In addition to Mr. Ballen, Mr. Heller’s survivors include a brother, Ken.

Source: New York Times September 05, 2016 00:11 UTC