While in critical condition at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Eazy-E and his long-time girlfriend Tomica Woods – who was pregnant with the couple’s second child – were married at approximately 9:30 p.m. on March 14 surrounded by his immediate family.
At the time of the rapper’s announcement, both Woods and her one-year-old son had tested negative for HIV and AIDS. In the prepared statement which was read by Ron Sweeney, Eazy-E acknowledged that he had led a promiscuous lifestyle, saying, “Before Tomica I had other women. I have seven children by six different mothers. Maybe success was too good to me.”
On March 26, 1995 – one month after the initial diagnosis – Eazy-E passed away at approximately 6:35 p.m. PST. In eulogizing Wright, the Rev. Cecil Murray urged those in attendance at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church to rejoice in Wright’s life but learn lessons from the way he had died. “I know a little blackbird that sings,” Murray said, pointing his finger at the coffin. “And his lyrics are, ‘I want you to live. I want you to be careful. I want you to slow down.'”
Compton Mayor Omar Bradley declared April 7, “Eazy-E Day,” saying, “Eric made Compton famous not just in California, but all over the world. I recognize Eazy as a young man who grew up in the streets of Compton–and brothers and sisters, we know it’s not ‘easy’ growing up in Compton.”
The Los Angeles Times reported in late April 1995 that a fight over Eazy-E’s estate and stake in Ruthless Records occurred almost instantaneously following his death. “Squabbles have erupted between his new wife, Tomica Wood, and the former director of business affairs at Ruthless, Mike Klein,” the
Times noted. “Klein filed a lawsuit last week claiming that he owns 50% of the company. Wood maintains that she is the sole owner. Industry insiders said the company is worth around $10 million, including its assets and a double CD compilation finished by Wright before his death. An April 14 Superior Court hearing is expected to send the once profitable company into a conservatorship until a judge can decide its fate.”
As many fans attempted to grapple with the loss of the “Godfather of Gangster Rap,” many couldn’t help but question just how quickly Eazy-E’s condition had deteriorated. However, according to aids.gov, it’s common for people who have contracted HIV to experience no symptoms at all and to look and appear like a healthy individual. After the early stage of HIV infection, the disease moves into a stage called the “clinical latency” stage. “Latency” means a period where a virus is living or developing in a person without producing symptoms.
Eventually the HIV virus will weaken a person’s immune system. The onset of symptoms signals the transition from the clinical latency stage to AIDS – resulting in symptoms like rapid weight loss and pneumonia – the latter which Easy-E succumbed to. But those around him during his final months didn’t notice any rapid changes in his appearance or behavior.
According to members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – who had just been signed to Ruthless Records around the time of his diagnosis – Eazy-E was his normal self.
In speaking with Angele Yee, Krayzie Bone said, “Dude had full blown AIDS and looked regular. He still had his weight. Still cocky. Still looking like a regular dude. It just came about all of a sudden.” Layzie Bone added, “He was really built like a little tank.”
“He was smaller because his appetite had decreased. But there were no lesions or dementia. None of the other things you associate with AIDS, ” said Charms Henry, Eazy’s former personal assistant and longtime friend. “I know because I lost an uncle to it last year.”
While the conspiracy rumors have increased in recent years, there was an early indication that Eazy-E may have been HIV-positive.
On Snoop’s debut album,
Doggystyle, there’s a skit entitled “
House Party” in which Dr. Dre and Daz Dillinger have a conversation. Daz asks, “Aiyyo what’s up with them nikkas that was on the TV dissin’ you?” Dre responds, “Man fukk them nikkas, man I ain’t thinkin’ about that old shyt, man.,” to which Daz echoes, “Busta ass, HIV p*ssy-ass motherfukkers.,” and Dre retorts, “Yo yo yo Daz, easy come, easy (gunshot noise).”