View source for MC Ren


{{distinguish|MC Rene}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name         = MC Ren
| image        = File:MC Ren of NWA Los Angeles 1990 photographed by Ithaka Darin Pappas (cropped).jpg
| caption      = MC Ren in 1990
| birth_name   = Lorenzo Jerald Patterson
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1969|6|16}}
| birth_place  = [[Compton, California|Compton]], [[California]], U.S.
| other_names  = {{hlist|Ren|Villain|Ruthless Villain|The Villain in Black|Rebel Villain|Nation Villain}}
| television   =
| occupation   = {{hlist|Rapper|record producer|songwriter}}
| organization = 
| years_active = 1987–present
| spouse       = {{marriage|Yaasamen Alaa|1993}}
| children     = 5
| awards       = 
| module       = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed            = yes
| background       = solo_singer
| instrument       = {{flatlist|
* [[Rapping|Vocals]]
}}
| genre            = {{flatlist|
* [[West Coast hip-hop]]
* [[gangsta rap]]
* [[political hip-hop]]
}}
| label            = {{flatlist|
* [[Ruthless Records|Ruthless]]
* [[Priority Records|Priority]]
* [[Relativity Records|Relativity]]
* [[Epic Records|Epic]]
* [[Villain Entertainment|Villain]]
}}
| associated_acts  = {{flatlist|
* [[N.W.A]]
* [[The D.O.C.]]
* [[Nate Dogg]]
* [[Dr. Dre]]
* [[Snoop Dogg]]
* [[Ice Cube]]
* [[Eazy-E]]
* [[Public Enemy (group)|Public&nbsp;Enemy]]
* [[CPO (group)|CPO]]
* [[RBX]]
* [[8Ball & MJG]]
}}
| past_member_of = [[N.W.A]]
}} 
}}

'''Lorenzo Jerald Patterson''' (born June 16, 1969),<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Happy Birthday, MC Ren! - XXL |date=June 16, 2018 |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/happy-birthday-mc-ren/ |journal=XXL Magazine |access-date=16 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref> known professionally by his stage name '''MC Ren''', is an American [[Rapping|rapper]], songwriter, and record producer from [[Compton, California]]. He is the founder and owner of the independent record label [[Villain Entertainment]].

MC Ren began his career as a solo artist signed to [[Eazy-E]]'s [[Ruthless Records]] in early 1987, while still attending high school. By mid-1988, after having written nearly half of ''[[Eazy-Duz-It]]'', Ren had become a member of [[N.W.A]], with whom he released recorded two albums and one EP. After the group disbanded in 1991, Ren stayed with Ruthless, releasing three solo albums—including the controversial ''[[Shock of the Hour]]'' (1993)—before leaving the label in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |title=Here's What MC Ren Has Been Up To Since N.W.A|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/103770-what-happened-to-mc-ren-after-nwa-straight-outta-compton-hints-at-a-big-future-for |website=Bustle |date=August 14, 2015 |access-date=14 August 2015 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationvillain.com/about/|title=MC Ren|work=[[Villain Entertainment|Villain Nation]]|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107124345/https://nationvillain.com/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2016, he was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] as a member of N.W.A.<ref>{{Cite web|title=N.W.A {{!}} Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|url=https://www.rockhall.com/nwa|access-date=2021-04-26|website=www.rockhall.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NWA inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-36010422 |website=BBC News |access-date=24 January 2022 |date=10 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Seabrook III |first1=Robby |title=Today in Hip-Hop: N.W.A Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/today-in-hip-hop-n-w-a-inducted-into-rock-roll-hall-of-fame/#:~:text=2016%3A%20West%20Coast%20gangsta%20rap,Cheap%20Trick%20in%20this%20class. |website=XXL Magazine |date=April 8, 2018 |access-date=8 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2024, he received a [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] as a member of N.W.A. He showed up to the ceremony to accept the award along with [[Ice Cube]], [[DJ Yella]], [[The D.O.C.]], and [[Lil Eazy-E]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem |title=N.W.A, Laurie Anderson, Gladys Knight, More to Receive 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/grammy-lifetime-achievement-2024-nwa-gladys-knight-1235862212/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=7 February 2024 |date=5 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ju |first1=Shirley |title=Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Honors N.W.A with Lifetime Achievement Award At 2024 Grammys |url=https://thesource.com/2024/02/06/bone-thugs-n-harmony-honors-n-w-a-with-lifetime-achievement-award-at-2024-grammys/ |website=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] |access-date=7 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref>

==Early life==
Lorenzo Jerald Patterson was born in [[Compton, California]], on June 16, 1969,<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mc-ren-mn0000401512/biography|title=MC Ren – Biography|work=[[AllMusic]]|first=Steve|last=Huey|access-date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> and raised in Pannes Ave. around Kelly Park. He grew up with his parents, two brothers and a sister. His father used to work for "the government", until he later opened up his own barber shop.<ref>{{cite web|last=Raider|first=Tusken |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/21630929@N04/2095314755/in/photolist-4ceiCm-4caiSc-4cehAW-4cewG9-4qm8vJ-4ca3Yn-4ca35t-4qm991-4qm9F3-4qm72w-4qm7Bw|title=29 MC Ren interview 1 Hip Hop Connection February 1994 NO.60.jpg &#124; Flickr – Photo Sharing!|publisher=Flickr |date=December 7, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2015}}</ref> Patterson joined the [[Kelly Park Compton Crips]] (of which [[Eazy-E]] would also become a member) in attempt to make money, but soon departed and turned to drug dealing as he felt it was more lucrative. Following a raid on his childhood friend MC Chip's house, Patterson quit dealing and focused thereafter on making music.<ref>{{cite web|last=Raider |first=Tusken |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/21630929@N04/2095367867/in/photolist-4qm9F3-4qm7Bw-4qm8vJ-4cewG9-4qm72w-4qm991-4ca3Yn-4ca35t-4ceiCm-4caiSc-4cehAW-vhKRw4-vhKR3P |title=41 MC Ren interview 1 The Source February 1994 NO.53|publisher=Flickr |date=December 7, 2007 |access-date=August 14, 2015}}</ref>

Patterson attended [[Dominguez High School]], where he met his future collaborator, [[DJ Train]]. At this time, he developed an interest in hip hop music, and began writing songs with MC Chip, with whom he formed the group Awesome Crew, and performed at parties and nightclubs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Westhoff |first=Ben |url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/mc-ren-comes-out-swinging-on-his-new-single-4783554/ |title=MC Ren Comes Out Swinging on His New Single |publisher=[[LA Weekly|L.A. Weekly]] |date=June 16, 2014 |access-date=August 14, 2015}}</ref> Patterson officially began his rap career upon joining forces with another childhood friend, Eric "[[Eazy-E]]" Wright, in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubcnn.com/interviews/mcren08/ |title=// MC Ren Interview (October 2008) // West Coast News Network // |publisher=Dubcnn.com |access-date=August 14, 2015}}</ref> Patterson graduated from high school in 1987 and he planned to join the [[United States Army]] after graduation, but changed his mind after watching the 1987 film ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]''.

==Music career==
===Career beginnings: 1987–1991===
In 1987, Patterson was signed as a solo artist to [[Eazy-E]]'s [[Ruthless Records]], while still attending high school. However, when [[Ice Cube]] went to study for a year, Ren was asked to write songs for the in-progress ''[[Eazy-Duz-It]]''. After writing as well as appearing on much of the album, MC Ren officially joined N.W.A by the summer of 1988, when the group started working on their debut album ''[[Straight Outta Compton]]''. With a budget of US$8,000, the album was finished in four weeks and released in January 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=N.W.A&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=RIAA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview: Ice Cube Talks About The Making of Eazy-E's "E... |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/rob-kenner/ice-cube-interview-easy-e |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox52unse_43/page/10/mode/2up?q=%22straight+outta+compton%22 |title=Cash Box |date=1989-05-27 |publisher=Cash Box Pub. Co. |others=William and Mary Libraries Special Collections Research Center}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ice Cube -Interview |url=http://www.bombhiphop.com/newbomb/bombpages/articles/MC/Ice%20Cube.htm |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=www.bombhiphop.com}}</ref> Propelled by "[[Fuck tha Police]]", the album became a major success, despite an almost complete absence of radio airplay or major concert tours. The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] sent Ruthless a warning letter in response to the song's content.<ref>{{cite web |title=Compton Rappers Versus the Letter of the Law : FBI Claims Song by N.W.A. Advocates Violence on Police |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-05-ca-1046-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=5 October 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harrington |first1=Richard |title=THE FBI AS MUSIC CRITIC |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1989/10/04/the-fbi-as-music-critic/3f9abdb7-bed1-45b2-83ca-7a6e7da59fa9/ |newspaper=Washington Post |date=4 October 1989}}</ref>

[[File:Uncle Jam's Army - Eazy-E and N.W.A. 1988 Skateland Concert Poster.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Poster for one of N.W.A's first concerts at a Compton skating rink, 1988]]
Two months before ''Straight Outta Compton'', ''Eazy-Duz-It'' was released, with lyrics largely written by Patterson, with contributions from Ice Cube and [[The D.O.C.]]<ref>McDermott, Terry (2002-04-14). [https://web.archive.org/web/20100916205810/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/apr/14/magazine/tm-37890/10 "Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics"]. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.</ref>

Following Ice Cube's departure from the group in 1989, N.W.A quickly released the EP ''[[100 Miles and Runnin']]''<ref>{{cite web |title=Old music: 100 Miles and Runnin' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2012/jun/19/nwa-100-miles-runnin |website=The Guardian |language=en |date=19 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Allah |first1=Sha Be |title=Today in Hip-Hop History: N.W.A.'s Second LP '100 Miles And Runnin' Turns 30! |url=https://thesource.com/2020/08/14/today-in-hip-hop-history-n-w-a-s-second-lp-100-miles-and-runnin-turns-30-2/ |website=The Source |date=14 August 2020}}</ref> with lyrics written by Patterson, with contributions by The D.O.C. The group's second full-length studio album, ''[[Niggaz4Life]],'' was released the next year.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Grow |first1=Kory |title=N.W.A Reflect on 'Efil4zaggin,' 1991's Most Dangerous Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/n-w-a-reflect-on-efil4zaggin-1991s-most-dangerous-album-191362/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=29 May 2016}}</ref> Selling 955,000 copies in the 1st week and was certified as Platinum,<ref>{{cite web |title=American album certifications – N.W.A. – EFIL4ZAGGIN |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=N.W.A.&ti=EFIL4ZAGGIN&format=Album&type=#search_section |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=September 7, 2020}}</ref> it became the first rap album to enter #1 on the [[Billboard charts]].<ref>{{cite web |title=N.W.A Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/n.w.a/chart-history/blp/ |publisher=Billboard |access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> This album would become the group's final, as [[Dr. Dre]] left the group over financial disputes with [[Jerry Heller]].

According to Patterson, it was common opinion that Heller was the one receiving their due:
{{blockquote|We felt he didn't deserve what he was getting. We deserved that shit. We were the ones making the records, traveling in vans and driving all around the place. You do all those fucking shows trying to get known, and then you come home to a fucking apartment. Then you go to his house, and this motherfucker lives in a mansion. There's gold leaf trimmings all in the bathroom and all kinds of other shit. You're thinking, "Man, fuck that."<ref name=mcren>{{cite web|last=Burgess|first=Omar|title=MC Ren: RenIncarnated|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1253/title.mc-ren-renincarnated|publisher=Hiphop DX|date=October 26, 2008|access-date=April 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927205439/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1253/title.mc-ren-renincarnated|archive-date=September 27, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> }}

===Solo career: 1992–present===
As [[N.W.A]] disbanded, Patterson started recording his first solo release titled ''[[Kizz My Black Azz]]''. The 6-track [[Extended Play|EP]] was entirely produced by [[DJ Bobcat]], except for one song that Patterson produced himself. Released in summer 1992, the EP was a hit, commercially and critically. Without any radio play, the EP went [[RIAA certification|Platinum]] within 2 months.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1992/09/04/kizz-my-black-azz-return-product/|title=Kizz My Black Azz; Return of the Product|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=September 1992|author=James Bernard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922105934/https://ew.com/article/1992/09/04/kizz-my-black-azz-return-product/|archive-date=September 22, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=American album certifications – MC Ren – Kizz My Black Azz |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Mc+Ren&col=title&ord=desc#search_section |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref>

Patterson began recording for his debut album, at that time called ''Life Sentence'', in late 1992. During the recording process, Patterson joined [[Nation of Islam|The Nation of Islam]] with guidance from [[DJ Train]]. This caused him to scrap ''Life Sentence'', and ''[[Shock of the Hour]]'' was released in late 1993.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-19-ca-3485-story.html|title=M.C. REN; "Shock of the Hour"; Ruthless/Relativity|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=December 19, 1993|access-date=September 22, 2022|last=Gold|first=Jonathan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922111438/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-19-ca-3485-story.html|archive-date=September 22, 2022}}</ref> The album debuted at #1 on the R&B charts, selling 321,000 copies in its first month. ''Shock of the Hour'' was regarded as being more focused, yet even more controversial, and critics accused him again of being anti-white, misogynist, and antisemitic.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=MC Ren Chart History: R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mc-ren/chart-history/blp/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=24 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="Robert Christgau">{{cite web|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=MC+Ren |title=Shock of the Hour [Ruthless, 1993] |publisher=robertchristgau.com/ |date=November 23, 1993 |access-date=June 7, 2015}}</ref> The album is thematically divided into two sides; the first half deals with social issues like [[ghetto]] life, [[drug addiction]], [[racism]] and [[poverty]]. The second half shows Patterson's political side, as that half was recorded after he joined the Nation of Islam. The album features the hit singles "[[Same Ol' Shit]]" and "[[Mayday on the Frontline]]".

After 2 years of not talking to each other, Patterson reunited with Eazy-E in 1994 to produce their duet song "Tha Muthpukkin' Real" produced by DJ Yella, with Patterson co-producing. Three months later; on March 26, 1995, Eazy-E would die from complications of AIDS. The song "Tha Muthpukkin' Real" was released as a single in 1995.

Patterson soon fell on hard times when both DJ Train and Eazy-E died before the release of ''[[The Villain in Black]]''. The album, which was released in early 1996 and represented Patterson's first attempt at imitating the [[G-funk]] sound of Dr. Dre's [[The Chronic]], was not well received by critics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coker |first1=Cheo Hodari |title=1/2 MC Ren, "The Villain in Black," Ruthless/Relativity (**). |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-04-27-ca-63244-story.html |access-date=4 December 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=27 April 1996}}</ref> It was also heavily criticized for what many saw as Patterson's pandering to gangsta rap at the cost of a reduction in the sociopolitical content found on his earlier releases. The album debuted at #31 on the pop-charts, with the first week's sales of 31,000 copies. By the second month it had sold 131,000 copies.

Before leaving Ruthless, Patterson released ''[[Ruthless for Life]]'' in 1998, which proved a small comeback, selling moderately well. The album features Ice Cube, [[Snoop Dogg]], [[RBX]] and [[8Ball & MJG]], and others. This was the first time Patterson worked with new producers. By the end of 1998, Patterson had left Ruthless.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Randy|title=MC Ren Gets Ruthless On New Solo Album |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/350300/mc-ren-gets-ruthless-on-new-solo-album/|newspaper=[[MTV News]]|date=June 19, 1998|access-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919133648/https://www.mtv.com/news/v5l91y/mc-ren-gets-ruthless-on-new-solo-album|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Ruthless for Life - MC Ren {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ruthless-for-life-mw0000598660|language=en|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref>

On October 31, 2009, Patterson released his fourth studio album entitled ''[[Renincarnated]]'', which was released under his own record label ''[[Villain Entertainment|Villain]]''. ''Renincarnated'' was only released in the US.

In 2015, Patterson stated that he had been working on his second EP, titled ''Rebel Music'' and released two singles: the title track, "[[Rebel Music (song)|Rebel Music]]", and "[[Burn Radio Burn]]". The official remix for "Rebel Music" was released in June 2014, and features Ice Cube.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Westhoff |first1=Ben |title=MC Ren Comes Out Swinging on His New Single |url=https://www.laweekly.com/mc-ren-comes-out-swinging-on-his-new-single/ |website=LA Weekly |date=16 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=N.W.A. Forever: MC Ren Making New Tunes With Ice Cube, DJ Premier |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/mc-ren-new-music-545855/ |website=VIBE |access-date=8 February 2022 |language=en |date=October 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Martins |first1=Chris |title=N.W.A. OG MC Ren Is Still Making 'Rebel Music' |url=https://www.spin.com/2014/03/mc-ren-rebel-music-stream-nwa-soundcloud/ |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|SPIN]] |date=27 March 2014}}</ref> It was originally expected to be released by the end of 2015 but remained unreleased until 2022 when he canceled the project and followed it up with a new EP, ''Osiris'' via [[Twitter]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1527710345627783168|user=realmcren|title=NEW EP " Osiris " dropping June 3rd . The Saga continues 🔥|author=MC Ren|date= May 20, 2022|access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref>

On May 22, 2022, he announced the track list of ''Osiris'', and released the EP on June 3, 2022. The eight-track EP is entirely produced by [[Tha Chill]] and features guest appearances from [[Kurupt]], [[Kokane]], [[Cold 187um]], [[Ras Kass]] and others.<ref>{{cite web |title=N.W.A Legend MC Ren Unveils Tha Chill-Produced 'Osiris' EP Tracklist & Release Date |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.70527/title.n-w-a-legend-mc-ren-unveils-tha-chill-produced-osiris-ep-tracklist-release-date |website=[[HipHopDX]] |date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

===Collaborations: 1987–present===
Outside of N.W.A, Patterson contributed to several albums released on Ruthless Records. In 1988, he contributed to ''[[Eazy-Duz-It]]''. Although officially released as a solo album by Eazy-E, numerous artists contributed. Patterson, the only guest rapper on the album, features raps of his own on almost half of the album. ''Eazy-Duz-It'' was produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella, while Patterson, Ice Cube and The D.O.C. wrote the lyrics. Patterson contributed vocals to albums by several artists on Ruthless during this period, including [[J. J. Fad]]'s ''[[Supersonic (J. J. Fad album)|Supersonic]]'' (1988), The D.O.C.'s ''[[No One Can Do It Better]]'' (1989) and [[Above the Law (group)|Above the Law]]'s ''[[Livin' Like Hustlers]]'' (1990).

In 1990, Patterson produced the only album for his protege group [[CPO (group)|CPO]], titled ''[[To Hell and Black]]''. The group consisted of [[CPO Boss Hogg (rapper)|CPO Boss Hogg]], DJ Train, and Young D. After the release of their debut album, the group dissolved. CPO Boss Hogg went to have a solo career, featuring on high-profile albums of N.W.A, Dr. Dre and [[Tupac Shakur|Tupac]], while [[DJ Train]] stayed with Patterson.

In 1993, Patterson introduced a new group called ''The Whole Click''. The group featured Patterson's longtime collaborator Bigg Rocc, Grinch, Bone and Patterson's brother, Juvenile. The group first appeared on Patterson's debut album ''[[Shock of the Hour]]''. The collective later split up. Bigg Rocc continued to collaborate with Patterson, featuring him on all his solo albums.

In 2000, he appeared on the song "[[Hello (Ice Cube song)|Hello]]", which featured Dr. Dre and Ice Cube on Ice Cube's ''[[War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)]]'' album. He joined the ''[[Up in Smoke Tour]]'' that same year to rap his verse on the track. He also appeared on the posse cut "Some L.A. Niggaz" from Dr. Dre's ''[[2001 (Dr. Dre album)|2001]]'' album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hello |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/58074-ice-cube-hello-throwback-feat-mc-ren-and-dr-dre-new-song |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=25 March 2022 |language=en |date=25 May 2017}}</ref>

Patterson's recent work has appeared on some more politically oriented projects with [[Public Enemy (group)|Public Enemy]], specifically [[Paris (rapper)|Paris]]'s album ''Hard Truth Soldiers Vol. 1'' as well as on Public Enemy's album ''[[Rebirth of a Nation]]''. Paris stated in an interview with rapstation.com that: "MC Ren is retired and won't be doing a full-length album as far as I know. I get at him for verses, that's about it."

In April 2016, Patterson reunited with the former members of N.W.A at [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch Ice Cube reunite with N.W.A. members MC Ren and DJ Yella at Coachella |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ice-cube-3-1189235 |website=NME |date=17 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=N.W.A's Coachella Reunion 'Felt Like Old Times,' MC Ren Says |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/n-w-as-coachella-reunion-felt-like-old-times-mc-ren-says-38922/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=28 April 2016}}</ref>

==Other ventures==
===Film career===
In 1992, Patterson was offered the role for A-Wax in ''[[Menace II Society]]''. Despite accepting the role, Patterson later changed his mind and the role was given to [[MC Eiht]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=MC Eiht Praises Kendrick Lamar, Recalls DJ Quik's "Clever Line," And Tupac's "Menace II Society" Days |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2034/mc-eiht-praises-kendrick-lamar-recalls-dj-quik-s-clever-line-and-tupac-s-menace-ii-society-days/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20150415134600/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2034/mc-eiht-praises-kendrick-lamar-recalls-dj-quik-s-clever-line-and-tupac-s-menace-ii-society-days/ |archive-date=2015-04-15 |access-date=2026-05-25 |work=[[HipHopDX]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2015-08-11 |title='Straight Outta Compton' comes out Friday: Pre-game by watching these movies |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-straight-outta-compton-extra-credit-viewing-20150804-htmlstory.html |access-date=2026-05-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2004, Patterson released the straight-to-DVD film ''Lost in the Game''. The movie was produced, written and directed by Patterson, with Playboy T assisting. It was an independent movie released by Patterson's company ''Villain''.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-14 |title=What Happened to MC Ren After N.W.A.? 'Straight Outta Compton' Hints At A Big Future For The Rapper |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/103770-what-happened-to-mc-ren-after-nwa-straight-outta-compton-hints-at-a-big-future-for |access-date=2026-05-25 |website=Bustle |language=en}}</ref>

Patterson was portrayed by [[Aldis Hodge]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Universal's 'Straight Outta Compton' Casts its MC Ren and DJ Yella |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/straight-outta-compton-mc-ren-aldis-hodge-dj-yella-neil-brown-jr-1201271037/ |website=Variety |date=29 July 2014}}</ref> in the 2015 N.W.A biopic ''[[Straight Outta Compton (film)|Straight Outta Compton]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Ford |first1=Rebecca |title=N.W.A Biopic Casts MC Ren & DJ Yella Roles |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nwa-biopic-straight-outta-compton-mc-ren-dj-yella-roles-6193460/ |magazine=Billboard |date=29 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=MC Ren Slams N.W.A 'Straight Outta Compton' Movie Trailers: 'How the Hell You Leave Me Out?'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mc-ren-nwa-straight-outta-compton-movie-criticism-6590886/|access-date=2021-07-14|magazine=Billboard|date=June 10, 2015|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MC Ren on 'Straight Outta Compton': "Don't Let the Movie Fool You About My Contribution" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/mc-ren-straight-outta-compton-815837/ |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=17 August 2015 |date=17 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=theguardian>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/18/mc-ren-praises-straight-outta-compton-but-laments-lesser-role-in-nwa-biopic|title=MC Ren praises Straight Outta Compton but laments lesser role in NWA biopic|work=[[The Guardian]]|first=Ben|last=Child|date=August 18, 2015|access-date=June 6, 2017}}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
In July 1989, at a post-concert party, MC Ren allegedly lured Sheila Davis to N.W.A.’s tour bus, raped and impregnated her. Davis was 16 at the time. In November 1990, she filed a lawsuit against MC Ren along with N.W.A. members DJ Yella, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E.{{Citation needed|date=May 2026}}

{{Citation needed span|text=MC Ren denied having sex with Davis, and the band’s manager, Jerry Heller, alleges that Davis’ team never provided proof of paternity. Davis’s attorney said that a blood test showed a 99.8 percent probability that MC Ren was the child’s biological father.|date=March 2026|reason=LA Times citation covers some of this but further claims need citations}}

In 1992, the rap group’s lawyers agreed to pay Davis $350,000; however, they refused to pay. In July 1993, a judge ordered the case to be retried. In December 1993, the case was settled out of court. Davis received $2 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snow |first=Shauna |date=1993-04-08 |title=LEGAL FILE |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-08-ca-20417-story.html |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Personal life==

In April 1993, Patterson began attending a mosque, and by July he was a fully registered member of the [[Nation of Islam]], known as Lorenzo X. Two years later he left the organization and converted to [[Sunni Islam]].<ref>{{cite web | title = MC Ren: RenIncarnated | last = Burgess | first = Omar | date = October 25, 2008 | work = HipHop DX | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1253/title.mc-ren-renincarnated | access-date = May 21, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927205439/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1253/title.mc-ren-renincarnated | archive-date = September 27, 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

In June 1993, he married Yaasamen Alaa, with whom he has five children. His oldest son, Anthony, is an aspiring rapper under the name "Waxxie",<ref>{{cite web |title=MC Ren's Son Waxxie Pursues Rap Career, Talks Father's Influence |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.17934/title.mc-rens-son-waxxie-pursues-rap-career-talks-fathers-influence |publisher=HipHopDX |access-date=12 December 2011 |date=12 December 2011}}</ref> and has collaborated with other sons of N.W.A members.

==Artistry==
===Influences===
Patterson stated that [[KRS-One]], [[Chuck D]], [[Rakim]], [[Big Daddy Kane]], and [[Run-DMC]] are his biggest influences.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2407/title.mc-ren-confirms-gangsta-rap-label-began-with-n-w-a-newspaper-article|title=MC Ren Confirms "Gangsta Rap" Label Began With N.W.A Newspaper Article|magazine=HipHopDX|date=May 22, 2014}}</ref> MC Ren also stated ''[[Criminal Minded]]'' by [[Boogie Down Productions]] as his all-time favorite hip hop album.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnCu-VFhUwg | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/FnCu-VFhUwg| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=MC Ren on Boogie Down Productions' "Criminal Minded" &#124; BEST ALBUMS &#124; Episode 36|publisher=YouTube|date=April 2, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Legacy===
In 2024, MC Ren was awarded a [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] as a member of N.W.A.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-special-merit-awards-recipients-lifetime-achievement-award |title=The Recording Academy Announces 2024 Special Merit Award & Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees: N.W.A, Gladys Knight, Donna Summer, DJ Kool Herc & Many More |website=grammy.com |date=5 January 2024 |access-date=5 February 2024 |archive-date=February 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204132109/https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-special-merit-awards-recipients-lifetime-achievement-award |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|MC Ren discography}}
{{See also|N.W.A discography}}  
[[File:MC Ren logo.png|thumb|Logo used by MC Ren since 2009]]
'''Solo studio albums'''
*''[[Kizz My Black Azz]]'' (1992){{efn|Released as a studio EP/mini-album.}}
*''[[Shock of the Hour]]'' (1993)
*''[[The Villain in Black]]'' (1996)
*''[[Ruthless for Life]]'' (1998)
*''[[Lost in the Game (soundtrack)|Lost in the Game]]'' (2009){{efn|Released as a soundtrack EP/mini-album.}}
*''[[Renincarnated]]'' (2009)
*''Osiris'' (2022){{efn|Released as a studio EP/mini-album.}}

'''Collaborative studio albums'''
*''[[Straight Outta Compton]]'' (with [[N.W.A]]) (1989)
*''[[100 Miles and Runnin']]'' (with N.W.A) (1990) 
*''[[Niggaz4Life]]'' (with N.W.A) (1991)

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;" | Films
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1993
| ''[[Niggaz4Life: The Only Home Video]]''
| Himself
| Documentary
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Up in Smoke Tour]]''
| Himself
| Concert film
|-
| 2005
| ''Lost in the Game''
| The Vill
| Main role
|-
| 2017
| ''[[The Defiant Ones (TV series)|The Defiant Ones]]''
| Himself 
| TV documentary
|-
! colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;" | Biographical portrayals in film
|-
! Year
! Title
! Portrayed by 
! Notes
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Straight Outta Compton (film)|Straight Outta Compton]]''
| [[Aldis Hodge]]
| Biographical film about [[N.W.A]]
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le]]''
| Daniel DeBoe
| Biographical film about [[Michel'le]]
|}

==Awards and nominations==
'''Grammy Awards'''
{{awards table}}
|-
|align=center|[[33rd Annual Grammy Awards|1990]]
|"[[We're All in the Same Gang]]"
| [[Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[66th Annual Grammy Awards|2024]]
|Himself <small>(as a member of N.W.A.)</small>
|[[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]]
|{{won}}
{{end}}

'''Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'''
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2016
| MC Ren
| Performer <small>(as a member of N.W.A.)</small>
| {{won}}
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|MC Ren}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705215301/http://nationvillain.com/ |title=Official website |date=mdy}}
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p26085|label=MC Ren}}
* {{IMDb name |id=1059294|name=MC Ren}}

{{MC Ren}}
{{N.W.A}}
{{2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ren, MC}}
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[[Category:20th-century African-American male actors]]
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[[Category:Crips]]
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[[Category:Male actors from Compton, California]]
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