Ice Cube is one of the founding artists of gangsta rap, and much of his musical output has contained harsh socio-political commentary. He was ranked number 8 on MTV's list of the 10 Greatest MCs of All Time, while fellow rapper Snoop Dogg ranked Ice Cube as one of the greatest MC of all time. AllMusic has called him one of hip-hop's best and most controversial artists, as well as "one of rap's greatest storytellers". In 2012, The Source ranked him number 14 on their list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. In 2014, About.com ranked him number 11 on their list of the "50 Greatest MCs of All Time"
He released his solo debut album, "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted," in 1990 to critical and commercial success, although upon its release he was accused of racism and misogyny. He has since released 1991's "Death Certificate", 1992's "The Predator", 1993's "Lethal Injection", 1998's "War & Peace Vol 1 (The War Disc)", 2000's "War & Peace Vol 2 (The Peace Disc)", 2006's "Laugh Now, Cry Later", 2008's "Raw Footage", and 2010's "I Am the West."
Ice Cube was raised in South Central by his parents, both of whom were employed at UCLA. He began writing raps while attending George Washington Preparatory High School in Westmont, California, most notably "Boyz 'N Tha Hood", which later became famous when done by N.W.A in 1986. Cube finished his schooling at William Howard Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills, a predominately white neighborhood in San Fernando Valley, some 40 miles from the high-crime neighborhood where his family stayed.
Cube and a friend, Sir Jinx, rapped as a partnership called C.I.A. at parties hosted by Dr. Dre. After a brief stint in a group called "HBO", Cube showed Eazy-E "Boyz 'N Da Hood," and the pair, plus Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, The Arabian Prince and MC Ren, formed N.W.A.
Cube took one year off to earn a degree in architectural drafting in Phoenix in 1987 but returned in time to participate in N.W.A's debut album, Straight Outta Compton. The album attracted much notoriety for the group, from the FBI and concerned citizen and parent groups. Cube did the lead verse for the album's infamous track "Fuck tha Police."
Ice Cube left N.W.A due to financial and personality conflicts in 1989. With Da Lench Mob and the Bomb Squad (Public Enemy's producers), Cube recorded his debut album in New York City. AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted was released in 1990 and was an instantaneous hit as rap's popularity increased in mainstream society.
His 1991 follow-up, Death Certificate, was even more controversial. A few songs in the album featured Cube's hate of Uncle Sam and his politics, and a bonus track named "No Vaseline" was a diss to his former N.W.A bandmates. Also that year, he converted to the Nation of Islam. The album was re-released in 2003 with the bonus track "How to Survive in South Central," originally from the 1991 "Boyz N the Hood" soundtrack.
Controversy stirred about racist lyrics in his material: "Black Korea" (a song against Korean shopowners), referring to a former boss as "white Jew" in "No Vaseline", and songs such as "Enemy and Cave Bitch" (songs against "devils", a popular derogatory term at the time for white people). Partially to help deflect criticisms, Cube appointed a female rapper named Yo-Yo (who guested on AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted) to the head of his own record label and helped produce her debut album, Make Way for the Motherlode.
That was followed by Cube's acting breakout as the grown-up version of Darrin "Doughboy" Baker in the 1991 coming of age crime drama "Boyz in the Hood." Writer and director John Singleton, another LA native, penned the role specifically Cube. Ice Cube was later named "Most Promising Actor" at the 4th Chicago Film Critics Association Awards in 1992, beating out his co-star Cuba Gooding Jr. and newcomer Brad Pitt from "Thelma and Louise."
Cube toured on Lollapalooza in 1992 and widened his fan base. He released The Predator in November (1992) which debuted at #1 on both the pop and rnb charts, the first album in history to do so. For that album, Cube decided to load some G-funk style beats which at that time was the big thing and some remix tunes which brought a new style to Cube, in which previously he had released some hardcore and extreme work. Singles from The Predator included "Today was a Good Day" and "Check Yo Self (remix)" which all had a 2 part music video.
After The Predator, Cube's audience began to diminish. Lethal Injection (1993) was not very well-liked by critics, and Dr. Dre and the West Coast G-Funk sound was dominating hip-hop. It wasn't until later that the album became popular. Taking a break from his own albums, Cube assisted on debuts from Da Lench Mob (Guerillas in the Mist) and Kam (Neva Again). He later dueted with Dr. Dre on "Natural Born Killaz."
Around this time in 1993, Ice Cube also worked with soon-to-be-acclaimed rapper Tupac Shakur with his album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. and appeared on a track with 2pac.
In 1994 Ice Cube released Bootlegs & B-Sides.
During this time, hip-hop started making a transition from the West Coast Funk Hip-Hop to a more gritty East Coast hip-hop. With Mack 10 and WC, Cube formed the Westside Connection in 1996, releasing their debut album Bow Down later that year. This album was in due to Ice Cube's theory that the East Coast lacked respect for West Coast hip-hop. Songs like "Bow Down", and "Gangstas Make The World Go 'Round" make reference to this. Sales were brisk, but it did not establish a large audience. This album was later perceived as a classic, especially on the West Coast. Cube released several more solo albums; however, he is now known more for his movies than his music.
In 1998 Ice Cube released War & Peace Vol 1: The War Disc
In 2000 Ice Cube released War & Peace Vol 2: The Peace Disc
In 2003 Ice Cube along with W.C. & Mack 10 released Terrorist Threats as the West Side Connection.
In December 2004, after a long break from recording, he reached #2 in the UK singles chart with the club favourite, "You Can Do It" (featuring Mack 10 and Ms Toi), released as a single 5 years after it was first included on movie soundtracks such as
Ice Cube was influenced by and took his name from African American pimp-turned-author Iceberg Slim, who published his autobiography Pimp in 1969. At one point, Ice Cube was scheduled to play the lead role in a movie adaptation of Pimp, but the project appears to be halted.
Cube's oldest son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., made his feature film debut in the 2015 N.W.A biopic "Straight Outta Compton," portraying his father.
02. Really Doe
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And like Smith told Wesson
I'm shady with the .380 old school diploma
I'll leave that ass in a coma, so
If you got a herringbone, Welcome to the Terrordome
Two-eleven, sorry Reverend
Oh my god, gettin robbed
Reach for the smog, "Atomic Dog"
Count to ten, and don't try to follow
Cause just like Waco, I can take fo'
ATF, to they death
Bust a left on Western, go and get a room
Don't want to be a felon like Stacey Koon
Get the right bitch, hit the light switch, here we go
Tap that ass like this really doe
"You got to believe, somethin"
West Side Lynch Mob
"I got to believe in me"
Cause I'm a motherfuckin G
Cause I'm a mother-fuckin
Thirty in a holdin tank, catch the vapors
Make me a pillow out of toilet paper
Concrete bench kickin' off the hemorrhoids;
Eses deep, don't fuck with dem boys
Phone check, collect call from the baller
Her mama said please don't call her
Do-Wah-Diddy, far from New Jack City
Seen one of my peers, "What the fuck you doin in here?"
He said, "One-eighty-seven on the enemy
And they treat me like I just shot a Kennedy!"
Deputy bitch thinks she's the Queen Bee
Ink on my thumb, index, and pinky
"Sir, what set you from?" Play dumb
"General popu-la-tion"
Mama put your house up, and I can bounce up
Out this motherfucker, that's why I love ya
Out like a boss, with a half-pint of sauce
Got the shit sewed up like Betsy Ross
What a friend know? Buy some indo
Never fuck with a silly ho really doe
"You got to believe, somethin"
West Side Lynch Mob
"I got to believe in me"
Cause I'm a motherfuckin G
Cause I'm a mother-fuckin
Knock you out like NyQuil, I'll kill you quick
You sucker-for-love-ass trick
So don't run up, wit ya gun up
Cause I got the back breaker, double pump rump shaker
Cause we can play hookie in the Aqua Boogie
With concrete Nikes, ya gets no stripes
Livin unforgiven with the mic on
And punks runnin like roaches with the light on
And that's all the shit I'm startin
Bust a cap (ka-kow-POW) like Jerome on Martin
You lookin for a punk with benefits
Cause you got a baby, that take many shits
And you know I got a grip like a baby on a tit
Scopin', hopin', thighs open
But I kick back, six-pack, and hit the Phillie slow
Hooker ho really doe
"You got to believe, somethin"
West Side Lynch Mob
"I got to believe in me"
Cause I'm a motherfuckin G
Cause I'm a mother-fuckin
"You got to believe, somethin"
West Side Lynch Mob
"I got to believe in me"
Cause I'm a motherfuckin G
Cause I'm a mother-fuckin
The lyrics to Ice Cube's song 02. Really Doe are a collection of violent and boastful lines that express the rapper's tough persona. From the first line, "To G or not to G, is the question," it is clear that Cube is playing off Shakespeare's famous quote "to be or not to be" to establish his gangster image. He also references the infamous Waco siege and mentions the ATF, further solidifying his "outlaw" persona. The lines "Cause I'm a motherfuckin G" and "Hooker ho really doe" repeat throughout the song, emphasizing Cube's self-proclaimed status as a gangster.
The lyrics also contain references to prison life, with Cube describing being in a holding tank and making a pillow out of toilet paper. He references a collect call from a "baller," likely indicating the caller is also involved in criminal activity. In addition, the lyrics mention violence with lines like "Hard to swallow, janky as Rollo" and "Knock you out like NyQuil, I'll kill you quick."
Overall, the lyrics to "02. Really Doe" showcase Ice Cube's tough image and his association with gangster culture.
Line by Line Meaning
To G or not to G, is the question
Should I continue to be a gangster or leave this life behind? It's a difficult decision.
And like Smith told Wesson
Just like the firearm company Smith & Wesson, I too am dangerous and not to be messed with.
I'm shady with the .380 old school diploma
I have street smarts thanks to my old school gangster lifestyle and can easily handle a .380 caliber firearm.
I'll leave that ass in a coma, so
I have the ability to defeat my enemies and leave them unconscious.
If you got a herringbone, Welcome to the Terrordome
If you're wearing a flashy gold chain like a herringbone, you're putting a target on your back and entering dangerous territory.
Two-eleven, sorry Reverend
A robbery is taking place, and I apologize to any innocent bystanders, like a Reverend, who may be affected.
Oh my god, gettin robbed
I'm surprised and upset that I'm being robbed.
Reach for the smog, "Atomic Dog"
I'm reaching for my gun, known as the Atomic Dog, to defend myself or intimidate my opponent.
Hard to swallow, janky as Rollo
This situation is difficult to accept, and it's not any better than some janky (low quality) prank done by the character Rollo from the TV Show Sanford and Son.
Count to ten, and don't try to follow
I'm warning those who may want to follow or challenge me to back off and count to ten to calm down.
Cause just like Waco, I can take fo'
Like the Waco siege handled by the ATF, I have the ability to take down multiple enemies.
ATF, to they death
I'm referring to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and how far I'm willing to go in a confrontation with them.
Bust a left on Western, go and get a room
I'm giving directions to go left on Western Avenue and get a room for whatever nefarious purposes may be planned.
Don't want to be a felon like Stacey Koon
I don't want to be a felon like Stacey Koon, who was convicted of violating Rodney King's civil rights during a police beating, and faced prison time.
Get the right bitch, hit the light switch, here we go
I'm instructing someone to find the right woman and turn off the lights for a sexual encounter.
Tap that ass like this really doe
I'm bragging about my sexual prowess and ability to perform well.
"You got to believe, somethin"
West Side Lynch Mob
A chant to believe in oneself and be part of the West Side Lynch Mob gang.
"I got to believe in me"
Cause I'm a motherfuckin G
Cause I'm a mother-fuckin
I must believe in myself because I'm a gangster and a badass.
Thirty in a holdin tank, catch the vapors
I'm referring to being locked up in jail and feeling the psychological effects of fear and anxiety, like catching the vapors (feeling faint or dizzy).
Make me a pillow out of toilet paper
I'm forced to use toilet paper as a makeshift pillow in jail, showing my lack of comfort and freedom.
Concrete bench kickin' off the hemorrhoids;
Sitting on a concrete bench is uncomfortable and can cause hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum or anus).
Eses deep, don't fuck with dem boys
There are many Mexican gang members (Eses) around and one should not mess with them.
Phone check, collect call from the baller
A phone call is checked for contraband, but it's a collect call from a wealthy criminal or athlete.
Her mama said please don't call her
The person on the phone is instructed not to call the woman's mother due to some unknown issue.
Do-Wah-Diddy, far from New Jack City
A reference to a song and movie unrelated to the current situation, highlighting the difference in environment from the movie New Jack City to the jail setting.
Seen one of my peers, "What the fuck you doin in here?"
I'm surprised to see someone I know in jail and questioning why they are there.
He said, "One-eighty-seven on the enemy
And they treat me like I just shot a Kennedy!"
The person in jail committed murder (one-eighty-seven is code for murder), and they are being punished severely as if they killed a president like Kennedy.
Deputy bitch thinks she's the Queen Bee
A female deputy thinks she's above everyone else and acts like she's the Queen Bee or in charge.
Ink on my thumb, index, and pinky
I have ink tattoos on my thumb, index, and pinky fingers to symbolize my gang membership.
"Sir, what set you from?" Play dumb
"General popu-la-tion"
A question is asked about gang affiliation, and the response is to play dumb and say one is part of the general prison population.
Mama put your house up, and I can bounce up
Out this motherfucker, that's why I love ya
I'm telling my mom to put her house up as collateral so I can post bail and leave jail, showing my lack of gratitude and love towards her.
Out like a boss, with a half-pint of sauce
I'm leaving the jail confidently and with alcohol in hand to celebrate, acting like a boss or leader.
Got the shit sewed up like Betsy Ross
I have everything under control and put together like the American flag made by Betsy Ross.
What a friend know? Buy some indo
The question is asked about what a friend can do to contribute, and the response is to buy some marijuana (indo).
Never fuck with a silly ho really doe
One should never mess with a promiscuous or foolish woman, emphasizing the phrase "really doe" for emphasis.
"You got to believe, somethin"
West Side Lynch Mob
The chant to believe in oneself and be part of the West Side Lynch Mob gang is repeated again.
"I got to believe in me"
Cause I'm a motherfuckin G
Cause I'm a mother-fuckin
The need to believe in oneself is emphasized as a gangster and badass.
Knock you out like NyQuil, I'll kill you quick
I'm threatening to knock someone out quickly like the sleep aid NyQuil or kill them easily.
You sucker-for-love-ass trick
Insulting someone for being a naïve or desperate lover or fool.
So don't run up, wit ya gun up
I'm warning anyone not to come towards me aggressively with a weapon.
Cause I got the back breaker, double pump rump shaker
I have a powerful weapon and ability to physically harm someone in the rear end in a sexually suggestive way.
Cause we can play hookie in the Aqua Boogie
We can have some fun and get high on drugs while swimming in a pool or other body of water (Aqua Boogie).
With concrete Nikes, ya gets no stripes
If you're caught or punished for something, you don't earn any respect or recognition (stripes) while wearing concrete shoes as punishment.
Livin unforgiven with the mic on
I'm living unapologetically and with no forgiveness while rapping and performing on stage with a microphone.
And punks runnin like roaches with the light on
Those who try to challenge or attack me are easily scared away like roaches when a light is turned on.
And that's all the shit I'm startin
I'm ending my boastful and confrontational lyrics by stating that's all the trouble or problems I'm causing.
Bust a cap (ka-kow-POW) like Jerome on Martin
I'll fire my gun like the character Jerome on the TV show Martin with a sound effect added (ka-kow-POW).
You lookin for a punk with benefits
Insulting someone for looking for a weak or vulnerable person to take advantage of.
Cause you got a baby, that take many shits
I'm assuming the targeted person is a single mother and mocking them for having a baby that requires frequent diaper changes.
And you know I got a grip like a baby on a tit
I'm boasting about having a tight hold on a firearm or money like a baby has on its mother's breast.
Scopin', hopin', thighs open
I'm looking and hoping for a sexual partner who is ready and willing to engage in intercourse.
But I kick back, six-pack, and hit the Phillie slow
I relax and drink beer (six-pack) while smoking a cigar (Phillie) slowly.
Hooker ho really doe
Ending the song with a similar refrain as before to emphasize the phrase "really doe" for emphasis and a derogatory reference to a prostitute.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: GEORGE CLINTON JR., WILLIAM BOOTSY COLLINS, LARRY GOODMAN, O'SHEA JACKSON, GREGORY JACOBS, DERRICK MCDOWELL, WALTER MORRISON JR., NORMANJESSE WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ErickReyesRomeroBanks
To G or not to G, is the question
And like Smith told Wesson
I'm shady with the .380 old school diploma
I'll leave that ass in a coma, so
If you got a herringbone, Welcome to the Terrordome
Two-eleven, sorry Reverend
Oh my god, gettin' robbed
Reach for the smog, "Atomic Dog"
Hard to swallow, janky as Rollo
Count to ten, and don't try to follow
'Cause just like Waco, I can take fo'
ATF, to they death
Bust a left on Western, go and get a room
Don't want to be a felon like Stacey Koon
Get the right bitch, hit the light switch, here we go
Tap that ass like this really doe
West Side Lynch Mob
(Why not believe in me)
'Cause I'm a motherfuckin' G
'Cause I'm a mother-fuckin'
Thirty in a holdin' tank, catch the vapors
Make me a pillow out of toilet paper
Concrete bench kickin' off the hemorrhoids
Eses deep, don't fuck with dem boys
Phone check, collect call from the baller
Her mama said please don't call her
Do-Wah-Diddy, far from New Jack City
Seen one of my peers, "What the fuck you doin' in here?"
He said, "One-eighty-seven on the enemy
And they treat me like I just shot a Kennedy!"
Deputy bitch thinks she's the Queen Bee
Ink on my thumb, index, and pinky
"Sir, what set you from?" Play dumb
"General popu-la-tion"
Mama put your house up, and I can bounce up
Out this motherfucker, that's why I love ya
Out like a boss, with a half-pint of sauce
Got the shit sewed up like Betsy Ross
What a friend know? Buy some indo
Never fuck with a silly ho really doe
West Side Lynch Mob
(Why not believe in me)
'Cause I'm a motherfuckin' G
'Cause I'm a mother-fuckin'
Knock you out like NyQuil, I'll kill you quick
You sucker-for-love-ass trick
So don't run up, wit ya gun up
'Cause I got the back breaker, double pump rump shaker
'Cause we can play hookie in the Aqua Boogie
With concrete Nikes, ya gets no stripes
Livin' unforgiven with the mic on
And punks runnin' like roaches with the light on
And that's all the shit I'm startin'
Bust a cap (ka-kow-POW) like Jerome on Martin
You lookin' for a punk with benefits
'Cause you got a baby, that take many shits
And you know I got a grip like a baby on a tit
Scopin', hopin', thighs open
But I kick back, six-pack, and hit the Phillie slow
Hooker ho really doe
West Side Lynch Mob
(Why not believe in me)
'Cause I'm a motherfuckin' G
'Cause I'm a mother-fuckin'
West Side Lynch Mob
(Why not believe in me)
'Cause I'm a motherfuckin' G
'Cause I'm a mother-fuckin'
Source: LyricFind
@RolandBishop1671
Whoever made this beat and mixed this track needs to be inducted into somebody's Hall of Fame. 🔥🔥🔥💯
@soulseeker970
Qd3 Quincy Jones son
@d5078
One of the greatest tracks ever made...EVERRRR!
@RJones-mr8he
Happy Belated Birthday Claudia Uua Assoc Ky BLM SayNoToDrugs Ky Nataliea Atlas La. AD San Diego, CA. NWA 😢
@nathaniellowry3861
Goes hard!!!
I remember listening to this in 96, thinking…yep! This is DOPE!!!!
@Chris_T_3rd_Ward_504
@@soulseeker970This was actually Laylaw. QD3 did the other two singles though
@RolandBishop1671
I can literally just let this sit on repeat. It gets fresher after every replay... I miss this era of rap
@derricknash1794
The beat is off the chain. One of Cubes best albums.
@typurnell5872
Yea dude this is my shit my favorite rapper
@artificialintelligence6107
This album was underrated.