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.
3 Strikes You In
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bottom of the ninth swingin', for my life
I'm up at the plate, goin for the gate
They got my moms seated in section eight
Been on deck since my last felony
I'm that 0 for 2 motherfucker
With the Louisville Slugger
Shay Whitie, that left hand punk
Its the West side Hustlers, vs these LA Pigs
You can say the damned vs the nigs
My little homies in the dugout
They lookin' sad, cause fourteen niggas done struck-out
My first offense was possession of weed
Now I'm in the major leagues and
That motherfucker Bill Clinton-is a son of a bitch
Had the nerve to throw out the first pitch
I'm just tryin' to get rich like Trump
The Home Run king is now in a slump, pass me a hunk
How the fuck can I stay out the pen
When its one-two-three strikes you in
[Chorus]
One-two three strikes you in
Now how the fuck a nigga supposed
To stay out the pen, I'm on a blend
Of Gin and Hen, everyday of my life
With two strikes it ain't right
He's in the wind-up
Here come the pitch
I swing, aw shit (foul tip)
They felt the chill cause if I get on first
You know the deal, a niggas gots to steal
Like to steal home and I betcha
That I can run over, the LA Pig catcher
Just because I'm black, wit a bat
They wanna send a nigga back to the warning track
Full of count they say I won't amount to shit
But fool I can hit like Kenny Grit
With a split in my mouth on tha cellular phone
(It's going, going, gone!)
And watch a pitcher get served
You from the LA Pigs
I know you coming with a curve
Hey batter, batter is the chitter-chatter
I'm the designated hitter, a nigga
Much badder, than Babe Ruth
Will I tell the truth and nothing but the truth
Hell yea, I'd rather be shootin' hoops
Cause a niggas guaranteed to win
Against a bullshit loss and three strikes you in
Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out to the crowd (wha what, wha what)
Another nigga on trial
Keep ya peanuts Jeezuh
And fuck you Cracker Jack
I hope I never come back
I gots to root for my homeboys
If they don't win its a shame
Cause its one-two-three strikes you in
Twenty-five years of pain you know my name
They wanna nigga to run and get hung
High strung, so this pig can win the Cy-Young
I'ma hit this motherfucker a mile
In the batters box, high as Steve Hal
You can't salary cap my gat
No strike, cause gangsta-rap is on the map
I'm like Satchel Paige wit a gauge
Or Jackie Robinson, when I'm robbin' one
Of you Cracker Jacks fool I'm a motherfuckin' vet
And fuck yo seventh-inning stretch, so
Take me out to the ballgame,
And see my neighborhood name
In your Ghetto Hall of Fame
[Chorus: x3]
Yea (It ain't right)
Playin' people like a game (It ain't right)
Human beings, puttin' em in a jar (It ain't right)
For double life, triple life (It ain't right)
Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out to the crowd (wha what, wha what)
Another nigga on trial
Keep ya peanuts Jeezuh
And fuck you Cracker Jack
I hope I never come back
I gots to root for my homeboys
If they don't win its a shame
Cause its one-two-three strikes you in
Twenty-five years of pain you know my name
You know my name (wha what, wha what)
You know my name (wha what, wha what)
You know my name (wha what, wha what)
You know my name (wha what, wha what)
If I die tonight, you know who did it (you know)
If I ride tonight, you know who did it (you know)
If they sheck me up, you know who did it (don't guess)
If they check my nuts, you know who did it (get 'em)
If they break my bank, you know who did it (yea)
If they pull my rank, you know who did it (get 'em)
If they sock me up, you know who did it (yea)
If they lock me up, you know who did it (get 'em)
If they smear my name, you know who did it
If they kill my game, you know who did it
Remember me (you know who did it)
Wha what, wha what (you know who did it)
The lyrics of Ice Cube's "3 Strikes You In" speak about the struggles of African Americans in the United States criminal justice system. The lyrics are about someone who is on their last strike and facing jail time. They reference a game of baseball and use it as a metaphor for life. The singer is up to bat, and the pitcher (the system) is coming with off-speed junk (unjust laws). The singerβs friends have let him down (struck out), and his mom is watching from the sidelines (seated in section eight). He feels like he is alone, stuck in a system that is rigged against him. Heβs going for broke, swinging for the gate, but heβs facing a pitcher that is coming at him with all his might.
The chorus repeats the phrase, βOne-two-three strikes you in,β which references the three strikes law that exists in some states in America. The law mandates that people with three felony criminal convictions will receive an extended prison sentence, sometimes for life. The lyrics depict the criminal justice system as being racist corrupt, and unjust. The singer struggles to avoid going to prison and feels like he is set up to fail due to the color of his skin.
Overall, the song portrays the struggles of African Americans in America. It highlights the failure of the criminal justice system and the ways the system perpetuates social injustice. It is a call to action to change the way the system operates.
Line by Line Meaning
One mo' strike and I'm through, nigga
If I get one more strike, I'm out of chances.
Bottom of the ninth swingin', for my life
I'm on the edge of defeat but still trying to win.
I'm up at the plate, goin for the gate
I'm trying to make it out of my current situation.
They got my moms seated in section eight
My family is poor and sitting in the cheap seats.
Been on deck since my last felony
I've been in trouble with the law before.
I'm that 0 for 2 motherfucker
I haven't been successful in the past.
With the Louisville Slugger
I have a baseball bat.
Shay Whitie, that left hand punk
The opposing team's pitcher is a white guy.
Is on the mound and he comin' wit that off-speed junk
He's throwing a strange pitch.
Its the West side Hustlers, vs these LA Pigs
It's the West side gang versus the LAPD.
You can say the damned vs the nigs
It's a battle between two groups who have been oppressed by society.
My little homies in the dugout
My friends are watching from the sidelines.
They lookin' sad, cause fourteen niggas done struck-out
My friends are discouraged because no one on our team has been successful.
My first offense was possession of weed
I got in trouble with the law for possessing marijuana.
Now I'm in the major leagues and
Now I'm involved in serious criminal activity.
That motherfucker Bill Clinton-is a son of a bitch
I don't like former President Bill Clinton.
Had the nerve to throw out the first pitch
I'm annoyed that Clinton got to throw the first pitch.
I'm just tryin' to get rich like Trump
I want to be as wealthy as Donald Trump.
The Home Run king is now in a slump, pass me a hunk
Even the best can have a bad streak.
How the fuck can I stay out the pen
How can I avoid going to prison?
When its one-two-three strikes you in
When I have no more chances and the law is against me.
[Chorus]
He's in the wind-up
The pitcher is getting ready to throw the ball.
Here come the pitch
The ball is being thrown.
I swing, aw shit (foul tip)
I messed up my chance and got a foul ball.
They felt the chill cause if I get on first
The other team is anxious because they know I'm a good base runner.
You know the deal, a niggas gots to steal
I have to commit a crime to achieve my goals.
Like to steal home and I betcha
I want to steal home base.
That I can run over, the LA Pig catcher
I can outrun the police officer trying to catch me.
Just because I'm black, wit a bat
The police are likely to treat me unfairly because I'm black.
They wanna send a nigga back to the warning track
They want to punish me severely.
Full of count they say I won't amount to shit
People don't think I will be successful.
But fool I can hit like Kenny Grit
I am capable of accomplishing great things.
With a split in my mouth on tha cellular phone
I'm talking on the phone while playing.
(It's going, going, gone!)
I hit a home run.
And watch a pitcher get served
I've beaten the opposing team's top player.
You from the LA Pigs
You're from the LAPD.
I know you coming with a curve
I know you're going to throw a tricky pitch.
Hey batter, batter is the chitter-chatter
That's the sound people make when encouraging a batter.
I'm the designated hitter, a nigga
I'm the person who is good at hitting in this situation.
Much badder, than Babe Ruth
I'm better than the famous baseball player.
Will I tell the truth and nothing but the truth
I'm always honest.
Hell yea, I'd rather be shootin' hoops
I prefer to play basketball.
Cause a niggas guaranteed to win
I'm sure I would be successful.
Against a bullshit loss and three strikes you in
I'm playing against a rigged game.
Take me out to the ballgame
Let's play baseball.
Take me out to the crowd (wha what, wha what)
Let's also be seen by people watching.
Another nigga on trial
Someone else is in trouble with the law.
Keep ya peanuts Jeezuh
I don't want to eat your peanuts.
And fuck you Cracker Jack
I don't like the Cracker Jack brand.
I hope I never come back
I don't want to return here.
I gots to root for my homeboys
I have to support my friends.
If they don't win its a shame
If my friends don't succeed, it's unfortunate.
Cause its one-two-three strikes you in
You only get three chances before you're out.
Twenty-five years of pain you know my name
I've been in pain for a long time, and people know me.
They wanna nigga to run and get hung
The police want to kill me.
High strung, so this pig can win the Cy-Young
The police are too invested in winning to do their job correctly.
I'ma hit this motherfucker a mile
I'm going to hit the ball very far.
In the batters box, high as Steve Hal
I'm in the zone and doing well.
You can't salary cap my gat
The police can't limit my abilities.
No strike, cause gangsta-rap is on the map
My rap genre gives me an advantage.
I'm like Satchel Paige wit a gauge
I'm a skilled player with a gun.
Or Jackie Robinson, when I'm robbin' one
I'm good at stealing.
Of you Cracker Jacks fool I'm a motherfuckin' vet
I'm experienced at this game.
And fuck yo seventh-inning stretch, so
I don't want to take a break.
Remember me (you know who did it)
Remember me if I get in trouble with the law.
Wha what, wha what (you know who did it)
You know it was me.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., EMPIRE PUBLISHING
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, JOSEPH HEARNE, JERRY BUDDY LONG, GREGORY (PKA COLD 187UM) HUTCHINSON, KEVIN GULLEY, JOSEPH JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D K
20+ years later, this track still sounds fresh. Still be listening in another 20 years
Damian Martinez
Icecube creative writing is incredible but his hip hop peers don't recognize or appreciate what a shame if Nas or Jay and Big would of wrote this it would be considered genius Give it up to muthafuckin Icecube nuff said
Wesley Bogard
Big facts. Cube an unappreciated legend.
Darryl Reed
Genius π₯π₯
Alpha Games
Love this
ΠΠ»Π°Π΄ΠΈΡΠ»Π°Π² ΠΠ°ΠΊ
Great gangster rap! π π π
tharealezg
FOOL, i can hit like kenny grif, with a spliff in my mouth on a cellular phone. One of my favorite songs, even though he b hatin whites
John Queen
@Jesse Jaramillo some bill Clinton bull shit
Jesse Jaramillo
talkin about the la pigs and the 3 strike law in ca.
Andrew Flood
WAR & PEACH VOL 1 GREAT RAP ALBUM BY O'SHEA JACKSON AKA RAPPER ICE CUBE !!!