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.
Ask About Me
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I check it in in the Dirty South (a yeay)
I check it in in the Mid West (hustle man)
I check it in on the East Coast (The Hustle Gang)
(Look at me)
(Don Matta')
(Poppa Don)
They think they fresher than the Don
Prescription pills to keep me calm
Nigga I'm da bomb!
In the black Testerosa,
Sippin' on Mimosa,
A bleedin' nosa
I'm in the West, we ain't got the ?nego?
Give me Sicko kilos from Puerto Rico
When I okay it,
So much cheese, you got to weigh it
Never thought these niggaz was the feds
"Freeze" was the sound
I started lettin' off rounds,
Lay the whole fuckin' room down
I don't want to see Your Honor,
Ratha' eat piranha from Benny Hana,
Smokin' marijuana in my sauna,
I done hate it with these attics and faggots,
They them rattic causin' static,
Bring me my A-U-T-O-matic,
Oh niggas want to se how we ride
Bitch, you know the motherfuckin' side,
World motherfuckin' wide.
Make yo' hustle official,
And them niggas that's wit' you,
Gotta push the issue,
On the fools that dis you,
Whether pump or pistol,
When it's up in yo' gristle,
Hand yo' mama a tissue,
If I decide to kiss you.
I check it in on the West Coast (Ask about me)
I check it in in the Dirty South (Ask about me)
I check it in in the Mid West (hustle man)
I check it in on the East Coast (The Hustle Gang)
(Look at me)
(Don Matta')
(Poppa Don)
Can you dig her?
It's the bigger, seven-figure, super nigga
Wit' the triggas at yo' dome,
We like to roam,
Through yo' motherfuckin' home like a comb
And find the money that's gone
And we'll take you, shake you,
Break you, take two,
Play you on wit' the chrome,
Nigga shoot!
Execute, they try to electrocute
I got too much loot
Ya say I'm on yo' hit list,
You niggas miss,
Tryin' to turn my motherfuckin' cheese into Swiss
Rappers make bucks and I can hear it,
Hard to fear it,
'cause I know you grew up on my lyrics
It's the boss player,
Never lost hair over assholes,
Blast holes in you motherfuckin' tadpoles
Like a bullfrog,
Nigga I'm a bull hog,
Guppies get worked like puppies by the bulldog
Where millions never gave a fuck about Sicilians,
Or killers on T.V. can see,
We got the real ones
So check yo' motherfuckin' CD-Rom
And your World Wide Web, dot com,
It's the Don Mega!
Make yo' hustle official,
And them niggas that's wit' you,
Gotta push the issue,
On the fools that dis you,
Whether pump or pistol,
When it's up in yo' gristle,
Hand yo' mama a tissue,
If I decide to kiss you.
I check it in on the West Coast (Ask about me)
I check it in in the Dirty South (a yeay)
I check it in in the Mid West (hustle man)
I check it in on the East Coast (The Hustle Gang)
(Look at me)
(Don Matta')
(Poppa Don)
What cha call it? (The Hustle Gang)
What cha call it? (The Hustle Gang)
What cha call it? (The Hustle Gang)
What cha call it? (Hustle, man)
Ask About me
Ask About me
In "Ask About Me," Ice Cube brags about his reputation in multiple regions of the United States, claiming that everyone knows who he is and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Cube asserts his dominance in the rap game with lyrics expressing his disregard for the law and his violent tendencies. He refers to his nickname "The Don Mega" and compares himself to a bull hog and bulldog, animals known for their ferocity and dominance. Cube also references his various enterprises, including his car, the black Testarossa, and his drug trafficking, stating that he receives sicko kilos from Puerto Rico. The chorus repeats the phrase "Ask about me," which Cube uses as a challenge to those who question his status as a top-tier rapper.
Overall this song represents Ice Cube's boastful and confident persona. The repetitiveness of the phrase "Ask about me" affirms Cube's status as a legend in the rap game, while his violent lyrics aim to strike fear in his opponents. Cube's pride in his reputation is a central theme of the song, as he reaffirms his dominance through references to his wealth, his nickname, and his successful illegal dealings.
Line by Line Meaning
I check it in on the West Coast (Ask about me)
I'm well-known and respected on the West Coast, people know and talk about me.
I check it in in the Dirty South (a yeay)
I'm also well-known and respected in the Dirty South, people there know me and acknowledge me.
I check it in in the Mid West (hustle man)
I'm also known for my hustle and business skills in the Mid West, they respect me for that too.
I check it in on the East Coast (The Hustle Gang)
The Hustle Gang, my crew, is known and respected on the East Coast, they associate me with them.
(Look at me)
I demand attention and people notice me when I enter a room or situation.
(Don Matta')
I'm a Don, a respected and powerful figure, a boss.
(Poppa Don)
I'm a fatherly figure to some, others look up to me like a parent or role model.
Check my blood pressure
I'm under a lot of stress and scrutiny, both physically and mentally.
They think they fresher than the Don
I'm superior to others, no one can surpass me in terms of style, power or success.
Prescription pills to keep me calm
I'm taking medication to keep me calm and sane, to cope with the pressures of my lifestyle.
Nigga I'm da bomb!
I'm the best, the most impressive and explosive person around.
In the black Testerosa,
I'm riding in a sleek, expensive sports car that shows my wealth and status.
Sippin' on Mimosa,
I'm drinking luxury champagne, enjoying the finer things in life.
A bleedin' nosa
I'm living a high-risk lifestyle, involved in dangerous activities that require a lot of risk-taking.
I'm in the West, we ain't got the ?nego?
I'm in the West, where we don't have the same problems as other regions, and I'm aware of that.
Give me Sicko kilos from Puerto Rico
I want high-quality drugs from Puerto Rico, I have connections to get what I want.
When I okay it,
I have a lot of power, and when I give instructions or approve things, they happen.
So much cheese, you got to weigh it
I have a lot of money, to the point where it's necessary to weigh it like cheese to handle it all.
Never thought these niggaz was the feds
I didn't think these people were actually working for law enforcement, I was caught off guard.
"Freeze" was the sound
The situation quickly escalated to a dangerous one when someone shouted to freeze, implying an imminent threat.
I started lettin' off rounds,
I began shooting my gun rapidly in response to the dangerous situation.
Lay the whole fuckin' room down
I caused a commotion and disrupted the entire space, taking full control of the situation.
I don't want to see Your Honor,
I don't want to be caught by the police or face any legal consequences.
Ratha' eat piranha from Benny Hana,
I would rather take extreme measures or risks than face any legal consequences, such as eating piranhas from a restaurant.
Smokin' marijuana in my sauna,
I'm living a luxurious lifestyle where I can smoke marijuana in my own sauna, relaxing without any worries.
I done hate it with these attics and faggots,
I'm tired of dealing with unreliable and untrustworthy people, including drug addicts and people who aren't loyal to me.
They them rattic causin' static,
These people are causing problems and disturbances in my life, possibly leading to conflict or danger.
Bring me my A-U-T-O-matic,
Get me my automatic gun, I need to be prepared for any situation or threat.
Oh niggas want to se how we ride
People are curious or envious about our lifestyle and want to know more about it.
Bitch, you know the motherfuckin' side,
You already know who we are and what we're about, don't question us or our reputation.
World motherfuckin' wide.
Our power and influence extends across the world, we are globally recognized and respected.
Can you dig her?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
It's the bigger, seven-figure, super nigga
I'm a big deal, with lots of money and power, respected and admired by many.
Wit' the triggas at yo' dome,
I'm armed and dangerous, with weapons pointed at your head.
We like to roam,
We travel around and explore, keeping our eyes open for opportunities or threats.
Through yo' motherfuckin' home like a comb
We search through your home thoroughly and aggressively, looking for something valuable or important.
And find the money that's gone
We are skilled at finding lost or hidden money, even in difficult situations.
And we'll take you, shake you,
We will seize you and interrogate you, whether through violence or intimidation.
Break you, take two,
We will break you mentally and physically, exerting our power and control over you.
Play you on wit' the chrome,
We will toy with you and tease you, using our guns to intimidate and threaten you.
Nigga shoot!
Shoot them immediately, without hesitation or remorse.
Execute, they try to electrocute
We will take swift and brutal action against those who oppose us, or who try to harm us through legal or technological means.
I got too much loot
I have so much money and wealth, I can do and have whatever I want.
Ya say I'm on yo' hit list,
You have me targeted or marked for some form of attack or harm.
You niggas miss,
Your attempts to get to me were unsuccessful, I'm too powerful to be taken down easily.
Tryin' to turn my motherfuckin' cheese into Swiss
You're trying to take my money and wealth away, but you're failing in your attempts.
Rappers make bucks and I can hear it,
I'm aware that other rappers are making a lot of money, but I'm not worried about it or jealous.
Hard to fear it,
Their success doesn't intimidate me, I'm confident in my own abilities and wealth.
'cause I know you grew up on my lyrics
I know that other rappers and fans were influenced by my music and style, and that's why they're successful now.
It's the boss player,
I'm the ultimate leader and decision-maker, respected by others and in charge of my own destiny.
Never lost hair over assholes,
I've never let other people's negative opinions or actions affect me or bring me down.
Blast holes in you motherfuckin' tadpoles
I will shoot and destroy anyone who tries to mess with me, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
Like a bullfrog,
I'm tough and aggressive, like a bullfrog who fiercely defends its territory.
Nigga I'm a bull hog,
I'm greedy and selfish, taking as much as I can for myself and not caring about others' needs or opinions.
Guppies get worked like puppies by the bulldog
Opponents or rivals are easily defeated and dominated by me and my crew, like guppies by a bulldog.
Where millions never gave a fuck about Sicilians,
The place where I grew up didn't care about Sicilian people or their culture and heritage.
Or killers on T.V. can see,
This place is known for having violent and dangerous criminals who appear on TV, portraying the area's dangerous reputation.
We got the real ones
I work with people who are truly dangerous and powerful, not just TV personalities or fake gangsters.
So check yo' motherfuckin' CD-Rom
Double-check that you have the right information, don't underestimate or underestimate me or my crew.
And your World Wide Web, dot com,
Do your research and make sure you have all the information you need, especially on the Internet.
It's the Don Mega!
I'm the ultimate Don, the most powerful and respected figure around.
What cha call it? (The Hustle Gang)
What's the name of our crew and operation? We're known as the Hustle Gang.
What cha call it? (The Hustle Gang)
Again, what do we call our crew? The Hustle Gang, that's right.
What cha call it? (The Hustle Gang)
One more time, what's the name of the crew that I'm associated with? The Hustle Gang.
What cha call it? (Hustle, man)
What do you call someone who hustles and works hard to make success? A Hustle Man, that's me.
Ask About me
People know about me and my reputation, they can ask others for confirmation or details.
Ask About me
Again, I'm a well-known and respected figure, ask around and you'll hear more about me.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, TRISTAN JONES, LIONEL, JR. "SHORT KHOP" HUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
black ice
Ice cube is goin hella hard on this record. This is the kind of rap i love. Not that mumble drug trap bullshit rap
The Jetsons
10/10 A +
MP PHAROAH
Cube need to go back to this flow and make a part 3 to war & peace!!!
Kevin Huguet
This that westside connect flow
Ben Wood
Hahaha you obviously don't know Cube
kelly dukes
I'm wit dat
Corey Smith
π
Ham24brand
what. like, Vol. 3 (World War III Disc) and Vol. 4 (Post-Apocalypse Disc)?
Miss Boss Campagna
I really love how this makes me feel after I'm done listening to this. Badass!
kasabian rage
this album is way underrated , bad ass rhymes