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.
Bow Down
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't fuck with my stack the gage is racked
About to drop the bomb I am the motherfucking don
Big fish in a small pond
Now the feds want to throw the book at the crook
But I shook they worm and they hook
Guppies hold they breath they want to miss me
When I am tipsey
Its the unseen pulling strings wit my pinky ring
We got your woman so pucker up
Fo we fuck her up
Bow down before I make a phone call
Got 25 niggas running up on y'all
Fo the cheese we want them keys
Everybody freeze on ya knees butt naked please
Before any of you guppies get heart
Nigga rewind my part and (Bow Down)
I take ten steps and I draw
Now who's dissing the mad ass Inglewood
Addition
I bust like a pimple my mind is ill mental
The Westside connects with me and south central
And a drag from the zig zag can't fuck with the
Philly's
Holding down the wild west like a kid they
Call Billy
Once again it's Mack 10 the gold crown hold of
Strong as a Coca-Cola with a crome pistola
Now who want to fuss so I can buss when I cuss
My look bring you fear with gear deom the Surplus
Since a teen I chased the green the crack scene
King
Lolos Cornishes and Bagguetts on my pieces
So recognize these real G's take the cheese
The west side connection keep it rolling like gold
D's
Three Wheeling and Dealing is like the California
Style
But in the mean while in my town you got to
Bow
Bow Down when you come to my town
Bow down when we west-ward bound 'cause
We ain't no haters like you
Bow Down to some nigga's that's greater than
You
Well it's that chuck wearing still sporting a
Beanie the shadiest
Nigga in the click who want to see me as I slide
My locs on let
My khakis hang west side connect gang bing bing
Bang run away run
Away or get yo punk ass sprayed by this H double
O to D to the
S.T.A fuck hiding it I am gang related simple and
Plain which
Means I could give a fuck about you nigga's in
The rap game
Flashy nigga's get stuck up beat the fuck up when
You come around
Keep your chain tucked from this zero zero's
Affiliated fuck a
Studio lyricist I'm real with this talk the talk
Walk the walk
Dis me on wax and I am trying to saw your whole fucking
Head off
Nigga
I'm platinum bond so bitch shut up punk all yea
Could kiss my converse like sh'o 'nough
Bow Down when you come to my town
Bow down when we west-ward bound 'cause
We ain't no haters like you
Bow Down to some nigga's that's greater than
You
(Yea lemme tell you something)
(gangster's make the world go round)
(you ain't gotta clown)
(But if you living on the west side of yo town)
(Make them other fool's bow down)
The lyrics to Ice Cube's song Bow Down are a testament to his influence and power. The song speaks to the fact that he is the "big fish in a small pond," and he runs everything west of the Mississippi. Cube has no qualms about dropping the bomb when he senses a threat to his stack, and claims that he is the "motherfucking don." He is the unseen force pulling strings through his pinky ring, and he has his women on lock; anyone who tries to mess with him is in for trouble.
In the second verse, the song shifts to Mack 10, who proclaims himself the "gold crown holder" of south central Los Angeles. He is not one to be messed with and has been chasing the green since he was a teenager. Mack 10 and Ice Cube represent the west side connection that is keeping it rolling like gold Ds. The verse concludes with the message that in their town, you have to bow down.
The last verse is a high-energy call-out from WC. He wears a beanie and shades, and he is the shadiest member of the crew. He is quick to let you know that he is affiliated with the 0-0s and that he is gang-related. A studio lyricist is not what he is, and he does not care about those in the rap game who try to make him out as a joke. He is "platinum bond," and he expects everyone to pay homage to his power.
Overall, Bow Down is a powerful song that speaks to the influence and control that Ice Cube and his crew held over the L.A. rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is mine nigga get back
I'm at the top of my game, so don't even try to compete with me.
Don't fuck with my stack the gage is racked
Don't mess with my money, I'm armed and ready to protect it.
About to drop the bomb I am the motherfucking don
I'm about to release some new music, and I'm the king of the rap game.
Big fish in a small pond
I dominate the rap game on the West Coast, but I'm not yet a global superstar.
Now the feds want to throw the book at the crook
The authorities are coming after me because of my music and lifestyle.
But I shook they worm and they hook
I evaded their efforts to arrest and prosecute me.
Guppies hold they breath they want to miss me
My enemies are hoping for my downfall, but I'm too powerful for that to happen.
When I am tipsey
Even when I'm drunk, I'm still in control and untouchable.
Running everything west of the Mississippi
I have complete control over the rap scene on the West Coast.
Its the unseen pulling strings wit my pinky ring
I have powerful friends and connections behind the scenes.
We got your woman so pucker up
I have the power to take someone's girlfriend or wife and use that as leverage against them.
Fo we fuck her up
If you don't do as I say, I'll harm your loved ones.
Bow down before I make a phone call
You better show me respect or I'll use my influence to have you hurt or killed.
Got 25 niggas running up on y'all
I have a large group of loyal followers ready to attack my enemies.
Fo the cheese we want them keys
We'll do whatever it takes to get money and power, even if it means committing crimes.
Everybody freeze on ya knees butt naked please
I'll humiliate and degrade you if you don't do what I say.
Before any of you guppies get heart
Don't even think of challenging me or my authority.
Nigga rewind my part and (Bow Down)
Listen to what I said and acknowledge my dominance.
I take ten steps and I draw
I'm always ready for a fight and I'll always come out on top.
Now who's dissing the mad ass Inglewood Addition
Whoever dares to criticize and challenge me will face dire consequences.
I bust like a pimple my mind is ill mental
I'm quick to react with violence and aggression, and I have a twisted mindset.
The Westside connects with me and south central
I have strong connections to the most powerful and dangerous gangs on the West Coast.
And a drag from the zig zag can't fuck with the Philly's
I'm so tough and powerful that even the best weed can't affect me.
Holding down the wild west like a kid they Call Billy
I'm like a legendary outlaw, always in control and feared by others.
Once again it's Mack 10 the gold crown hold of
Another rapper is acknowledging my power and influence.
Strong as a Coca-Cola with a crome pistola
I'm tough, unbreakable, and always armed and dangerous.
Now who want to fuss so I can buss when I cuss
Whoever challenges me will face my wrath and my gun.
My look bring you fear with gear deom the Surplus
I look so intimidating and terrifying that people are afraid to cross me.
Since a teen I chased the green the crack scene King
I've been hustling and making money since I was young, and now I'm the king of the rap game on the West Coast.
Lolos Cornishes and Bagguetts on my pieces
I have a lot of expensive and flashy jewelry.
So recognize these real G's take the cheese
Don't mess with us gangsters or you'll regret it.
The west side connection keep it rolling like gold D's
Me and my fellow gangsters are always making money and staying ahead of our enemies.
Three Wheeling and Dealing is like the California Style
We're always hustling, making deals, and finding ways to get rich.
But in the mean while in my town you got to Bow
If you come to my town, you better show me respect or else you'll face the consequences.
Well it's that chuck wearing still sporting a Beanie the shadiest
I'm the most dangerous and unpredictable gangster you'll ever meet.
Nigga in the click who want to see me as I slide
My enemies are always hoping to catch me off guard and vulnerable.
My locs on let My khakis hang west side connect gang bing bing
I'm always representing my gang and showing my loyalty to the West Coast.
Bang run away run Away or get yo punk ass sprayed by this H double O to D to the S.T.
You better run away or else I'll shoot you with my gun.
A fuck hiding it I am gang related simple and Plain which Means I could give a fuck about you nigga's in The rap game
I'm not hiding my allegiance to my gang - it's plain to see. I don't care about anyone else in the rap game.
Flashy nigga's get stuck up beat the fuck up when You come around
If you're flashy and not part of our gang, we'll attack and rob you.
Keep your chain tucked from this zero zero's Affiliated fuck a Studio lyricist I'm real with this talk the talk Walk the walk
If you're not a gangster, you better hide your jewelry. I don't respect fake rappers who only talk about a life they don't live.
Dis me on wax and I am trying to saw your whole fucking Head off Nigga
If you diss me in your music, I'll retaliate and hurt you.
I'm platinum bond so bitch shut up punk all yea Could kiss my converse like sh'o 'nough
I'm successful and rich, so don't even try to mess with me. You can kiss my shoes to show respect.
Yea lemme tell you something
Listen up, I have something important to say.
(gangster's make the world go round)
Gangsters have the power and influence to control society.
(you ain't gotta clown)
You don't have to try to be something you're not.
(But if you living on the west side of yo town)
If you're from the West Coast and live in the hood,
(Make them other fool's bow down)
You better make sure that others show you respect and fear your power.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEPHEN ANDERSON, WILLIAM N CALHOUN, O'SHEA N JACKSON, DEDRICK D'MON N ROLISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DhiaMedina
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@TheOriginaMurrinator
This is the best song to cruise to in GTA
@jamesbaird1149
Best song to cruise around in my car...the subs pound this shit!
@davidsiatatgaming
the best song to cruise in gta with a lowrider is still dr dre
@jamesbaird1149
davidsiatat who drives around in a video game? so much better IRL
@mashedpotatoesfromkfc
This is on GTA?
@jamesbaird1149
Doston Khudoyberganov guess you never played GTA5
@ExistentialBordem
Was in Japan and this karaoke bar surprisingly had this in the database. Needless to say I murdered that shit. Got a free drink out of it lol
@ThatGCode
lol you should've uploaded a video of that
@Heisenberg355
GG eZ xD
@RoIIingStoned
lol