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.
Check Yo Self
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Das EFX in this, you know what I'm sayin'?
Straight from the sewer, word is bond
Yeah, yah, ah, yeah
We doing this with my nigga
Where my nigga Ice Cube in the motherfucker?
Word is bond
'Cause I'm bad for your health
I come real stealth
Dropping bombs on your moms
Fuck car alarms
Doing foul crime
I'm that nigga wit' yo' Alpine
Sold it for a six-o, always let tricks know
And friends know we got the indo'
No, I'm not a sucker sitting in a House of Pain
And no, I'm not the butler, I'll cut you
Head-butt you, you say you can't touch this
And I wouldn't touch ya, in fact mothafucka
Here to let you know, boy, oh boy
I make dough but don't call me Dough Boy
This ain't no fucking motion picture
A guy or bitch-a, I'll get wit'cha
And hit you taking that yack to the neck
So you better run a check
So come on and chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
Chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
Yeah, come on and check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
'Cause shotgun bullets are bad for your health
Microphone check, one, two (check it)
Microphone check, one, two (check it)
Tricks wanna step to Cube and then they get played
'Cause they bitch-made pulling out a switchblade
That's kinda trifle 'cause that's a knife-o
AK-47, assault rifle
Hold the fifty, I'm nifty, pow
I got a new style, watch out now
I hate motherfuckers claiming that they folding bank
But steady talking shit in the holding tank
First you wanna step to me
Now your ass screaming for the deputy
They send you to Charlie-Baker-Denver row
Now they running up in you slow
You're gone, used to be the Don Juan (check that shit out)
Now your name is just 'Twan
Switch it, snap it, rolling your eyes and neck
You better run a check
So chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
Come on and check yo' self before you wrickity-wreck yo' self
So chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
'Cause big dicks up yo' ass is bad for your health
Microphone check, one, two (check it)
Microphone check, one, two (check it)
If you're foul, you better run a make on that license plate
You coulda had a V8
Instead of a tre-eight slug to the cranium (pow)
I got six and I'm aiming 'em
Will I shoot or keep you guessing?
'Cause fuck you and that shit you're stressing
Bitch get off the wood, you're no good
There goes the neighborhood hooker (slut)
Go ahead and keep your drawers
Giving up the claps and who needs applause
At a time like this, pop the coochie and you're dead
The bitch is a Miami Hurricane head
Sprung, niggas call her "Lips and Lungs"
Nappy dugout, get the fuck out
'Cause women like you gets no respect
Bitch, you better run a check
So chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
So chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
Come on and check yo' self before you wrickity-wreck yo' self
'Cause bitches like you is bad for my health
Microphone check, one, two (check it) come again, check it
Microphone check, one, two (check it) come again, check it
Chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
You better chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self, boy
I said check yo' self before you wrickity-wreck yo' self (check)
Microphone check
Microphone check, one, two
Microphone check, one, two
Microphone check, one, two, one, two
Microphone check, one, two
Microphone check, one, two, one, two
Microphone check, one, two
Microphone check, one, two
Check yo' self, Cube (Check yo' self, Cube)
The lyrics of Ice Cube's "Check Yo Self" suggest that one should check their actions before they bring about their own destruction. The song serves as a warning to individuals who frequently engage in foul activities and claim to be living recklessly. Ice Cube mentions that he is bad for their health and "dropping bombs on their moms." He also makes references to selling their stolen goods at inflated prices, something they shouldn't do if they do not want to face legal charges. He further criticizes people who steer clear of danger and try to avoid confrontation by claiming they cannot be touched. The lyrics also touch on the confusion between wanting to fold millions and promote violence like a Hollywood movie.
The lyrics suggest that one must be attentive to their actions since bad things could befall them if they act foolishly. The song stands as a testament to the idea that the decisions we make always have consequences, and we should be mindful of that.
Line by Line Meaning
You better check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
You need to be careful before you cause harm to yourself
'Cause I'm bad for your health
Because I have a negative impact on your health
I come real stealth
I approach very quietly and secretly
Dropping bombs on your moms
Using extreme violence against your family members
Fuck car alarms
I don't care about the noise, I will still commit crimes
Doing foul crime
Engaging in illegal activities
I'm that nigga wit' yo' Alpine
I stole your car stereo system
Sold it for a six-o, always let tricks know
I sold it for $60 and always let my acquaintances know about my illegal actions
And friends know we got the indo'
My friends and I have marijuana
No, I'm not a sucker sitting in a House of Pain
I am not a victim detained in a prison
And no, I'm not the butler, I'll cut you
I am not someone who can be ordered around, I am a violent person
Head-butt you, you say you can't touch this
I will attack and assault you, even if you claim to have an advantage
And I wouldn't touch ya, in fact mothafucka
I will not touch you and in fact, you are not worth my time
Here to let you know, boy, oh boy
I am here to inform you
I make dough but don't call me Dough Boy
I earn a lot of money, but I am not a weakling
This ain't no fucking motion picture
This is not a fake movie, it is real life
A guy or bitch-a, I'll get wit'cha
Regardless of gender, I will attack and assault you
And hit you taking that yack to the neck
I will attack and assault you while you are drinking alcohol
So you better run a check
You better examine your situation and be cautious
Tricks wanna step to Cube and then they get played
People want to challenge me but then they are defeated
'Cause they bitch-made pulling out a switchblade
They are weak and use a small knife to try to harm me
That's kinda trifle 'cause that's a knife-o
That is not very dangerous because it is just a small knife
AK-47, assault rifle
I have a deadly and powerful firearm
Hold the fifty, I'm nifty, pow
I can handle the powerful weapon with ease
I got a new style, watch out now
I have a new way of operating and people should be alarmed
I hate motherfuckers claiming that they folding bank
I don't like when people claim to be rich and successful
But steady talking shit in the holding tank
But they are still in prison and not free
First you wanna step to me
At first, people want to challenge me
Now your ass screaming for the deputy
Now they are calling for law enforcement to help them
They send you to Charlie-Baker-Denver row
They send you to prison
Now they running up in you slow
Now people are attacking and harassing them in prison
You're gone, used to be the Don Juan (check that shit out)
You are gone, and your former status as a ladies' man is a thing of the past
Now your name is just 'Twan
Your name has been reduced to a shortened version
Switch it, snap it, rolling your eyes and neck
I will physically beat and harm you
So chickity-check yo' self before you wreck yo' self
You better examine your situation and be cautious
'Cause big dicks up yo' ass is bad for your health
Engaging in homosexual acts can be harmful to one's health
If you're foul, you better run a make on that license plate
If you are doing something illegal, you should check your surroundings
You coulda had a V8
You could have driven a powerful car
Instead of a tre-eight slug to the cranium (pow)
You will receive a bullet to your head instead
I got six and I'm aiming 'em
I have six bullets and I am ready to use them
Will I shoot or keep you guessing?
I may or may not shoot you, and you won't know until it happens
'Cause fuck you and that shit you're stressing
I don't care about your problems or concerns
Bitch get off the wood, you're no good
You are weak and pathetic
There goes the neighborhood hooker (slut)
Someone who is known for having multiple sexual partners
Go ahead and keep your drawers
Keep your clothes on
Giving up the claps and who needs applause
Having sex with numerous partners and not seeking praise
At a time like this, pop the coochie and you're dead
I will kill you for engaging in sexual activities at a time like this
The bitch is a Miami Hurricane head
A promiscuous person with a reputation for oral sex
Sprung, niggas call her "Lips and Lungs"
She is addicted to oral sex and has been given a crude nickname
Nappy dugout, get the fuck out
Leave immediately and stop engaging in sexual activities
'Cause women like you gets no respect
Women who behave in this way are not treated with respect
Bitch, you better run a check
You better examine your situation and be cautious
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: O'shea Jackson, Larry Muggerud
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@luthfeesenpai4933
Those who are listening this:
MISSION PASSED
RESPECT +
Edit:thanks for the likes after a year. This shows that the game is still playing by people these days..currently i'm also playing the game, about to finish..anyway bless you people out there.
CJ IS STILL A BUSTA!!
Progress: I wonπ
See you around, officer
@LeninuZ
mission passed!
RESPECT +
@ludoviclicorne2065
We all here miss the old time...
@hoshitnevegouagain5133
gta the best game
@musahaque2000
@Marwin Shakur Because most of that 80% in the comments are kids who only find their way here from GTA SA, not here from bein' fans and didn't grow with this kind of music.
@musahaque2000
@Marwin Shakur Yeap.
@ceyonasgt9189
Marwin Shakur The fact is that the ice cube was voiced by Sweet.
@bigsmoke9848
I Don't Leave The Car If This Song Is Playing In GTA SA
@rolandpatrick1540
This mamba s alive
@izitprod-stylarprod94
All you had to do was to follow the damn train CJ
@MoawiahJamal
Looks like you ain't following any train no more