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 main message of the song “Check Yo Self” by Ice Cube is about staying in line and checking oneself before ending up in trouble. The rapper warns that he is bad for one's health, implying that he can be dangerous. He boasts about his “stealth” and being able to drop bombs on people's moms. In the first verse, he also talks about how he is involved in foul crime, and shows off about owning an Alpine, which he sold for a six-o. He warns that he is not to be messed with.
The second verse of the song talks more about the danger of crossing Ice Cube. He uses some explicit language to describe how he deals with people who try to step to him with a switchblade. He boasts about having an AK-47 assault rifle and presents himself as a powerful figure. He implies that he can take on anyone, including people who claim to be Don Juan. He warns that people should be mindful of their actions, or they will end up dead.
The chorus of the song is a warning for people to check themselves before they wreck themselves. Ice Cube implies that people should be cautious and mindful of their actions because they could end up in trouble. He uses a play on words with the phrase “chickity-check yo self” and adds a touch of humor to the song. Overall, the message of the song is about not messing with Ice Cube and being careful with one's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
You better check yo self before you wreck yo self
Be mindful of your actions before they cause negative consequences
Cause I'm bad for your health
My behavior can have negative effects on you
I come real stealth
I am very sneaky and hard to detect
Dropping bombs on your moms
Causing chaos and destruction that affects your family
Fuck car alarms
I am so loud and powerful that it can trigger car alarms
Doing foul crime
Committing illegal and unethical actions
I'm that nigga wit'cha Alpine
I am the person who stole your expensive car stereo
Sold it for a six-o, always let tricks know
I sold it for 600 dollars, and my friends and associates were aware of my actions
And friends know we got the indo
My friends are aware that I have access to marijuana
No I'm not a sucker sitting in a House of Pain
I am not weak and helpless
And no I'm not the butler, I'll cut you
I am not a servant, and I am capable of violently harming you
Head-butt you, you say you can't touch this
I am threatening physical violence against you if you say you are untouchable
And I wouldn't touch ya, punk mothafucka
Despite my threat, I would actually never touch someone who refers to me negatively
Here to let you know boy oh boy
I am here to educate you on the reality of my reputation and status
I make dough but don't call me Dough Boy
I earn money, but I am not to be underestimated or disrespected
This ain't no fucking motion picture
This is not a fictional story, it is my reality
A guy or bitch-a, I'll get wit'cha
Regardless of your gender, I am capable of harming you if necessary
And hit you taking that yack to the neck
I will physically attack you while you are drinking alcohol
So you better run a check
You should assess the situation before it is too late
Tricks wanna step to Cube and then they get played
People try to challenge me, but they end up losing
Cause they bitchmade pulling out a switchblade
They are weak and cowardly, relying on weapons to defend themselves
That's kinda trifle cause that's a knife-o
Their actions are foolish and dangerous, using a knife
AK-47, assault rifle
I have access to powerful firearms including an AK-47
Hold the fifty, I'm nifty, pow
I am skilled with a 50 caliber machine gun
I gotta new style, watch out now
I have developed a new, dangerous strategy
I hate motherfuckers claiming that they folding bank
I dislike people who brag about their wealth
But steady talking shit in the holding tank
They talk negatively while they are locked up
First you wanna step to me
You initially tried to challenge me
Now your ass screaming for the deputy
Now you are calling for help from authority figures
They send you to Charlie-Baker-Denver row
They send you to prison
Now they running up in you slow
In prison, other inmates will take advantage of you
You're gone, used to be the Don Juan
You used to be a ladies' man, but now your reputation is ruined
Check that shit out
Consider that as a warning
Now your name is just Twan
You have lost your identity and dignity
Switch it, snap it, rolling your eyes and neck
You are changing your attitude, acting disrespectfully
If you're foul, you better run a make on that license plate
If you have committed a crime, you should hide or disguise yourself
You coulda had a V8
You could have avoided this negative situation
Instead of a tre-eight slug to the cranium
But instead, now you may be shot in the head with a .38 caliber bullet
I got six and I'm aiming em
I have six bullets in my gun and am ready to use them
Will I shoot or keep you guessing
I may or may not harm you, and allow uncertainty to cause fear
Cause fuck you and that shit you stressing
I don't care about you or your problems
Bitch get off the wood, you're no good
Stop trying to be involved, you are useless
There goes the neighbourhood hooker
A sex worker is present, indicating the neighborhood is dangerous
Go ahead and keep your drawers
Stay and continue working as a sex worker
Giving up the claps and who needs applause
Engaging in promiscuous behavior and not caring about others' opinions
At a time like this, pop the coochie and you dead
In a dangerous time like this, engaging in sex work could be fatal
The bitch is a Miami Hurricane head
This woman is known to be sexually promiscuous in Miami
Sprung, niggas call her Lips and Lungs
Men are attracted to her because of her lips and sexual abilities
Nappy dugout get the fuck out
Leave immediately, her genitals are unclean
Cause women like you gets no respect
Women who engage in sex work are not valued or respected
Bitch you better run a check
You should evaluate the danger of your actions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: O'shea Jackson, Larry Muggerud
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
[Verse 1: Ice Cube]
You better check yo self before you wreck yo self
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'cha 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 ya
Head-butt ya, you say you can't touch this
And I wouldn't touch ya, punk motherfucker
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, my nigga get wit-cha, and hit you
Taking that yak to the neck, so you better run a check
[Hook: (Das EFX) & Ice Cube]
(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
Mic-mic-microphone check
(One, two! Check it!)
Mic-mic-microphone check
(One, two! Check it!)
[Verse 2: Ice Cube]
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, ho
AK-47, Assault Rifle
Hold the fifty, I'm nifty, pow
I gotta 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
[Hook: (Das EFX) & Ice Cube]
(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 ya health
Mic-mic-microphone check
(One, two! Check it!)
Mic-mic-microphone check
(One, two! Check it!)
[Verse 3: Ice Cube]
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 dead
The bitch is a Miami Hurricane head
Sprung, niggas call her 'Lips & Lungs'
Nappy dugout, get the fuck out
Cause women like you gets no respect
Bitch, you better run a check
[Hook: (Das EFX) & Ice Cube]
(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
(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)
(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)
9 Tre
Old school tip
Yeah
It's like a jungle sometimes that makes me wonder
How I keep on going under
Betamax
30 years later still better than 90% of music today
IWHOWASDATXD
Rap*
Supr3m3 Z3br
100%*
Willy
Don’t be that guy
IceColdTruth34
The sample is even older
clicking on rocks
“Check yourself before you wreck yourself” are legitimate words to live by. Never stop watching your own back because it’s your back that’s at risk of being stabbed.
Mr Toad
I like to think it means check yourself as in don't get too big for your boots because karmas a bitch.
Chris Peterson
My homie
Poke A Brain
@Mr Toad More like watch your mouth around me (don't be disrespectful or you'll get ....)
Elchamuc020
I see it more as self reflection but I understand what you mean