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.
Chrome & Paint
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yay yay! Cali-forn-yi-aye
Sunday afternoon baby, pull it out
Whip it out, pull it out, drive it out, drop it out
You know! Let 'em know
[Chorus: Ice Cube]
I got chrome and paint
Bitch what you drank, I got chrome and paint
Smokin' that dank in my chrome and paint
Street lights, dance on paint
Street lights, dance on chrome
Street lights, get a nigga home
You can die in these streets all alone
[Ice Cube]
I am the wrong nigga, too fuckin' grown nigga
To go for that nigga, I ain't 'cha hoe nigga
I got, a hair trigger, I am the dome splitter
The deep-sea sniper, you got the wrong niggas
Retire like Jigga, here comes the Attila the Hun
Killin' niggas for fun, these rappers is done
The bigger they come, the harder they fall
I burn like the sun, continue to ball
He's got nuts and plus the Don touch
And split the fine dutch, Starsky call Hutch
He's laid, with some sluts, up in some guts
Just back, in the cut, he thinks he's King Tut
Can't fuck, this nigga up, cause just, the nigga luck
That niggas, really love him and tear the city up
Uhh, even though I'm fuckin' with the po'-po'
Them nigga know how I act in the low-low
[Chorus]
[W.C.]
I'm ghetto like grits, die before I snitch
Off my ass khakis sag like cellulite tits bitch
Under the suede, headliner and I ain't yo momma
Play with my dollars on yo' ass they'll be layin' flowers
I put a hole in your brain with these hollow hot rocks
Hittin' the switch, makin' the fo' hopscotch
Rollin up imperial in Dickie material
All in your peripheral, throwin' shells at your vehicle
Clipped up, pimped up, big chipped up
Stacy Adams tips spiffed up, golf hat flipped up
I blow yo' ass off the map, fuck with Dub
I'll have yo' ass rollin' home with windshield glass on your lap
Fuck rap, I'm wearin' a creased tee, eatin' ribs
Laughin' at you niggas on MTV Cribs
I got the chrome thing thing to make the dome stank
Hood life forever bitch, chrome and paint, c'mon
[Chorus]
[Ice Cube]
Street lights (woop woop) [Repeat: x2]
Even though I'm fuckin' with the po'po'
Them nigga know how I act in the low-low
Slow mo', nigga check out my promo
You mo'fo's can't fuck with my mojo
[Chorus]
[Ice Cube]
Street lights [echoes]
The song โChrome and Paintโ by Ice Cube feat. WC was released in 2006 and is a celebration of classic lowrider culture. The opening lyrics describe a Sunday afternoon in California, where owners of souped-up lowrider cars โpull it out, whip it out, drive it out, drop it out.โ The chorus references the titular chrome and paint that adorn these cars, which reflect the streetlights and create a dazzling effect. While the song is an ode to the lowrider lifestyle, it also presents a tough, gangster rap edge, with lyrics describing firearms and violent imagery. WC raps about his own street cred and warns against crossing him, while Ice Cube references his own infamous temper and attitude towards law enforcement. Despite these aggressive lyrics, โChrome and Paintโ remains a popular party song, due to its catchy beat and infectious chorus.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the cars and culture of lowriders in Southern California, but also presents a darker and more aggressive side of gangster rap. Its popularity is due to its infectious beat, memorable chorus, and references to a unique cultural aesthetic. Additionally, it could be seen as a commentary on the intersections of car culture and rap music, and how both are woven into the fabric of urban life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yay yay! Cali-forn-yi-aye
I am excited for California because it is full of opportunity and good times.
Sunday afternoon baby, pull it out
It's Sunday and time to show off my car.
Whip it out, pull it out, drive it out, drop it out
Show off my car by taking it out, driving it, and then parking it.
I got chrome and paint
I have an impressive car with shiny chrome and a painted exterior.
Nigga what you thank, I got chrome and paint
Don't question my car's worth, I have chrome and paint.
Bitch what you drank, I got chrome and paint
Don't act like you have something better than me, I have chrome and paint.
Smokin' that dank in my chrome and paint
I am enjoying my car and smoking weed in it.
Street lights, dance on paint
The lights reflect beautifully off the shiny painted surface of my car.
Street lights, dance on chrome
The lights reflect beautifully off the shiny chrome parts of my car.
Street lights, get a nigga home
The street lights guide me home safely.
You can die in these streets all alone
The streets can be dangerous and you might end up dying alone.
I am the wrong nigga, too fuckin' grown nigga
I am not someone to mess with, as I am too old and wise for that.
To go for that nigga, I ain't 'cha hoe nigga
Don't try to play games with me, I'm not your subordinate.
I got, a hair trigger, I am the dome splitter
I am easily angered and can be a dangerous person to cross.
The deep-sea sniper, you got the wrong niggas
I have a sniper's precision and strength, and people should not mess with me.
Retire like Jigga, here comes the Attila the Hun
Like Jay-Z, I will retire as a successful musician. Unlike Jigga, I will still be fierce like Attila the Hun.
Killin' niggas for fun, these rappers is done
I am so talented that I can easily defeat other rappers in a rap battle.
The bigger they come, the harder they fall
The more successful someone is, the greater their downfall will be.
I burn like the sun, continue to ball
I shine like the sun and continue to be successful in my career.
He's got nuts and plus the Don touch
He has courage and skill in addition to connections with powerful people (like mob bosses).
And split the fine dutch, Starsky call Hutch
He splits the fine weed and then refers to Starsky and Hutch, a famous TV cop duo.
He's laid, with some sluts, up in some guts
He's probably having sex with multiple women at once.
Just back, in the cut, he thinks he's King Tut
He's hiding in the shadows and thinks of himself as powerful, like the ancient Egyptian ruler.
Can't fuck, this nigga up, cause just, the nigga luck
We can't take down this person because they simply have good luck.
That niggas, really love him and tear the city up
This person is well-liked and can rally a following to cause chaos in the city.
Uhh, even though I'm fuckin' with the po'-po'
Despite the fact that I'm getting hassled by the police,
Them nigga know how I act in the low-low
The police should know how I react when I'm in my car, driving low to the ground.
I'm ghetto like grits, die before I snitch
I embrace the ghetto culture and will never rat out someone else.
Off my ass khakis sag like cellulite tits bitch
My loose-fitting khaki pants hang low like saggy breasts.
Under the suede, headliner and I ain't yo momma
The interior of my car is luxurious and not like your mother's car.
Play with my dollars on yo' ass they'll be layin' flowers
If you steal my money, you'll end up dead and people will be placing flowers on your grave.
I put a hole in your brain with these hollow hot rocks
I can shoot someone with hollow-tipped bullets that will go straight through their skull.
Hittin' the switch, makin' the fo' hopscotch
I'm pressing a button to activate my hydraulic suspension system that makes my car jump and dance.
Rollin up imperial in Dickie material
I am smoking high-quality weed while wearing Dickies (a brand of work pants).
All in your peripheral, throwin' shells at your vehicle
I am shooting at your car from the sides and back.
Clipped up, pimped up, big chipped up
My guns are loaded, my car is customized, and I'm making lots of money.
Stacy Adams tips spiffed up, golf hat flipped up
My dress shoes are shiny and clean, and I'm wearing a golf hat flipped up at an angle.
I blow yo' ass off the map, fuck with Dub
If you mess with me, I will kill you and make sure you're completely erased from existence.
I'll have yo' ass rollin' home with windshield glass on your lap
I will shoot you until your car window shatters and the glass falls into your lap as you die.
Fuck rap, I'm wearin' a creased tee, eatin' ribs
I don't care about being a rapper, I'd rather wear a clean T-shirt and eat ribs.
Laughin' at you niggas on MTV Cribs
I am chuckling at people who show off their expensive homes on MTV Cribs.
I got the chrome thing thing to make the dome stank
I have an impressive car with shiny chrome and painted parts that makes people jealous.
Hood life forever bitch, chrome and paint, c'mon
This is my life as a person from the hood, and my car represents my success.
Even though I'm fuckin' with the po'po'
Despite getting in trouble with the police,
Them nigga know how I act in the low-low
The police should know how I behave when driving a low-rider car.
Street lights
The lights on the street at night.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN ANDERSON, O'SHEA JACKSON, WILLIAM CALHOUN, JOHN BERRY, DON COVAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MaksMikhnevych
Ice Cube is really excited to have those 2 programs installed on his laptop.
@angelsergioseby
Lol
@cmbansheecm8486
How to ruin a song...thanks!
@mathiaszeul
This comment is too fricking underated =)))
@shakur4648
Wow. Such shots
@shoniij2842
Hahaha yes ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐
@rboothy9795
If ice cube ainโt in your top 5 we canโt be friends the guy a legend I been listening to him since nwa never failed to amaze me
@UnitedPacci
Yes I got Google Chrome and Paint on my Computer too ๐๐
@masonjohnson3406
Ice cubes greatest hits
@AndrewsOpinion15
LAUGH NOW CRY LATER WHAT A RAP ALBUM !!!