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.
Dirty Mack
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I might introduce her to my meat
Told my homeboy I was scoping hoping
To crack them legs wide open
Ready to break that banging ass
Get it with the shad
Take a bath in her mouth yeah
Better keep the Trojan
Fucked around and told my plan to the man
Sitting next to the god damn men
How was I to know son
That the nigg' blow with one and told the 4-1-1
With a big fat grand
Talking 'bout all the whores that I ran up in
Broke a nigga plan like dishes
'Cause now the bitch is getting suspicious
She know I fuck whores outta habit
Who framed Cube, motherfuck Roger Rabbit!
'Cause I couldn't have and got stabbed in the back
By a black ass dirty mack
And if you didn't know it's like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
Yeah nigga didn't you know it was like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
There goes the bill-board pull it
And see up I'm still number one with the bullet
What the fuck do I sing?
It looks like the Predator
It's gettin' dissed by the editor
Looked up and hell of white for caper
It's to lynch a nigga on paper
But I'm much too black for the god damn cracker
Huh! Dirty Macker
Even the Guardian Angel got mental
But never seen their ass walking through South Central
Little super hero oh don't lemme catcha
I fuck around and wetcha
Try to dirty mack me out
Try to take food out my kids mouth
You're lucky that my people are stronger than your evil
Or your ass would have got the heat ho
Out the door, the 187 tag still on your toe
So act like you know
That nigga that's known to jack
Devils in little red hats
Motherfuckin' dirty macks!
And if you didn't know it's like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
Devil didn't you know it was like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
Don't come to an O.G., with that 'he said she said'
Bitch, hit the freeway, dirty mack's get tossed
'Cause I fuck around, and jump your ass like Kris Kross
Just might blast, snake in the grass
Gotta shake up the ass
Found at a trunk of funk
Tall and stiff as a philly blunt
What more do you want you done fucked up the plot
And deserve just what you got
'Cause I'm hotter than Tabasco
You little asshole
Mow I gotta do you like grass chow
TKO now you see they flow on campus
'Cause you scandalous
Don't know who the man is
Ice Cube a jack
The wack ass dirty mack
And if you didn't know it's like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
Yo Savage didn't you know it was like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
I suppose you don't know it's like that
I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
In “Dirty Mack,” Ice Cube describes an encounter in which he reveals his sexual intentions towards a new girl on his street to a friend, only to have his confidence broken by that same friend, who betrays his trust and tells the girl. The song’s title refers to “dirty macking,” a term that means trying to seduce someone who is already in a relationship. Ice Cube highlights the betrayal and disloyalty he feels from his friend with lines like “Broke a nigga plan like dishes / 'cause now the bitch is getting suspicious / She know I fuck whores outta habit / Who framed Cube, motherfuck Roger Rabbit! (…) By a black ass dirty mack.”
The chorus of the song features the lyrics “And if you didn't know it's like that / I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack / Yeah nigga didn't you know it was like that / I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack,” where Ice Cube emphasizes his willingness to protect himself and retaliate against anyone who disrespects him. He ends the song by stating that he is “Ice Cube the jack / The white ass Dirt Mack,” expressing his readiness to defend himself and fight back against his enemies.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a new girl on my street
I have noticed a new woman in my neighborhood.
And I might introduce her to mack me
I am considering pursuing her for sexual purposes.
Told my homeboy I was scoping hoping to crack them legs wide open
I confided in my friend about my intentions to have sex with her.
Ready to break that banging ass
I am eagerly anticipating having sex with her.
Get it with the shad
I plan to be discreet about my actions.
Take a bath in her mouth yeah
I plan on receiving oral sex from her.
Better keep the Trojan
I need to ensure that I use a condom during sex.
And if the sex was good still be the whole frame
Even if the sex was enjoyable, I will not develop feelings for her.
Fucked around and told my plan to the man sitting next to the god damn men
I made a mistake by sharing my intentions with the wrong person.
How was I to know son that the nigg' blow with one and told the 4-1-1 with a big fat grand
I was unaware that the person I confided in would betray me and share my plans with others.
Talking 'bout all the whores that I ran up in
The person who betrayed me shared information about my sexual history with other women.
Broke a nigga plan like dishes 'cause now the bitch is getting suspicious
My plans were ruined and now the woman I was pursuing is becoming suspicious of my actions.
She know I fuck whores outta habit
The woman I am pursuing is aware that I have a pattern of casual sex with multiple women.
Who framed Cube, motherfuck Roger Rabbit!
I am frustrated and angry that someone betrayed me and ruined my plans.
And if you didn't know it's like that I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
I am warning those who betray and sabotage me that I am capable of violence and retaliation.
There goes the bill-board pull it
I am drawing attention to myself and my success.
And see up I'm still number one with the bullet
I am boasting about my popularity and success.
What the fuck do I sing?
I am confused about what to say or do next.
It looks like the Predator it's gettin' dissed by the editor
I feel like I am being ridiculed and criticized by others in the industry.
Looked up and hell of white for caper
I noticed that the police are targeting and unfairly accusing me of wrongdoing.
It's to lynch a nigga on paper
The media and authorities are unfairly targeting me because of my race and reputation.
But I'm much too black for the god damn cracker Huh!
I am proud of my African American heritage despite being targeted and discriminated against.
Dirty Macker
I am referring to those who betray and sabotage others to achieve their own goals as 'Dirty Mackers.'
Even the Guardian Angel got mental
Even with protection and support from others, I am still struggling with negative attention and criticism.
But never seen their ass walking past South Central
Those who criticize and target me are not familiar with the struggles and challenges faced by individuals in South Central Los Angeles.
Little super hair oh don't lemme catcha
I am warning those who betray and sabotage me to be careful and avoid getting caught.
I fuck around and wetcha Try to dirty mack me out
I will retaliate if anyone tries to betray or sabotage me.
Try to take food out my kids mouth
I will not tolerate anyone interfering with my ability to provide for my family.
You're looking at my people are stronger than your evil
I am proud of the strength and resilience of my African American community.
All you ask where they got the hip hop At the dope the 187 taxi on your toe
I am implying that hip hop and African American culture originated from the struggles and hardships faced in South Central Los Angeles.
So act like you know
I am warning others to respect and acknowledge my culture and community.
That nigga that's known to jack
I am known to retaliate and seek revenge against those who betray or sabotage me.
Devils in little red hats Motherfuckin' dirty macks!
I am accusing those who betray and sabotage others of being evil and manipulative.
Don't come to an O.G., with that 'he said she said' Bitch, hit the freeway, dirty mack's get tossed
I am warning others to avoid gossip and rumors, and to stay away from those who betray and manipulate others.
'Cause I fuck around, and jump your ass like Kris Kross
I am warning others that I will not tolerate any betrayal or sabotage, and will retaliate with violence if necessary.
Just might blast, snake in the grass
I am willing to use violence and retaliation against those who betray and sabotage me, even if they are hiding or trying to be discreet.
Gotta shake up the ass
I am referring to punishing and humiliating those who betray and sabotage me.
Found at a trunk of funk Tall and stiff as a philly blunt
I am referring to someone who got caught and punished for betraying or sabotaging me, and is now dead and lifeless.
What more do you want you unfucked up the plot
I am frustrated and angry that others are interfering with my plans and goals.
And deserve just what you got 'cause I'm hotter than tabasco
Those who betray and sabotage me will face severe consequences because of my power and influence.
You little ass hole Mow I gotta do you like grass chow
I am threatening and planning to retaliate against those who betray and sabotage me.
PKO now you see they flow on cannabis Cause you scandalous Don't know who the man is
I am suggesting that the media and authorities are targeting and criticizing me unfairly because of my use of drugs and my reputation as a 'Dirty Mack.'
Ice Cube a jack The white ass Dirt Mack
I am referring to myself as someone who is willing to retaliate and seek revenge against those who betray and sabotage me, even if it means using violence.
And if you didn't know it's like that I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack Yo Savage didn't you know it was like that I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack I suppose you don't know it's like that I got a big fat gat for the dirty mack
I am repeating my warning to those who betray and sabotage me, implying that I am not to be crossed and will use violence if necessary.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'shea Jackson, George Jr. Clinton, William Earl Collins, Garry Marshall Shider, Bernard Worrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Josephmilillo133
The samples and beats were the best on this album
@johnhodges7368
Ice cube was the best rapper around when he dropped this album
@copywrite9120
Sure he wasn't
@bonesmccoy1953
Yeah he was.
@julyonlamont00
@@copywrite9120he was, kid. 100% from 90 to AT LEAST 94 Cube was literally untouchable
@gmcneoplan84
Don't know how many times I've been around my house or been walking down the street and out of nowhere I just say, "I gotta big fat gat for the Dirty Mack." Cube got a lot of influence on my life over the years since I was a kid.
@straightlead8
I don't know how many times i've said "In for the night no longer steddy mobbin" when Im done for the day
@badazzdisciple5268
I alwayz call somebody a monkey wrench hoe😂
@BG-nr9qv
When I was young and driving to my girlfriend's home to hopefully get some, I use to play: "giving up the nappy dugout!" :)
@BigYARK
That aquaboogie bass line goes crazy