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.
Don
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No, that's the old style
In ninety two, shit ain't quite the same
Bitches got a brand new game, yo
It's kinda hard to see
But the dating game ain't what it used to be
Back in the day, if a ho wanted ya dough
She give you a piece of ass and there we go
You be broke and locked up
But the news done hit
Bitches all over on some new improved shit
To y'all macks
Come to find out that bitches are pullin' jacks
I remember every night all you had to worry about
Was gettin' caught at a red light
And the nigga jack you for your date and chains
Now shit done changed
'Cause you gots to watch the ones in the skirt
And it ain't about getti'n burnt
I know it sounds strange, but could you
Stop thinkin with ya dick for a change
'Cause you'll get a bullet in your brain, Mr Rich
And about that bitch, don't trust 'em
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
Don't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
You can't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
Don't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
You can't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
Here's how the bitches jack
They try to catch a dumb nigga in the act
You came to the club
Stepped to the bar
And pulled out a wad of dubs
After you got buzzed, she walk by
You saw how big her ass was
Got her on the dancefloor
And she started dancin' like a ho
Jimmy got stiff, she ain't have a ride home
So you gave the bitch a lift
She didn't wanna trouble you
But hopped her big ass in your BMW
Hopped to her house and started kissin'
And Jimmy just wouldn't listen
'Cause you got real horny
And that ain't cool at four in the morning
Started undressing the ho
Got to the drawers and the ho said "No!
"Not on the first date
"It's gettin kinda late, could you come back at eight?"
You said "Yeah!" 'Cause you thought you met a wholesome ho
But nigga, she know you rollin' in some dough
And you'll regret and somethin 'bout a bitch you just met
Don't trust em!
Eight o'clock on the dot, nigga's hot
Dick hard as a rock
Straight on a solo creep
Can't wait till her little boy go to sleep
So you can seduce the G
Bust a nut and make an excuse to leave
You got her worked out 'cause you the man
But the bitch got different plans
She said "Take off your clothes, jump in the bed"
While she powder her nose
You get butt naked, 'cause you ready to wreck it!
'Cause you's a motherfuckin' pro, next thing you know
The door flies open with a blast
With four niggas in ski masks
Pointin' a gun at the pimp
You're scared as a motherfucker and Jimmy done went limp
They beat you down just a taste
Take ya to your house and make ya open up the safe
Drove you far, tied up in the trunk of your own fuckin' car
Take you out and pop the cap
I told you the bitch was a trap
Don't trust 'em!
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
Don't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
You can't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
Don't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
You can't trust no (bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
In "Don't Trust Em," Ice Cube addresses the topic of being cautious in relationships with women who may have ulterior motives. He claims that in the past, women would use their bodies to manipulate men, with the ultimate goal of getting their money. However, he cautions that now, women are using new and improved tactics to get what they want, such as pulling "jacks" - attempting to rob their partners. He warns men to be careful not to think with their genitals, as they may end up with more than they bargained for, including losing their money, getting arrested, or even getting killed by the women they thought they trusted.
Throughout the song, Ice Cube describes various scenarios where men fall into the trap of trusting the wrong woman. He explains how women use their features, such as their butts and smiles, to lure men in, only to steal from them later. He also describes a situation where a man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead by a woman and her accomplices. The song serves as a warning to men to be cautious and not trust women who may have an ulterior motive.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't trust a big butt and a smile
Don't rely on someone's appearance or charm to determine their trustworthiness.
No, that's the old style
This used to be a common tactic for deceitful women, but things have changed.
In ninety two, shit ain't quite the same
In 1992, the dating game has become more complex and dangerous.
Bitches got a brand new game, yo
Women have come up with new schemes to deceive men.
It's kinda hard to see
It's not always obvious when a woman is deceiving you.
But the dating game ain't what it used to be
Dating is no longer as simple or straightforward as it used to be.
Back in the day, if a ho wanted ya dough
In the past, if a woman wanted your money, she would trade sex for it.
She give you a piece of ass and there we go
She would have sex with you and that was the end of it.
Go and get knocked up and then get socked up
If she got pregnant and asked for money, you might have resorted to violence.
You be broke and locked up
You could end up poor and in jail.
But the new's done hit
Nowadays, things have changed.
Bitches all over on some new improved shit
Women have come up with new and improved ways to deceive men.
To y'all macks
To all the men out there who think they are players.
Come to find out that bitches are pullin jacks
Women are now stealing from men using various tactics.
I remember every night all you had to worry about
In the past, all you had to worry about was getting robbed at a red light.
Was gettin caught at a red light
Being robbed at a red light was the biggest risk you faced.
And the nigga jack you for your date and chains;
Someone would rob you and take your jewelry and money.
Now shit done changed
Nowadays, things are different.
Cos you gots to watch the ones in the skirt
You have to be careful of women who might deceive you.
And it ain't about gettin burnt
This isn't about getting an STD, it's about getting robbed.
I know it sounds strange, but could you
I know this might be surprising, but could you...
Stop thinkin with ya dick for a change
Stop making decisions based on your sexual desires.
Cos you'll get a bullet in your brain, Mr Rich
If you keep making these mistakes, you might end up dead.
And about that bitch, don't trust em
Don't trust women who might deceive you or rob you.
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
Ice Cube is warning you with this song.
Here's how the bitches jack
Here's how women steal from men.
They try to catch a dumb nigga in the act
They try to catch a man off guard and steal from him.
You came to the club
You went to a nightclub.
Stepped to the bar
You went up to the bar to order a drink.
And pulled out a wad of Doves
You had a lot of cash on you.
After you got buzzed, she walk by
After you had some drinks, a woman walked by you.
You saw how big her ass was
You were attracted to her physical appearance.
Got her on the dancefloor
You started dancing with her.
And she started dancin like a ho
She started dancing provocatively.
Jimmy got stiff, she ain't have a ride home
You got an erection and she didn't have a way to get home.
So you gave the bitch a lift
You offered her a ride home.
She didn't wanna trouble you
She didn't want to be a burden or cause any problems for you.
But hopped her big ass in your BMW
She got into your car.
Hopped to her house and started kissin
You went to her house and started making out.
And Jimmy just wouldn't listen
Your sexual desires were clouding your judgment.
Cos you got real horny
You were extremely aroused.
And that ain't cool at four in the morning
You shouldn't be making decisions based on your sexual desires at that time of night.
Started undressing the ho
You started taking off her clothes.
Got to the drawers and the ho said "No!
You got to her underwear and she refused to have sex.
"Not on the first date
She didn't want to have sex with you yet.
"It's gettin kinda late, could you come back at eight?"
She didn't want to have sex with you at that time and suggested a later time.
You said "Yeah!" cos you thought you met a wholesome ho
You agreed to come back at a later time because you thought she was a good woman.
But nigga, she know you rollin in some dough
She knows you have a lot of money.
And you'll regret and somethin 'bout a bitch you just met
You will regret your decision to trust a woman you just met.
Don't trust em!
Don't trust women who might deceive or rob you.
Eight o'clock on the dot, nigga's hot
You arrived at the woman's house at 8 o'clock, feeling aroused.
Dick hard as a rock
You had an erection.
Straight on a solo
You went to her house alone.
Creep
You sneaked into her house.
Can't wait till her little boy go to sleep
You couldn't wait until her child was asleep.
So you can seduce the G
So you could have sex with her.
Bust a nut and make an excuse to leave
Have sex and leave soon after.
You got her worked out cos you the man
You felt confident that you could seduce her and have sex.
But the bitch got diff'rent plans
She had different plans for you.
She said "Take off your clothes, jump in the bed"
She wanted to have sex with you.
While she powder her nose
She went to the bathroom to do drugs (powder cocaine).
You get butt naked, cos you ready to wreck it!
You took off all your clothes because you were ready to have sex.
Cos you's a motherfuckin pro, next thing you know
You thought you were experienced and in control.
The door flies open with a blast
The door suddenly opened with force.
With four niggas in ski masks
Four men wearing ski masks entered the room.
Pointin a gun at the pimp
They aimed a gun at you, thinking you were a pimp or drug dealer.
You're scared as a motherfucker and Jimmy done went limp
You were terrified and your erection disappeared.
They beat you down just a taste
They physically assaulted you to intimidate you.
Take ya to your house and make ya open up the safe
They took you to your home and forced you to open your safe where you keep your money.
Drove you far, tied up in the trunk of your own fuckin car
They put you in the trunk of your own car and drove you away from your home.
Take you out and pop the cap
They killed you.
I told you the bitch was a trap
I warned you that the woman was dangerous and would deceive you.
Don't trust em!
Don't trust women who might deceive or rob you.
(Ice Cube comin at'cha with a crazy pitch)
Ice Cube is warning you with this song.
(Don't trust no Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!)
Again, don't trust women who might deceive or rob you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Donald Jay Fagen, Walter Carl Becker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheBlackKakashi
This is a song that every father should have their son listen to
@stephenjackson4195
done it
@derekminns2332
Exactly
@chrisaddison114
Hahahahaha. So true
@marcustraan3935
My father done did it
My son is on the way,
So i’m passin’ the Knowledge!
@THERSC216
I was 7 when this album came out and he let me listen to this and it taught me. Never got robbed by a home invasion but yeah I learned cause girls I messed with did get me.
@bigmike1973ful
ice cube was ahead of his time he always kept it 100
@gregorycampbell2164
Ice cube is the prophet of gangsta rap
@RonnieMyers777
This song saved men's lives AND bank accounts
@Funktastic_Ed
Sample from Steely Dan's Green Earrings