O'Shea Jackson Sr. (born June 15, 1969), known professionally as Ice Cube, … Read Full Bio ↴O'Shea Jackson Sr. (born June 15, 1969), known professionally as Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the seminal rap group N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes). After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he began both a successful solo music career and an acting career which included roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood (1991), Friday (1995), for which he also co-wrote the screenplay, and Barbershop (2002). Additionally, he has served as one of the producers of the Showtime television series Barbershop and the TBS series Are We There Yet?, both of which are based upon films in which he portrayed the main character.
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.
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.
Down for Whatever
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Damn.
I'm broke.
My feet hurt.
(Inside the mind of a car jacker)
And that bitch is slippin'.
It makes me wanna, creep.
It makes me wanna, creep.
Damn I'm such a G it's pathetic
Here comes the big headed
Nigga that's dippin'
Sippin' on Courvoisier
Goddamn I must havta floss today
Now pimpin' ain't easy but it's necessary
So I'm chasin' bitches like Tom chased Jerry
I'll put the pedal to the flo-uh
In my two-tone Ford Explo-uh
You know how it's done
Sounds bumpin
Ain't that somethin'?
Jumped on the 110
She's flyin' in the Blazer
Like "Go Speed Racer"
But I ain't gonna chase her
Like Racer X
But I won't flex
Til it's time to have sex
So when you want to get together?
Cause you know a nigga like me
Is down for whatever
And I'm down for whatever
When I was little I didn't want to be like Mike
I wanted to be like Ike
Cause
Papa Was A Rolling Stone in the sixties
And he liked green like Bill Bixby
Told me that my best friend was a ten and a twenty
Pokets never skinny
Played let's get it on in the living room
And hwne he gets drunk you better give him room
Cause he'll turn the party out sayin', "This is my motherfuckin' house"
And y'all gots to go
Through the door
And if you can't find the door
He'll help you with the four-four
Talkin' much shit on the grass
And straight down to blast
I'm still in my p.j.'s
He's in a turtleneck sweater
And we down for whatever
And I'm down
Solid Pro is down for whatever
The Don Jaguar is down for whatever
And it don't seem to stop
Now
I don't talk a lot of shit
But when it's time to get busy with these hos, let's go
Cause I'd rather see a skinhead dead
Then my niggas wearin' blue or red
Cause I got the gift
To hit these hos swift
And I'm smellin' like a fifth
Of somethin'
Yeah, that's right
I'm standin' in the store
Koreans
Act so nice
Cause I got potentials to blow up a Winchells
Doughnut
And you know what?
I'm Cool Like That like Digable Planets
But don't take a nigga for granted
Cause whether it's a verdict of the L.A. four
You just don't know
That this rappin'-ass nigga will change with the weather
And be down for whatever
And I'm down
Creep.
And I'm down for whatever
Ice Cube, devoid of pop
And I will never dance for you trick-ass niggas
It makes me wanna, creep.
It makes me wanna, creep.
I'm broke.
My feet hurt.
(Inside the mind of a car jacker)
And that bitch is slippin'.
It makes me wanna, creep.
It makes me wanna, creep.
Here comes the big headed
Nigga that's dippin'
Sippin' on Courvoisier
Goddamn I must havta floss today
Now pimpin' ain't easy but it's necessary
So I'm chasin' bitches like Tom chased Jerry
I'll put the pedal to the flo-uh
In my two-tone Ford Explo-uh
You know how it's done
Sounds bumpin
Ain't that somethin'?
Jumped on the 110
She's flyin' in the Blazer
Like "Go Speed Racer"
But I ain't gonna chase her
Like Racer X
But I won't flex
Til it's time to have sex
So when you want to get together?
Cause you know a nigga like me
Is down for whatever
And I'm down for whatever
When I was little I didn't want to be like Mike
I wanted to be like Ike
Cause
Papa Was A Rolling Stone in the sixties
And he liked green like Bill Bixby
Told me that my best friend was a ten and a twenty
Pokets never skinny
Played let's get it on in the living room
And hwne he gets drunk you better give him room
Cause he'll turn the party out sayin', "This is my motherfuckin' house"
And y'all gots to go
Through the door
And if you can't find the door
He'll help you with the four-four
Talkin' much shit on the grass
And straight down to blast
I'm still in my p.j.'s
He's in a turtleneck sweater
And we down for whatever
And I'm down
Solid Pro is down for whatever
The Don Jaguar is down for whatever
And it don't seem to stop
Now
I don't talk a lot of shit
But when it's time to get busy with these hos, let's go
Cause I'd rather see a skinhead dead
Then my niggas wearin' blue or red
Cause I got the gift
To hit these hos swift
And I'm smellin' like a fifth
Of somethin'
Yeah, that's right
I'm standin' in the store
Koreans
Act so nice
Cause I got potentials to blow up a Winchells
Doughnut
And you know what?
I'm Cool Like That like Digable Planets
But don't take a nigga for granted
Cause whether it's a verdict of the L.A. four
You just don't know
That this rappin'-ass nigga will change with the weather
And be down for whatever
And I'm down
Creep.
And I'm down for whatever
Ice Cube, devoid of pop
And I will never dance for you trick-ass niggas
It makes me wanna, creep.
It makes me wanna, creep.
The lyrics of Ice Cube's song Down for Whatever reflect the perspective of a car jacker who is broke and in need of money. The individual is willing to do anything to get what they want, even if it means creeping up on someone. However, the song goes beyond the car jacking storyline to show the challenges faced by the rapper and his commitment to making it through. The second verse of the song highlights a story of a father who was addicted to drugs, emphasizing just how deeply rooted the issue of addiction is in the black community. Despite the difficulties, the rapper remains focused on his craft, determined to make a name for himself and leave his mark on the world.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was written at a time when Ice Cube's popularity and public image were on the rise. It was part of his 1993 album titled Lethal Injection, which went on to achieve commercial success. Additionally, the song marked a new era for hip hop, as it was being used to draw attention to social issues affecting the black community. Another interesting fact is that the song was also used as a form of protest against police brutality, particularly the Rodney King beating that occurred in 1992. The song's lyrics are reflective of the experiences of young black males in the United States, particularly those who have been subjected to systemic racism.
Another interesting fact is that the song features a range of musical styles, including hip hop, blues, and soul. Ice Cube was known for his ability to blend different styles of music to create a unique sound that resonated with his fans. Additionally, the song's use of a car theme helped to give it a mainstream appeal that went beyond the usual hip hop audience. Finally, it is worth noting that the song's use of violent and explicit lyrics drew some criticism from certain sections of society. However, this did not prevent it from becoming a commercial success, and it remains one of Ice Cube's most popular songs to date.
Chords (if known): G, F, C, Am.
Line by Line Meaning
Damn.
I am feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
I'm broke.
I do not have much money.
My feet hurt.
My feet are in pain.
(Inside the mind of a car jacker)
This is a song from the perspective of a car thief.
And that bitch is slippin'.
Someone is not paying attention and could become an easy target for theft.
It makes me wanna, creep.
The desire to sneak up and take something is strong.
It makes me wanna, creep.
The desire to sneak up and take something is still present.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, LASSE BAVNGAARD, RASMUS BERG, JESPER DAHL, NICHOLAS KVARAN, MARVIN PIERCE, ALLEN WEBSTER GREGORY, NORMAN NAPIER, RALPH MIDDLEBROOKS, LEROY BONNER, MARSHALL JONES, ANDREW NOLAND, WALTER MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@26muca07
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@ryanwilson160
Cause i'd rather see a skinhead dead! than my niggas wearin blue or red
@Fanuc_Operator1990
If ya know ya know.
@Arakasi22
Hathh anyone theen my thtapler?
@wogdiddy4468
Just watched Office Space again & I had to pause the movie to listen to this banger.
@anyassassin6247
What’s that supposed to mean?
:)
@juspat2
Same here lol.
@Gias1
Same, watched it last weekend and had to shazam it. nice trow back.