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.
Dr. Frankenstein
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We dream gangsta shit
[rain pouring] Yes [electric shock, beaker tingling]
Yes [knock on dorr]
Yeah what is it? [continual knocking on door]
What is it?!? (Doctor, is everything alright?)
Yes, I'm straight, go to bed [thunder claps]
[animal screams] Yeah! Yeah!
[Ice Cube]
It's pourin rain, thunder and lightning
Clash of the titans, I'm home writin
Gangsta rap has arrived, I'm the only man alive
October 31st, 1985
Hard times, just got harder
Adolescent Ice Cube, the shit starter
A martyr, thanks to the father
for bein this mean as sixteen raps, feel like the bitch scream
You learned about your triple beam from me
You stopped payin for pussy and hit that ass for free
A little G never thought, that I could change the world
witta attitude, a Raider jacket and a jheri curl
Got every girl wantin to do me, screw me
Boyz N The Hood, the first rap, the first movie
Oooh wee *woman screaming* it's alive
So whatchu gon' do 24-7, 3-65
Dr. Frankenstein
Dr. Frankenstein
[Mr. Short Khop - x2]
Ooooh wee, it's alive
You better run and hide
Cover your ears and your eyes
[Ice Cube]
The world had to bow to this new style
Dial 9-1-1, makin more money than the law allow
But Fuck Tha Police, they can get deez
Now who was sayin shit like that before me?
No-body, but everybody want to take the star's place
and be Scarface in the car chase
Illigitimate, counterfeit
Even got white boys talkin shit off the shit I invent
No no, motherfuckers musta took a photo
Tryin to call my gangsta shit 'mafioso'
but who ya usin? Fool it ain't no solution
to the evolution, of pimps and prostitution
I cuss, skanlous, I give a rush
to niggas who mind turn to mush, smokin on brush
Hush, I'm just a lush for this Hen
Chrome electroids, connected to my pen
When, blowin motherfuckers ain't knowin what we goin through
Spiritually, lyrically showin you
They call me, 'AmeriKKKa's Most Hated'
Gettin liberated by this monster I created
Dr. Frankenstein
[Mr. Short Khop]
We love to bump you Frankenstein
Yo' shit is the best
Take my body and my mind
Don't fuck with the stress
Hit me with that game to win
If you want, hit me again
We love you Frankenstein
We love you Frankenstein
[Ice Cube]
Now how many times did a nigga have to warn ya?
Ya fuckin up the formula (call the coroner)
It's outta hand, 'cause sucker ass niggas like you
try to pay the rent off my blueprint
New cent to the industry
You thought my shit was biodegradable, uh uh, it's unfadeable
Unstoppable, runnin through your suburbs
Incredible thug words
We gets down, nigga do the Monster Mash
and watch a nigga like me collect monster cash
'cause I'm sittin wit this bitch who got monster ass
Keep em wonderin how long the Don will last
And never pass, and when I want it buttered on toast
Can't no nigga see Ice Cube on no coast
So all you gotta do is focus
and see that I'm the fuckin loccest with this hocus pocus
Dr. Frankenstein
Dr. Frankenstein, ugh
[Mr. Short Khop - x4]
Ooooh wee, it's alive
You better run and hide
Cover your ears and your eyes
In Ice Cube's song "Dr. Frankenstein," he establishes himself as the creator of gangsta rap. He notes that hard times shaped his music and ultimately led to his rise as a prominent rapper. Cube sees himself as "AmeriKKKa's Most Hated" and celebrates his status as a martyr. He asserts that his music transforms those who listen to it, and he encourages listeners to embrace his gangsta style. The lyrics convey the theme of rebellion and the desire to push boundaries.
The lyrics begin with a scientist creating a monster as thunder and rain sound effects set a dark and eerie background. Cube establishes himself as Dr. Frankenstein, and the monster he creates is his music, which shocks the world. The lyrics continue with Cube boasting about his influence on rap music, and his music ultimately reshaped the entire music industry. He is celebrated as a trailblazer and a trendsetter, taking rap music from the underground to the mainstream, and his influence extends beyond music to fashion, language, and culture.
Overall, "Dr. Frankenstein" celebrates Ice Cube's impact on the music industry and culture. He sees himself as a rebel, unapologetic for challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries.
Line by Line Meaning
Supreme gangsta shit
The song is about gangsta rap and its arrival on the scene
We dream gangsta shit
Gangsta rap is so prevalent that people dream about it
Yes [rain pouring] Yes [electric shock, beaker tingling]
There's a dramatic atmosphere building with rain pouring and an electric shock
Yes [knock on door]
Someone is knocking on the door
Yeah what is it? [continual knocking on door]
Someone keeps knocking on the door and the person inside is getting frustrated
What is it?!? (Doctor, is everything alright?)
Someone is asking if the doctor is OK
Yes, I'm straight, go to bed [thunder claps]
The doctor assures the person everything is fine and to go to bed despite the thunder
[animal screams] Yeah! Yeah! [woman screaming] It's ALIVE!
The experiment has been a success and what's been created is alive
It's pourin rain, thunder and lightning Clash of the titans, I'm home writin Gangsta rap has arrived, I'm the only man alive October 31st, 1985
The rain is pouring as the artist writes their gangsta rap, which is revolutionary for the time period
Hard times, just got harder Adolescent Ice Cube, the shit starter A martyr, thanks to the father for bein this mean as sixteen raps, feel like the bitch scream
The artist is struggling during hard times while trying to change the rap game and believes their father helps inspire them to make the controversial sixteen raps
You learned about your triple beam from me You stopped payin for pussy and hit that ass for free
The artist references how they've inspired others in their community to stop paying for sex and to approach relationships differently
A little G never thought, that I could change the world witta attitude, a Raider jacket and a jheri curl Got every girl wantin to do me, screw me Boyz N The Hood, the first rap, the first movie
The artist is inspired by their community and believes they can change the world, with the added bonus of being popular with women
Oooh wee *woman screaming* it's alive So whatchu gon' do 24-7, 3-65 Dr. Frankenstein Dr. Frankenstein
The artist references the Frankenstein myth and questions what they're going to do with their newfound power
Ooooh wee, it's alive You better run and hide Cover your ears and your eyes
The artist is warning people to take notice of the new gangsta rap genre because it's here to stay
The world had to bow to this new style Dial 9-1-1, makin more money than the law allow But Fuck Tha Police, they can get deez Now who was sayin shit like that before me?
The artist is proud of the success of gangsta rap and raps about the controversial subject matter, and believes he was the first to do so
No-body, but everybody want to take the star's place and be Scarface in the car chase Illegitimate, counterfeit Even got white boys talking shit off the shit I invent
The artist references the popularity and imitators of the new genre, and even white people are beginning to take note
No no, motherfuckers musta took a photo Tryin to call my gangsta shit 'mafioso' but who ya usin? Fool it ain't no solution to the evolution, of pimps and prostitution
The artist is upset that people are trying to mimic his work and make it something different like mafioso, and he maintains that he's trying to evolve the genre
I cuss, skanlous, I give a rush to niggas who mind turn to mush, smokin on brush Hush, I'm just a lush for this He, Chrome electroids, connected to my pen When, blowin motherfuckers ain't knowin what we goin through Spiritually, lyrically showin you
The artist raps about the highs and lows of gangsta rap and how he tries to be spiritually and lyrically enlightening
They call me, 'AmeriKKKa's Most Hated' Gettin liberated by this monster I created Dr. Frankenstein
The artist has become known as AmeriKKKa's most hated through his music and feels like he created Frankenstein's monster in the form of gangsta rap
We love to bump you Frankenstein Yo' shit is the best Take my body and my mind Don't fuck with the stress Hit me with that game to win If you want, hit me again We love you Frankenstein We love you Frankenstein
A fan of gangsta rap is confessing their love for the genre, and the artist is referred to as Frankenstein
Now how many times did a nigga have to warn ya? Ya fuckin up the formula (call the coroner) It's outta hand, 'cause sucker ass niggas like you try to pay the rent off my blueprint New cent to the industry
The artist is frustrated with the imitators of his musical style and warns them that they're ruining the blueprint that he created
You thought my shit was biodegradable, uh uh, it's unfadeable Unstoppable, runnin through your suburbs Incredible thug words
The artist asserts that his music isn't going anywhere and will continue to serve audiences with incredible lyrics
We gets down, nigga do the Monster Mash and watch a nigga like me collect monster cash 'cause I'm sittin wit this bitch who got monster ass Keep em wonderin how long the Don will last And never pass, and when I want it buttered on toast Can't no nigga see Ice Cube on no coast
The artist brags about making money off of the popularity of gangsta rap, receiving compliments from women, and asserting his skill and longevity while referencing his dislike for people from different coasts of the country.
So all you gotta do is focus and see that I'm the fuckin loccest with this hocus pocus Dr. Frankenstein Dr. Frankenstein, ugh
The artist asserts that all people have to do is focus on his skill and recognize him as the best when it comes to rap, otherwise known as Dr. Frankenstein
Ooooh wee, it's alive You better run and hide Cover your ears and your eyes
The artist again repeats his earlier warning to people to embrace gangsta rap or run away from it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., EMPIRE PUBLISHING
Written by: GEORGE CLINTON, WILLIAM BOOTSY COLLINS, J. HEARNE, O'SHEA JACKSON, JOSEPH JOHNSON, BERNARD WORRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kaki plsr
Supreme gangsta shit
We dream gangsta shit
[rain pouring] Yes [electric shock, beaker tingling]
Yes [knock on dorr]
Yeah what is it? [continual knocking on door]
What is it?!? (Doctor, is everything alright?)
Yes, I'm straight, go to bed [thunder claps]
[animal screams] Yeah! Yeah!
[woman screaming] It's ALIVE!
It's pourin rain, thunder and lightning
Clash of the titans, I'm home writin
Gangsta rap has arrived, I'm the only man alive
October 31st, 1985
Hard times, just got harder
Adolescent Ice Cube, the shit starter
A martyr, thanks to the father
for bein this mean as sixteen raps, feel like the bitch scream
You learned about your triple beam from me
You stopped payin for pussy and hit that ass for free
A little G never thought, that I could change the world
witta attitude, a Raider jacket and a jheri curl
Got every girl wantin to do me, screw me
Boyz N The Hood, the first rap, the first movie
Oooh wee woman screaming it's alive
So whatchu gon' do 24-7, 3-65
Dr. Frankenstein
Dr. Frankenstein
Ooooh wee, it's alive
You better run and hide
Cover your ears and your eyes
The world had to bow to this new style
Dial 9-1-1, makin more money than the law allow
But Fuck Tha Police, they can get deez
Now who was sayin shit like that before me?
No-body, but everybody want to take the star's place
and be Scarface in the car chase
Illigitimate, counterfeit
Even got white boys talkin shit off the shit I invent
No no, motherfuckers musta took a photo
Tryin to call my gangsta shit 'mafioso'
but who ya usin? Fool it ain't no solution
to the evolution, of pimps and prostitution
I cuss, skanlous, I give a rush
to niggas who mind turn to mush, smokin on brush
Hush, I'm just a lush for this Hen
Chrome electroids, connected to my pen
When, blowin motherfuckers ain't knowin what we goin through
Spiritually, lyrically showin you
They call me, 'AmeriKKKa's Most Hated'
Gettin liberated by this monster I created
Dr. Frankenstein
We love to bump you Frankenstein
Yo' shit is the best
Take my body and my mind
Don't fuck with the stress
Hit me with that game to win
If you want, hit me again
We love you Frankenstein
We love you Frankenstein
Now how many times did a nigga have to warn ya?
Ya fuckin up the formula (call the coroner)
It's outta hand, 'cause sucker ass niggas like you
try to pay the rent off my blueprint
New cent to the industry
You thought my shit was biodegradable, uh uh, it's unfadeable
Unstoppable, runnin through your suburbs
Incredible thug words
We gets down, nigga do the Monster Mash
and watch a nigga like me collect monster cash
'cause I'm sittin wit this bitch who got monster ass
Keep em wonderin how long the Don will last
And never pass, and when I want it buttered on toast
Can't no nigga see Ice Cube on no coast
So all you gotta do is focus
and see that I'm the fuckin loccest with this hocus pocus
Dr. Frankenstein
Dr. Frankenstein, ugh
Ooooh wee, it's alive
You better run and hide
Cover your ears and your eyes
Engineer Andy
@MICA ALLRIDGE
Lol. If you don't know that you are not an ice cube fan and definitely not an 70s baby
Boyz n tha Hood was his first movie.. that he wrote..
Boyz n tha Hood, cubes first song he wrote that NWA put on Wax and was there best hit and first song recorded...
It's ok tho and acceptable. We understand that you enjoy rap but are unaware of it's founding fathers.
This song is a history lesson for the Young folks💯🏆
Jens Dittrich
The photos (Cover + Booklet) are
" HAMMER - GREAT " !!!
Sorrrry, my english.. 🙄🙄
. . .
Perfekt postapokalyptisch. Sehr geschmackvoll, das ganze Album sehr atmosphärisch...
Ice Cube selbst ist auf den Abbildungen wie ein übermenschlicher, weiser
" Racheengel " dargestellt.
(Das erinnert z.B. auch ein bißchen an
" THE CROW "/ Film.)
C • U • B • E ONE OF BEST RAPPER EVER . . .
- - Ich meine : Ist doch klar, nicht.. ?!?
Jeremy Hanscom
One of the best rap albums of all time. Most definitely in my top 5
William Floyd
One of the few that I can turn on and just play without wanting to skip.
Ta AUG
Good taste in music. Old school.
hirdywasrobbed
Ice cube is the best rapper in my eyes raw af and has always kept it real, plus Noone can beat him in a dis
Dazz Trutdog
Him and 2puc the goats bro always will be
Edgar Mkrtchyan
@The Viking For me he is best
MrCPrasky
@Kevin Huguet he would tho Jay Z aint got ish on the Don Mega
The Viking
Def NOT the best.... but a legend in his OWN right
Jerry Fuentes
The Don Mega
~Questi0nem~
Clássico!! Este som é muito foda!!