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.
Drink The Kool-Aid
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am the "chaperon" nigga who brought ya!
I am the author! This is Holy water!
From the Holy Father the Rock of Gibraltar!
Step up to the alter! Step up to the slaughter!
Get circumcised son and turned into a daughter!
Niggas know they oughta drink the fuckin' Kool-aid!
Industry laid out authorities are too late!
You are Bobby Boucher, I'm the "Mane" like "Gucci"!
I rock the Louie! But not like Kanye!
Nigga see me kinda like Harry Belafonte!
Step into the room they be like, "Ah, Day-O!"
Yeah, cause they know a nigga ain't play-doe!
Shots all fatal! Is this Laredo?
Boarder town I knock 'em down just like Lego's!
Drink the Kool-Aid!
I make mothafucka drink-drink Kool-Aid!
(Let 'em know!) Do you (Let 'em know!) Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Know who you fuckin' with?
Know who you fuckin' with?
Do you (Let 'em know!) Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Know who you fuckin' with?
Know who you fuckin' with?
Always (Always!)
Always (Always!)
Know who you fuckin' with!
Know who you fuckin' with!
Always (Always!) Always (Always!)
Know who you fuckin' with!
Know who you fuckin' with!
I ain't the Doctor! This ain't the patient!
This ain't that nigga always on vacation!
This ain't no white boy's rehabilitation!
This is crazier then a boat full of Haitians!
This is inflation mixed with degradation!
This ain't no dead rappers reincarnation!
I heard it was a "New WestCoast", I ain't worried!
I murder more stars then Conrad Murray!
I got more bars then the penitentiary!
I wrote this shit without a rhyme dictionary!
Young bucks try to step up to the harem!
Looking for some pussy I'm a' old buck, I dare 'em!
Do you
Do you
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Always (Always!)
Always (Always!)
Know who you fuckin' with!
Know who you fuckin' with!
Always (Always!) Always (Always!)
Know who you fuckin' with!
Know who you fuckin' with!
Drink the Kool-Aid!
I make mothafucka drink-drink the Kool-Aid!
(Let 'em know!) drink the Kool-Aid!
Drink the Kool-Aid! I make a mothafucka' drink
(Ice Cube!)
"I-I-I- Ice Cube!"
"The Don" (Let 'em know!)
"Ain't no stoppin' the G!"
They call me (The Don nigga!)
Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Do you
(Let 'em know!)
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Know who you fuckin' with?!
Always (Always!) Always (Always!)
Know who you fuckin' with!
Know who you fuckin' with!
Always (Always!) Always (Always!)
Know who you fuckin' with!
Know who you fuckin' with!
In "Drink The Kool-Aid," Ice Cube is declaring his dominance and authority in the rap industry, claiming to be the chaperone who brought in his fellow artists. He compares himself to the Holy Father, exuding a sense of righteousness and power. The lines "Step up to the alter! Step up to the slaughter! Get circumcised son and turned into a daughter!" highlight the implicit threats that he poses to his competition. Ice Cube asserts that his adversaries should drink the Kool-Aid and accept their fate, as they have already passed their due date and are no longer relevant. The chorus, "Do you know who you're fucking with? Always know who you're fucking with," further emphasizes his message of superiority and unyielding strength.
Ice Cube also makes references to Haitian immigrants and Conrad Murray, who was Michael Jackson's personal physician and was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the pop star's death. These allusions add to his tough and unrelenting persona. The song's title, "Drink The Kool-Aid," is a reference to the Jonestown massacre, in which cult leader Jim Jones coerced his followers into drinking poisonous Kool-Aid. In this context, Ice Cube is warning his rivals to accept their fate and succumb to his power, or face the consequences.
Overall, "Drink The Kool-Aid" is a declaration of power and domination, asserting Ice Cube's position at the top of the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
This ain't Sinatra! This ain't the Carter!
I am not like Frank Sinatra or Jay-Z.
I am the "chaperon" nigga who brought ya!
I am the leader who brought you to the game.
I am the author! This is Holy water!
My lyrics are sacred and pure like Holy water.
From the Holy Father the Rock of Gibraltar!
My words are like a rock which is hard to break and comes from God.
Step up to the alter! Step up to the slaughter!
Come forward and prepare to face the consequences.
Get circumcised son and turned into a daughter!
Be transformed and reborn into something new.
Niggas know they oughta drink the fuckin' Kool-aid!
People should follow my message and believe in it.
Industry laid out authorities are too late!
The industry's rules and regulations will not stop me.
M.C's passed the due date! Niggas? They do hate!
Other artists are jealous of me and their careers are over.
You are Bobby Boucher, I'm the "Mane" like "Gucci"!
You are an underdog, I am a powerful leader.
I rock the Louie! But not like Kanye!
I wear designer clothing and accessories, but not like Kanye West.
Nigga see me kinda like Harry Belafonte!
People see me as a historical figure like Harry Belafonte.
Step into the room they be like, "Ah, Day-O!"
People are excited to see me and my performance.
Yeah, cause they know a nigga ain't play-doe!
People know that I am serious and not to be underestimated.
Shots all fatal! Is this Laredo?
My words are deadly, like gunshots in dangerous places.
Boarder town I knock 'em down just like Lego's!
I am powerful and can take down anyone, like knocking down Legos.
Always (Always!) Know who you fuckin' with!
Always be aware of who you are dealing with.
I ain't the Doctor! This ain't the patient!
I am not a doctor and my audience is not sick.
This ain't that nigga always on vacation!
I am not like an artist who is always relaxing and not working.
This ain't no white boy's rehabilitation!
This is not a situation where white people are helping me to become better.
This is crazier then a boat full of Haitians!
This is more wild and chaotic than a boat filled with refugees.
This is inflation mixed with degradation!
The current state of things is a combination of economic crisis and social decline.
This ain't no dead rappers reincarnation!
This is not a situation where I am copying what other artists have done in the past.
I heard it was a "New WestCoast", I ain't worried!
Even if there is a new trend in the West Coast scene, I am not afraid.
I murder more stars then Conrad Murray!
I am more powerful and influential than the doctor who killed Michael Jackson.
I got more bars then the penitentiary!
I have more rhymes and better lyrics than a prison.
I wrote this shit without a rhyme dictionary!
I am so talented that I don't need to look up rhymes.
Young bucks try to step up to the harem!
Young artists try to compete with me and my success.
Looking for some pussy I'm a' old buck, I dare 'em!
I am not interested in immature behavior, and challenge others to be more mature.
They call me (The Don nigga!)
I am seen as a powerful, respected figure in the industry.
Drink the Kool-Aid! I make mothafucka drink-drink Kool-Aid!
Follow my lead and believe in my message.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRANDON ALEXANDER HODGE, O'SHEA JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
summahtime
Thank you Ice Cube, for giving us hope that Hip hop can be resurrected
NOFMAF
You sir, just earned my full respect!
RespectRasa98
Are you guys kidding ? No disrespect for Eminem but this guy is old school, a fucking vet ! I don't think anyone can win a beef with Cube lyrically ! He owned the whole N.W.A by himself ...
Nukelol
He got owned by Cypress Hill and Common
Dave
And Mc ren too
Mattoafc 789
RespectRasa98 Well eminem can fucking rape him lyrically
smoothbrother69
everytime i hear hip hop is dead you still see things like this to remind you that there is still good stuff out their.
Jan Wyman
Love it! Ray Donovan brought me here. Badass, and brings great music! Hope they use more of your music its wonderful.
gstar9000
Ice cube is a legend, right up there with the greatest of all time. Noone compares to him these days PERIOD.
Edivan Gomes
Show de bola ice cube 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿