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.
Growin' Up
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ha ha, that's my shit
Turn it up
Uh, yeah
I hear a beat like this, and think about growin' up
House parties, with gang-bangers showin' up
Represent your hood, everybody throw it up
I used to lyrical, political
But now you want it sugarcoated like cereal
First I met Dre, then I met Yella (yes-sir)
Dr. Dre made me rap acapella
Me and Jinx did a show at Dudo's
With K-Dee, I think it was two shows
Then Dre introduced me to E
Cruisin' down the street in his red Jeep
He said, yo niggas we should flip it like this
Cause them Boyz N the Hood like the gangsta shit
I put the pen to the pad, young nigga was raw
And told the world how we felt about the law
It was real
[Chorus: x2]
I see the happiness (all day every day)
I see the pain
Where am I (growin' up in the hood)
Back down memory lane
[Ice Cube]
Oh shit, it's N.W.A.!
Them niggas on tour and they comin' our way
Lil' Eminem is still tucked away
In that trailer park, just bumpin' our tape
Jerry Heller tried to make his escape
I had to bounce, while other niggas got raped
Same niggas turned around and said fuck me
No FUCK YOU cause I'm down with Chuck D
And I'm 'bout to do a movie up, a classic
When I hit the screen, nigga it was magic
Never thought I'd see Eazy in a casket
Thanks for everything, that's on everything
I learned a lot of game from you
I like your son, he got his name from you
I tell him everything that he need to know
If he ask my advice, I won't think twice homey
[Chorus]
[Ice Cube]
From Boyz N the Hood, to XXX 2
Everybody wanna know my next move
Fans all around say "We love you Cube!"
I wanna take time to say I love you too
I love all my fans cause they know I'm a man
And not a little boy or some fuckin' play toy
A lot of niggas say I grew up on you
And let me know if anybody fuck with'chu
Cause you talk a lot of shit about the red, black and blue
And how they treat a nigga called Katrina, did you see her
White folks worry 'bout them fuckin' misdemeanor
While black people dyin' in that God damn arena
Just because I'm actin' nigga never stop rappin'
It's in my blood homey, I'ma keep the party crackin'
Money keep stackin' till they put me in a casket
Who you think you fuckin' wit? Here's another classic
[Chorus]
[Ice Cube]
I'm Ruthless, I'm Ruthless
Street Knowledge
Lench Mob
Westside
Uh
[Chorus]
Ice Cube's "Growin' Up" is a song which reflects back on his life growing up in South-Central Los Angeles, and rising to fame in the hip-hop community. The song emphasizes how music was a way for him to escape the violence and crime he faced in his neighborhood. He reminisces about the house parties and how people from different neighborhoods would throw their gang signs up to represent their hoods. He also mentions how he first met Dr. Dre and Eminem, how he started working with the N.W.A crew, and how he had to fend off critics and remain true to his roots.
The lyrics in the song explore the themes of social and racial injustice, police brutality, corruption, and systemic discrimination. Ice Cube, through his music, criticizes the authorities' negligence towards the African American communities, and calls for social and political change. The song is a reflection of the reality of growing up in the ghetto and trying to break away from the violence that envelops the area.
Overall, "Growin' Up" is a song that tells a story of a young boy trying to find his way out of the ghetto and rising to fame through his talent, hard work, and determination. It is a reminder of the brutal reality of gang culture and the struggle for survival in a society that is stacked against young Black kids from the ghetto.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha ha, that's my shit
Ice Cube likes the beat and song playing
Turn it up
Ice Cube wants the volume increased
Uh, yeah
Ice Cube is acknowledging the beginning of his song
I hear a beat like this, and think about growin' up
The beat reminds Ice Cube of his youth
House parties, with gang-bangers showin' up
Ice Cube attended parties with gang members present
Represent your hood, everybody throw it up
People needed to represent their gang and throw gang signs up
They say Cube get on the mic, nigga blow it up
People asked Ice Cube to rap for them to energize the audience
I used to lyrical, political
Ice Cube used to make music with social and political implications
But now you want it sugarcoated like cereal
The audience wants Ice Cube's music to be less political and more accessible
First I met Dre, then I met Yella (yes-sir)
Ice Cube met Dr. Dre before he met Yella
Dr. Dre made me rap acapella
Dr. Dre challenged Ice Cube to rap without a pre-made beat
Me and Jinx did a show at Dudo's
Ice Cube and Jinx performed at Dudo's nightclub
With K-Dee, I think it was two shows
Ice Cube remembers performing twice with K-Dee
Then Dre introduced me to E
Dr. Dre introduced Ice Cube to Eazy-E
Cruisin' down the street in his red Jeep
Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E drove around in Eazy-E's red jeep
He said, yo niggas we should flip it like this
Eazy-E suggested the group make gangster music
Cause them Boyz N the Hood like the gangsta shit
The group wanted to make music that represented their neighborhood
I put the pen to the pad, young nigga was raw
Ice Cube wrote rap lyrics when he was young and inexperienced
And told the world how we felt about the law
Ice Cube used rap music to express his feelings about the police
It was real
Ice Cube's music reflected his real-life experiences
[Chorus: x2]
The chorus is repeated twice
I see the happiness (all day every day)
Ice Cube notices joyful moments every day
I see the pain
Ice Cube also observes suffering and hardship
Where am I (growin' up in the hood)
Ice Cube wonders where he is as he reflects on his childhood struggles growing up in the hood
Back down memory lane
Ice Cube is nostalgic about his past and thinks of his memories like a trip down a lane
Oh shit, it's N.W.A.!
Ice Cube is surprised when he meets N.W.A
Them niggas on tour and they comin' our way
N.W.A. was on tour and was headed Ice Cube's way
Lil' Eminem is still tucked away
Eminem was not yet famous
In that trailer park, just bumpin' our tape
Eminem was listening to Ice Cube's music in his trailer park
Jerry Heller tried to make his escape
Jerry Heller, Ice Cube's former manager, tried to escape his ongoing feud with Ice Cube
I had to bounce, while other niggas got raped
Ice Cube left N.W.A. when they were starting to mistreat him
Same niggas turned around and said fuck me
The same people who mistreated Ice Cube insulted him afterward
No FUCK YOU cause I'm down with Chuck D
Ice Cube is loyal to Chuck D, a musician who supported him during tough times
And I'm 'bout to do a movie up, a classic
Ice Cube was about to create a classic movie
When I hit the screen, nigga it was magic
People loved Ice Cube's performance in the movie
Never thought I'd see Eazy in a casket
Ice Cube was saddened by Eazy-E's death
Thanks for everything, that's on everything
Ice Cube was grateful for everything Eazy-E had done for him
I learned a lot of game from you
Ice Cube learned from Eazy-E's experiences and advice
I like your son, he got his name from you
Ice Cube likes Eazy-E's son, who was named after Eazy-E
I tell him everything that he needs to know
Ice Cube passes on his knowledge to Eazy-E's son
If he asks my advice, I won't think twice homey
Ice Cube is happy to lend advice to Eazy-E's son when asked
[Chorus]
The chorus repeats
From Boyz N the Hood, to XXX 2
Ice Cube was in the movies Boyz N the Hood and XXX 2
Everybody wanna know my next move
Ice Cube's success made everyone curious about what he would do next
Fans all around say "We love you Cube!"
Ice Cube's fans express their love for him
I wanna take time to say I love you too
Ice Cube wants to show his love and appreciation to his fans
I love all my fans cause they know I'm a man
Ice Cube appreciates his fans because they see him as a man, not just a celebrity
And not a little boy or some fuckin' play toy
Ice Cube is proud to have matured into a man
A lot of niggas say I grew up on you
People credit Ice Cube with influencing their growth and maturity
And let me know if anybody fuck with'chu
Ice Cube's fans are willing to defend him if anyone tries to harm him
Cause you talk a lot of shit about the red, black and blue
Ice Cube is vocal about his criticism of the police and the racial injustices they contribute to
And how they treat a nigga called Katrina, did you see her
Ice Cube points out the racial bias during Hurricane Katrina in the treatment of predominantly black neighborhoods
White folks worry 'bout them fuckin' misdemeanor
Ice Cube criticizes the unequal treatment of black and white citizens by authorities
While black people dyin' in that God damn arena
Not enough was done to assist black people during Hurricane Katrina, and many died as a result
Just because I'm actin' nigga never stop rappin'
Ice Cube will continue to rap even if people stereotype him as an actor
It's in my blood homey, I'ma keep the party crackin'
Music is a significant part of Ice Cube's life, and he will continue to make music that excites and energizes listeners
Money keep stackin' till they put me in a casket
Ice Cube keeps making money until he dies
Who you think you fuckin' wit? Here's another classic
Ice Cube is a respected musician and is still producing classic music
[Chorus]
The chorus repeats
I'm Ruthless, I'm Ruthless
Ice Cube is still as ruthless and streetwise as he always was
Street Knowledge
Ice Cube has knowledge about street life and is happy to share it through his music
Lench Mob
Ice Cube is part of the Lench Mob, a group of musicians from his neighborhood
Westside
Ice Cube represents the Westside of Los Angeles with his music
Uh
Ice Cube ends his song with an ad-lib sound
Lyrics ยฉ MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MINNIE RIPERTON, RICHARD RUDOLPH, GENE DOZIER, JACKSON O'SHEA, KENNY ST. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zotacsolis2399
Little Eminem is still tucked away , in that trailer park just bumping our tape .
@EM-et4jq
Hardest line
@DMSBest
@@EM-et4jqshit was so crazy๐ฆ
@HamiteChristian
I love how he breaks down down meeting Dre...yella and Eazy in verse 1 puts a smile on my face.
@DBSTre
A simpler time
So different than all the hell they encountered in โthe industryโ
@Bryan_Tellez.Ching07
REST IN PEACE EAZY MUTHAPPUKIN' E!!!
@aliullah1014
Damn this song gave me chills. I haven't heard it in over a decade and forgot how much I loved this song!
@permeliamartinez1717
Damn I was just thinking the same shit it's like a time machine hah
@anthonymartinez3084
@@permeliamartinez1717 lol thats crazy I thought of this randomly and forgot how much I miss this song
@Dpdakid93
Ice Cube Cold as Hell for this ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ