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.
Hello feat Dr. Dre & MC Ren
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? (Hello)
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
Full of magazines, full clips, and heavy metal
When the smoke settle
I'm just lookin' for a big yellow
In six inch stilletos
Dr. Dre {Hello} perculatin' keep em waitin
While you sittin here hatin, yo' bitch is hyperventilatin'
Hopin' that we penetratin, you gets natin'
Cause I never been to Satan, for hardcore administratin'
Gangbang affiliatin, MC Ren'll have you
Wildin' off a zone and a whole half a gallon
{Get to dialin} 9 1 1 emergency
{And you can tell em} It's my son he's hurtin me
{And he's a felon} On parole for robbery
Ain't no coppin a plea, ain't no stoppin' a G
I'm in the 6 you got to hop in the 3, company monopoly
You handle shit sloppily I drop a ki properly
They call me the Don Dada
Pop a collar, drop a dollar if you hear me you can holla
Even rottweilers, follow, the Impala
Wanna talk about this concrete? Nigga I'm a scholar
The incredible, hetero-sexual, credible
Beg a ho, let it go, dick ain't edible
Nigga ain't federal, I plan shit
While you hand picked motherfuckers givin up transcripts
Look at these Niggas With Attitudes {Hello}
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get?
Villain blows up yo' spot
Take yo' notebook yo' bitch and yo' Glock
This motherfucker thought the coochie had a padlock
You slapped her ass that's alarmin
Cause she want my Worm like Carmen
We chin check niggas, them thin check niggas
Run trains on golddiggers beware these fo' niggas
Scarin motherfuckers like Steven King flicks
Makin' niggas clear the room like a dyke fleein' dick
Makin 2nd II None shit, nigga like Quik
So when I bomb first nigga who you rollin with?
Fuck that ice on your wrist, fuck yo' fine ass bitch
Cause you could lose it in a tussle nigga watch me hustle
Watch niggas kiss my ass without flexin a muscle
Bitches - all in the back they knees waitin to buckle
Same time same channel don't change the dial
Niggaz4Life, fuckin your wife, these niggas wild {Hello}
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
I started this gangsta shit
And this the muh'fuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
Did I fall off? Got you in your room
Rippin every "Chronic" poster on your wall off
Just cause I put away the sawed off
Now I got you sittin back with a smirk
Listenin with your arms crossed
Questionin Dre's credibility {What?}
Wondering if it's still in me to produce hits
Y'all be killin me
As if I need to make mo' I got a mansion
And six cars that are paid fo' suck my dick! {Hello}
We came a long way from not givin a fuck
Sellin tapes out of a trunk to movin this far up
Now we got the whole world starstruck
Made a million plus and still don't give a motherfuck
Motherfucker I'm Dre - I don't need your respect
I don't need to make another album bitch I don't gotta do shit
I do it because I want to not to stay in the game
Fuck the fame, I'm still stayin the same, lil' bitch! {Hello}
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
Look at these Niggas With Attitudes {Hello}
The lyrics to "Hello" by Ice Cube Featuring Dr. Dre and MC Ren are a commentary on their success and influence in the hip-hop genre. The repetition of the line "I started this gangsta shit, and this the motherfuckin thanks I get?" highlights the frustration that Ice Cube feels towards the lack of recognition and appreciation for the impact he and his crew, NWA, had on the rap industry. Furthermore, the lyrics criticize the violent and dangerous lifestyle often portrayed in rap music as a reflection of the harsh realities of living in a ghetto filled with guns and drugs.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harshness and danger of the world NWA was brought up in, referencing "full clips and heavy metal" and "gangbang affiliating." The guest verses by Dr. Dre and MC Ren convey a similar theme of insensitivity and lack of empathy but with a focus on their individual prowess as artists. Dr. Dre brags about his ability to keep people waiting while they hate on him and MC Ren boasts about intoxication and fearlessly having sex with multiple partners without any commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at these Niggas With Attitudes {Hello}
Ice Cube is addressing the N.W.A. members, commenting on their tough attitude
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? (Hello)
Ice Cube reflects on creating the gangsta rap genre, but feels underappreciated for his contributions
The motherfuckin world is a ghetto
Full of magazines, full clips, and heavy metal
When the smoke settle
I'm just lookin' for a big yellow
In six inch stilletos
Dr. Dre {Hello} perculatin' keep em waitin
The world is a violent and dangerous place, but Ice Cube is still seeking pleasure with a woman in high heels. Dr. Dre is in charge of producing music and keeping the listeners engaged.
While you sittin here hatin, yo' bitch is hyperventilatin'
Hopin' that we penetratin, you gets natin'
Cause I never been to Satan, for hardcore administratin'
Gangbang affiliatin, MC Ren'll have you
Wildin' off a zone and a whole half a gallon
{Get to dialin} 9 1 1 emergency
{And you can tell em} It's my son he's hurtin me
{And he's a felon} On parole for robbery
Ain't no coppin a plea, ain't no stoppin' a G
I'm in the 6 you got to hop in the 3, company monopoly
You handle shit sloppily I drop a ki properly
They call me the Don Dada
Ice Cube boasts about his gang involvement, with MC Ren ready to put listeners into a wild, drug-fueled state. Ice Cube references his son being in legal trouble and the difficulty of getting out of trouble once you go down that path. He is also in control of the drug trade, being the dominant force in a monopoly.
Pop a collar, drop a dollar if you hear me you can holla
Even rottweilers, follow, the Impala
Wanna talk about this concrete? Nigga I'm a scholar
The incredible, hetero-sexual, credible
Beg a ho, let it go, dick ain't edible
Nigga ain't federal, I plan shit
While you hand picked motherfuckers givin up transcripts
Ice Cube brags about his wealth and influence, even attracting the loyalty of vicious dogs. He considers himself an expert on the streets and a credible person. He also boasts about not being federally charged and being smarter than those who cooperate with law enforcement.
Villain blows up yo' spot
Take yo' notebook yo' bitch and yo' Glock
This motherfucker thought the coochie had a padlock
You slapped her ass that's alarmin
Cause she want my Worm like Carmen
We chin check niggas, them thin check niggas
Run trains on golddiggers beware these fo' niggas
Scarin motherfuckers like Steven King flicks
Makin' niggas clear the room like a dyke fleein' dick
Makin 2nd II None shit, nigga like Quik
So when I bomb first nigga who you rollin with?
Fuck that ice on your wrist, fuck yo' fine ass bitch
Cause you could lose it in a tussle nigga watch me hustle
Watch niggas kiss my ass without flexin a muscle
Bitches - all in the back they knees waitin to buckle
Same time same channel don't change the dial
Niggaz4Life, fuckin your wife, these niggas wild {Hello}
Ice Cube and his crew are violent and take advantage of women. They are powerful and frightening, and even famous people are at risk. Ice Cube continues to brag about his success, including making other famous people submit to him. He urges listeners to tune in and references the group's name before boasting again about their promiscuity.
Did I fall off? Got you in your room
Rippin every "Chronic" poster on your wall off
Just cause I put away the sawed off
Now I got you sittin back with a smirk
Listenin with your arms crossed
Questionin Dre's credibility {What?}
Wondering if it's still in me to produce hits
Y'all be killin me
As if I need to make mo' I got a mansion
And six cars that are paid fo' suck my dick! {Hello}
Ice Cube is aware that some people doubt his talent and are skeptical of Dr. Dre's abilities. He finds it amusing that people are questioning their success, given that they have already made it big. He finally resorts to an insult.
We came a long way from not givin a fuck
Sellin tapes out of a trunk to movin this far up
Now we got the whole world starstruck
Made a million plus and still don't give a motherfuck
Motherfucker I'm Dre - I don't need your respect
I don't need to make another album bitch I don't gotta do shit
I do it because I want to not to stay in the game
Fuck the fame, I'm still stayin the same, lil' bitch! {Hello}
Dr. Dre talks about the group's humble beginnings, and highlights their immense success. Their fame has given them power, and they do not care about public opinion or the need to continue making music. They create music out of passion, not obligation, and remain true to themselves.
I started this gangsta shit
And this the motherfuckin thanks I get? {Hello}
Ice Cube reflects once again on creating the gangsta rap genre, and feels that he has not been given enough credit.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDRE YOUNG, MELVIN BRADFORD, O'SHEA JACKSON, MARSHALL MATHERS, LORENZO PATTERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eddievenuto1862
Dr Dre is so talented he can turn anything into a hit. He can turn anything into gold because he's so talented with his producing.
@MORGANF22
And perfectionism
@marcosmarcao2582
@@MORGANF22 infineto:o dre é lendário no rap
@marcosmarcao2582
@@MORGANF22 dominuos:o ice cube manda bem no rap
@HoytGotDrip
This song is underrated
@eliholguin9641
No it's not
@shaundreross7227
It really is
@CoralBlueNumber2Lipstick
@Truquan holy shit haha.
@NTL57
Jup even 2022
@josephsmith8334
ong