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.
I
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Uhh, uhh
Uh! Yeah, yeah
Uhh
I'm on
Fuck 'em, yeah, uhh
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Screw her, (dump her body, dump her body) sewer
Our father, uh-huh
What you expected from his next of kin
I'm loco bro, but ain't no Mexican
I got nines in the bedroom, Glocks in the kitchen
A shotty by the shower if you wanna shoot me while I'm shittin'
Uhh, the lesson from the Smith and Wesson is depressin'
Niggas keep stressin', the same motherfuckin' question
How many shots does it take, to make my heart stop
And my body start to shake, if I should die before I wake
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
Fluck that
Snap a nigga shit, smash him with the fifth, watch his body lift
Shut his hottie's lips, bitch screamin', hit her body quick
Got me like the trifest not knowin' how my life is
My life is, rap sheet long as the Turnpike is
The sheistest, hey fella, who bidded with the lifers
Did it with the Glocks, spit it witcha pops, you was in diapers
Loved me when you came to Rikers
Hated me all in the free cypher, mad you can't be like us
Some murderers who turn bikers, see Biggie Smalls
Recruited these snipers, alumni do it just like us
Some pied pipers, squeezin' life out y'all
It's all out war, be all wild as all outdoor
If a coward got beef, y'all be checkin' his palm
Paralyzin, my niggas thorough kid, how 'bout yours?
Real quick to screw a nigga then, hop out four
Clean the wipers, hit the party up and, hop out yours
Bitch nigga, whoah
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
Yo when you fuckin' wit MAC, you fuckin' wit the best
Still goin' to war with them dusty TECs
Man you know how I handle my shit, S.K. can on my shit
Jump out of vans like Hannibal Smith
Man I spit a thousand rounds, your squad don't need it
Shredders in a riot pump leave you quadriplegic
When I squeeze don't breathe keep it lined and even
So when niggas get hit, they be cryin' screamin'
Lyin' bleedin', from that iron steamin'
And I ain't tryin' to hear that bullshit, I ain't mean it
Niggas start bitchin', when that pistol in they face
Or I sick two pits to come and get you in your place
If I catch you in my shit, I'm wakin' my bitch
Hear take this shit, crackin' the brick, facin' that shit
Takin' two sniffs, grabbin' my shit
Best believe if I get hit, y'all niggas takin' some shit
Picture niggas takin' my shit
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
Niggas never thought they'd see Cube and Biggie
In the year 2000, all drunk and pissy
Off whiskey, you can miss me, actin' gay
He's the King of New York, I'm the King of L.A.
Doin' it the OG way, it's sorta like
The Brooklyn Way, it's just the crook in me
So this is dedicated to the memory of
The Notorious One, the glorious one
And if you go for your gun, I got to go for mine
Cock my nine, and seperate yo' head from yo' spine
So, "Grab yo' dicks if you love hip-hop" and
Fuck you niggas that shot Big Pop'
The conspiracy, of this nation, for assassination
Of the young black male in this black hell
And I can tell, no matter the weather
That you and Tupac got yo' shit together
California Love
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Our father, if I should die before I wake
The lyrics to Ice Cube's song "I" are complex and multifaceted, with various themes and messages intertwined throughout the verses. The first verse begins with a sense of religious devotion, with the lines "With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit / Our father, if I should die before I wake." However, this quickly takes a darker turn with the following lines, "Fuck her, never knew her / Screw her, (dump her body, dump her body) sewer," which suggests a disregard for human life and a willingness to engage in violent behavior.
The second verse focuses on firearms and the violence that they bring, with lines such as "I got nines in the bedroom, Glocks in the kitchen / A shotty by the shower if you wanna shoot me while I'm shittin'." The verse also touches on the idea of death, with the line "if I should die before I wake" serving as a reminder of the possibility of sudden loss.
The third verse references Ice Cube's experiences with the criminal underworld, and his willingness to engage in violent behavior in response to perceived threats. The lyrics "Real quick to screw a nigga then, hop out four / Clean the wipers, hit the party up and, hop out yours" suggest a lack of empathy for others and a prioritization of personal gain over human life.
Overall, the lyrics of "I" paint a picture of a violent, dangerous world, one in which Ice Cube feels he must engage in violence in order to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Uhh, uh
Introductory grunt
Yeah
Confirmation of agreement
Uhh, uhh
Repetitive grunts for emphasis
Uh! Yeah, yeah
Exclamation of enthusiasm
Uhh
Repetitive grunt for emphasis
I'm on
I am focused and ready
Fuck 'em, yeah, uhh
Disregard for others, with repetitive grunts for emphasis
With my hands gripped, praise the Lord shit
Acknowledgment of faith while preparing for violence
Fuck her, never knew her
Disrespectful disregard for a woman
Screw her, (dump her body, dump her body) sewer
Suggesting that the woman is disposable and hinting at violence
Our father, uh-huh
Reference to the Lord's Prayer, possibly for ironic effect
What you expected from his next of kin
Claiming that violent tendencies are inherited
I'm loco bro, but ain't no Mexican
Acknowledgment of insanity, with a derogatory remark towards Mexicans
I got nines in the bedroom, Glocks in the kitchen
Boasting about an arsenal of weapons
A shotty by the shower if you wanna shoot me while I'm shittin'
Preparedness for any potential attacks
Uhh, the lesson from the Smith and Wesson is depressin'
Resignation to the destructive power of guns
Niggas keep stressin', the same motherfuckin' question
Frustration with repetitive questions about violence
How many shots does it take, to make my heart stop
Rhetorical question about mortality
And my body start to shake, if I should die before I wake
Recognition of the dangers faced by those who live a violent lifestyle
Our father, if I should die before I wake
Return to the Lord's Prayer, possibly for ironic effect
Fluck that
Expletive expressing a disregard for the previous sentiment
Snap a nigga shit, smash him with the fifth, watch his body lift
Detailed description of violent actions against someone
Shut his hottie's lips, bitch screamin', hit her body quick
Dismissive and degrading language towards a woman, followed by violent actions
Got me like the trifest not knowin' how my life is
Reflecting on the unpredictable danger of living a violent lifestyle
My life is, rap sheet long as the Turnpike is
Acknowledging a criminal history
The sheistest, hey fella, who bidded with the lifers
Claiming to be the most cunning criminal, referring to people who have served life sentences
Did it with the Glocks, spit it witcha pops, you was in diapers
Boasting about committing crimes with multiple generations of family members
Loved me when you came to Rikers
Receiving admiration in the context of a prison system
Hated me all in the free cypher, mad you can't be like us
Resentment towards those who have not achieved the same level of criminal success
Some murderers who turn bikers, see Biggie Smalls
Reference to a cycle of violence in which murderers become involved in biker culture, possibly making a connection to the murder of Biggie Smalls
Recruited these snipers, alumni do it just like us
Claiming success in influencing others to commit violent acts
Some pied pipers, squeezin' life out y'all
Comparing oneself to a mythical figure who leads others to destruction
It's all out war, be all wild as all outdoor
Emphasis on the extreme violence of the situation
If a coward got beef, y'all be checkin' his palm
Instilling fear in those who would oppose the artist, suggesting that they would be identified by marks on their hands
Paralyzin, my niggas thorough kid, how 'bout yours?
Claiming that the singer's associates are impressive, challenging the listener to compare their associates
Real quick to screw a nigga then, hop out four
Referring to the quickness with which he and his associates will engage in violence
Clean the wipers, hit the party up and, hop out yours
Normalizing violence by suggesting that it is a part of daily life, implying that it can be turned on and off
Bitch nigga, whoah
Insulting someone who is seen as weak
Yo when you fuckin' wit MAC, you fuckin' wit the best
Confident claim of being the best in a violent context
Still goin' to war with them dusty TECs
Referring to continued involvement in violence
Man you know how I handle my shit, S.K. can on my shit
Confident claim of ability to handle violent situations, referring to a firearm
Jump out of vans like Hannibal Smith
Reference to The A-Team, implying the singer's ability to organize and execute violent actions
Man I spit a thousand rounds, your squad don't need it
Boasting about proficiency with firearms, and belittling the listener's abilities
Shredders in a riot pump leave you quadriplegic
Description of the destructive power of weapons
When I squeeze don't breathe keep it lined and even
Instruction on how to use a firearm effectively
So when niggas get hit, they be cryin' screamin'
Predicting the reactions of victims of violence
Lyin' bleedin', from that iron steamin'
Description of a violent scene
And I ain't tryin' to hear that bullshit, I ain't mean it
Disregarding any apologies or regrets for violent actions
Niggas start bitchin', when that pistol in they face
Predicting that people will be fearful when confronted with a firearm
Or I sick two pits to come and get you in your place
Describing another way to intimidate someone
If I catch you in my shit, I'm wakin' my bitch
Threatening to involve a partner in the violent situation
Hear take this shit, crackin' the brick, facin' that shit
Encouraging others to take drugs, suggesting that violence is a necessary part of the drug trade
Takin' two sniffs, grabbin' my shit
Casual description of drug use and violent preparation
Best believe if I get hit, y'all niggas takin' some shit
Threatening to retaliate violently if attacked
Picture niggas takin' my shit
Claiming that others are envious of the singer's possessions, implying that violence could result
Niggas never thought they'd see Cube and Biggie
Acknowledging the unexpectedness of seeing two iconic rappers together
In the year 2000, all drunk and pissy
Joking about what they might have been doing at the turn of the century
Off whiskey, you can miss me, actin' gay
Dismissing any accusations of homosexuality, while bragging about drinking whiskey
He's the King of New York, I'm the King of L.A.
Assertion of domination in two major cities
Doin' it the OG way, it's sorta like
Referring to a time when violence was more straightforward and respectable among criminals
The Brooklyn Way, it's just the crook in me
Referring to the criminal tendencies that exist in the singer's personality
So this is dedicated to the memory of
Introducing a tribute to someone who has died
The Notorious One, the glorious one
Referring to Notorious B.I.G. with admiration
And if you go for your gun, I got to go for mine
Warning against an escalation of violence
Cock my nine, and seperate yo' head from yo' spine
Threatening to use violence to kill someone
So, "Grab yo' dicks if you love hip-hop" and
Quoting a common phrase used to show appreciation for hip-hop music
Fuck you niggas that shot Big Pop'
Blaming someone for the death of Notorious B.I.G.
The conspiracy, of this nation, for assassination
Conspiracy theory about the forces in society responsible for the killing of black men
Of the young black male in this black hell
Claiming that the society in which he lives is oppressive to black men
And I can tell, no matter the weather
Confidence in the artist's own perspective
That you and Tupac got yo' shit together
Assertion that he and Tupac have an understanding of the forces against them, and a willingness to fight back
California Love
Reference to a Tupac Shakur song, expressing pride in the state where both rappers began their careers
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, HENRI CHARLEMAGNE, ERIC MATLOCK, DERIC MICHAEL ANGELETTIE, DWIGHT GRANT, ROBERT ROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kaseyhussle
Well sorry bro, thats just how we are raised.
Happy:😠
Sad:😠
Angry:😠
Joy:😠
Sex:😠
Fight:😠
Birthday party:😠
What non-street people won't understand is, these skills taught us who to survive difficult situations, how to survive life, how handle life's never ending problems. We learn early on, never show a person you just meet too much love or respect, because the more you do, the more likely they are of moving on you, taking what you have, plotting against you.That's why we always cold, never very friendly or social, because we came from nothing, from harsh environment, we are used to people screwing us over, thats why we can show you love, but we will never trust you. Why? Because we will do what ever it takes to make sure we don't go back there, we wanna move forward so are families and kids can have a better life. Thats why are always working hard, very cold, and never trusting people. Sometimes we forget to spread love -I apologize.
@mikekoksmol6667
"Radio Los Santos"
The good old days😏
@csparisfoss7231
D1 aguante la santos perro
@LK-ui9rx
West Coast Classics u mean
@maurithethird
You make me cry
@rapidgamezxboxone5150
@@LK-ui9rx nah it was radio los santos, your thinking of gta v
@LK-ui9rx
yea
@pardontheleft2692
i love how mans just had a good ass day and decided to write a fire song about it
@irenekay7934
but it wasnt a good day at the end? did i missunderstood the video?
@zxth
@@irenekay7934 "it was just one of those fry dreams" well it was probably all a dream cause at the end of the non music video version it sounded like he woke up
@irenekay7934
@@zxthoh yes it could be a dream. I didn't think about it like that