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.
Ice Cube-Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
Ice Cube Lyrics
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You niggas know my pyroclastic flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow it's R-A-W, R-A-W
You looking at the grand wizard, war lord vocal chord so vicious
And I don't have to show riches to pull up pull off with some bad bitches
It's about dope lyrics and delivery
It's about my persona ain't nothing like a man that can do what he wanna
Ain't nothing like man on that you knew on the corner
See 'em come up and fuck up the owner
See 'em throw up Westside California
Nigga I'm hot as Phoenix Arizona
I'm Utah I got multiple bitches
It's a new law keep a hold of yo riches
Dumb nigga don't spend it as soon as you get it
And recognize I'm a captain and you a lieutenant
I can say what I want to say ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I call you a nigga ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
I can act like an animal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I eat you like a cannibal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
I'm raw as a dirty needle
Choke an eagle
Just to feed all my people
Lyrically I'm so lethal
Plant thoughts in they mind just to defeat you
Ice Cube is a saga y'all spit saliva
And I spit lava
I got the fearless flow
Don't get near this ho
If you sacred to go
I keep it gangsta and why should change that
Fuck you old motherfuckers tryin to change rap
But aren't you the same cat that sat back when they brought cocaine back
I'm tryin to get me a Maybach
How you motherfuckers gonna tell me don't say that
You the ones that we learned it from
I heard nigga back in 1971
So if I act like a pimp ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I call you a nappy headed ho ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I shoot up your college ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I rob you of knowledge ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Thank God when I bless the mic
You finally get to hear the shit that you like
A nigga talkin bout real life so you can try to get this shit right
Use your brain not your back use your brain not a gat
It's a party not a jack (for real)
Don't be scared of them people
Walk up in there and show them that you equal (fuck them fuck them)
Don't be material a nigga grew up on milk and cereal
I never forgot Van Ness and imperial
Look at my life Ice Cube is a miracle
It could be you if you was this lyrical
It could be her if she was this spiritual
'Cause me and Allah go back like cronies
I don't got to be fake cause he is my homie
If I sell a litle crack ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I die in Iraq, ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I take you for granted ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
If I fuck up the planet ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow flow
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow it's R-A-W, R-A-W
Oh yeah and another thing
For all ya niggas that don't do gangsta rap
Don't get on TV talkin about gangsta rap
Cause 9 times at a 10 you don't know the fuck you talk about
Talk about that bullshit rap you do
Stay the fuck out of mines
In "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It," Ice Cube speaks about the controversy surrounding gangsta rap and how it influences his behavior. He starts by addressing his flow and his skill as a rapper, which has made him famous. Ice Cube describes his persona as that of a man who can do anything he wants, which is why people look up to him. He then shifts his attention to those who criticize the genre of gangsta rap, saying that it is not about showboating or chivalry, it is about dope lyrics and delivery. It is about being true to oneself and doing what one wants.
Ice Cube then outlines the power and influence of gangsta rap on society. He talks about his ability to call people out and use derogatory language such as "nigger," and "nappy-headed ho," which has become normalized in the culture. Ice Cube claims that gangsta rap has taught people to be violent and to act like animals. He says that gangsta rap has made him do "it," whichever "it" may be, whether it's acting like a pimp, cannibal, or shooting up a college. These violent and aggressive behaviors are embraced by gangsta rap, and Ice Cube is saying that these behaviors are not his fault, they are a product of the genre.
The last verse of the song is Ice Cube trying to show that gangsta rap is not all about violence and aggression. He asks people to think for themselves and to use their brains instead of relying on violence to solve their problems. He stresses that it's important to be equal and to show people that you're equal, rather than relying on violence to gain power or influence. He also emphasizes that people need to be careful about criticizing gangsta rap unless they truly understand the genre and culture behind it.
Line by Line Meaning
Blame me
Ice Cube is accepting any blame that comes his way as a result of his gangsta rap music.
You niggas know my pyroclastic flow, You niggas know my pyroclastic flow flow, You niggas know my pyroclastic flow it's R-A-W, R-A-W
Ice Cube's rapping style is unique and his audience is familiar with it.
You looking at the grand wizard, war lord vocal chord so vicious
Ice Cube is confident and highly skilled at rapping.
And I don't have to show riches to pull up pull off with some bad bitches
Ice Cube doesn't need material possessions to attract women.
And it ain't about chivalry, It's about dope lyrics and delivery
Ice Cube values skillful rapping over traditional social expectations of chivalry.
It's about my persona ain't nothing like a man that can do what he wanna, Ain't nothing like man on that you knew on the corner
Ice Cube prides himself on being unlike other men and wants to be known for his unique persona.
See 'em come up and fuck up the owner, See 'em throw up Westside California, Nigga I'm hot as Phoenix Arizona, I'm Utah I got multiple bitches
Ice Cube is powerful and successful, with a strong presence and many women.
It's a new law keep a hold of yo riches, Dumb nigga don't spend it as soon as you get it, And recognize I'm a captain and you a lieutenant
Ice Cube encourages keeping wealth and being wise with money, while asserting his own leadership and higher rank.
I can say what I want to say ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube is unapologetic for the content of his music and recognizes that gangsta rap influenced his behavior.
If I call you a nigga ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube uses racial slurs in his music and believes gangsta rap is responsible for this behavior.
I can act like an animal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube is capable of violent behavior as a result of gangsta rap's influence.
If I eat you like a cannibal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube's violent tendencies extend to cannibalism as a result of gangsta rap's influence.
I'm raw as a dirty needle, Choke an eagle, Just to feed all my people, Lyrically I'm so lethal, Plant thoughts in they mind just to defeat you
Ice Cube is powerful, dangerous, and manipulating through his music. He does whatever it takes to provide for his community and defeat his opponents.
I keep it gangsta and why should change that, Fuck you old motherfuckers tryin to change rap, But aren't you the same cat that sat back when they brought cocaine back
Ice Cube sticks to gangsta rap and resents older generations who criticize and try to change rap, despite their history with drugs.
I'm tryin to get me a Maybach, How you motherfuckers gonna tell me don't say that, You the ones that we learned it from, I heard nigga back in 1971
Ice Cube wants to flaunt his wealth and doesn't appreciate criticism from people who paved the way for gangsta rap, as far back as 1971.
So if I act like a pimp ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube's portrayal of being a pimp is a reflection of gangsta rap's influence on his behavior.
If I call you a nappy headed ho ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube's use of derogatory terms towards women is rooted in gangsta rap's influence.
If I shoot up your college ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube is capable of violent crimes, even in public places like a college campus, due to gangsta rap's influence.
If I rob you of knowledge ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube values material gain over intellectual growth, as indicated by the lyrics, and gangsta rap likely had an influence on this outlook.
Thank God when I bless the mic, You finally get to hear the shit that you like, A nigga talkin bout real life so you can try to get this shit right, Use your brain not your back use your brain not a gat, It's a party not a jack (for real)
Ice Cube is grateful for his gift of rapping and providing music that his audience can relate to. He encourages his audience to use their brains, not violence, and to have fun.
Don't be scared of them people, Walk up in there and show them that you equal (fuck them fuck them), Don't be material a nigga grew up on milk and cereal, I never forgot Van Ness and imperial, Look at my life Ice Cube is a miracle, It could be you if you was this lyrical, It could be her if she was this spiritual, 'Cause me and Allah go back like cronies, I don't got to be fake cause he is my homie
Ice Cube encourages his audience to fight against systemic oppression and value themselves beyond material possessions. He is grateful for his success and believes others can achieve the same through similar talent and spirituality.
If I sell a litle crack ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube is willing to sell drugs, as a result of gangsta rap's influences.
If I die in Iraq, ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Perhaps a reference to the unspoken link between military service and gangsta rap, the line suggests that Ice Cube's dangerous and violent behavior, influenced by gangsta rap, could lead to an untimely death.
If I take you for granted ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube's ability to take people for granted is influenced by gangsta rap.
If I fuck up the planet ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it
Ice Cube implies that gangsta rap has influenced his behavior to the point of causing widespread damage on a global scale.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, VAUSHAUN BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind