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.
In The Late Night Hour
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let them motherfuckers no here come the beast
Oh, in the late night hour
Straight out of Compton, a crazy motherfucker named Ice Cube
And I'm rollin' with the motherfuckin' Neptunes
When I'm caught off, I got a sawed-off
A midget bitch that'll suck a niggas balls off
I'm gettin' head in the lane doin' sixty
About to crash like Teddy Pendergrass
Mama said a hard head make a tender ass
To all the dogs that bark a lot
Who don't give a fuck if it's dark or not
We'll be creepin' in the parking lot
Motherfuckers don't know if I can park or not
Cause I circle like vultures, La Costa Nostra
Bumpin' all the baddest bitches like I'm 'posed to
What's yo name, what's yo number and ya culture
You need nuts in yo face like a poster
If you in a club nigga then shit bang
If you on the streets nigga then shit bang
If you on the block nigga then shit bang
And if it's what ya need boy, do ya thang
If ya in a Range Rov then shit bang
If you in that six hundred then shit bang
If you on that Steel Horse then shit bang
But if it's what ya need boy, let it bang
Fuck the police comin' straight from the underground
Fuckin' pig want to act like he like me now
In eighty six same bitch tried to lock me down
And motherfuckers want to ask why I'm cocky now
To all the bitches that think they bootylicious
I think they nutritious, I think they do dishes
I'm makin' three wishes or takin' they pictures
And spendin' they riches and fuckin' they bitches
Egomaniac, lil' homies call me brainiac
Ice Cube's an asshole and it ain't a knack
So take a hit of that and remember that
Where my motherfuckin' niggas and my bitches at
In the late night hour hit the front to back
Check the motherfuckin' rims on the Cadillac
On the ass attack, can you keep it tight
And if the head right, nigga there every night
This is for my niggas that's schemin' for cash
And lookin' for ass (In the late night hour)
This is for my people that's countin' they riches
And pickin' up bitches (In the late night hour)
This is for my niggas that's countin' they cash
And lookin' for ass (In the late night hour)
This is for my people that's schemin' for riches
And pickin' up bitches (In the late night hour)
So check it and everybody get naked
This might be a nigga last record
But respect it cause I could do it all night playa
I'm all fight playa, you all spite playa
It's all right playa, a nigga might care
But to catch me you gotta do a light year
Ice Cube insane in the membrane
Baby go ahead please do the damn thang
We gonna get chu' high nigga
Our rhymes will get chu' by nigga
Tell me if I qualify nigga
To bail in like SuperFly
I want to get that, cop that, buy that, drive that
You want it too but don't know where to start at
Fuckin' with me, nigga better bring his hard hat
Nigga where ya heart at, leave ya on the tarmac
Where my top at and my nigga Mack
Ridin' shotgun, with the top gun
Don't catch a hot one soon as he spot one
Westside Connection is a doctrine
This ain't another club song
Or love song that why'all can fuck on
So get the fuck on
A nigga rich can't believe the bullshit that I'm stuck on
In the Late Night Hour is a song by Ice Cube, and the lyrics depict him as a dangerous and vicious gangster, living life on the edge. The opening line of the song highlights his notoriety, with Cube daring anyone to call the police when they see him on their block. He boasts about his weapons, including a sawed-off shotgun, and his tendency to pick up women and receive oral sex while driving dangerously.
The hook of the song, "In the late night hour," is repeated throughout the song, almost like a mantra that emphasizes the danger, darkness, and mystery of the night. This song captures the essence of Ice Cube's persona and how he wants the world to see him as a tough guy who won't back down or apologize for anything.
Line by Line Meaning
When you see me on ya block, call the police
If you see me in your neighborhood, you better alert the police because they know I’m a troublemaker.
Let them motherfuckers no here come the beast
These punk-ass cops need to know that I'm coming in hot and I'm not to be messed with.
Oh, in the late night hour
This is all taking place when people should be sleeping late at night.
Straight out of Compton, a crazy motherfucker named Ice Cube
I am a wild and crazy guy from Compton, and I’m not afraid to let you know it.
And I'm rollin' with the motherfuckin' Neptunes
I'm cruising down the streets with my posse, the Neptunes.
When I'm caught off, I got a sawed-off
If I am ever in a tight situation, I always have my trusty sawed-off shotgun to protect me.
A midget bitch that'll suck a niggas balls off
I have a short female friend who can perform some extreme sexual acts on men.
You too girl if ya fuck with me
Any woman who messes with me is going to have a wild time.
I'm gettin' head in the lane doin' sixty
I am receiving oral sex while driving at a high speed.
About to crash like Teddy Pendergrass
I am driving so fast that I might get into an accident, like Teddy Pendergrass did.
Mama said a hard head make a tender ass
My mother always told me that being stubborn can lead to getting hurt.
To all the dogs that bark a lot
This is a message to all the tough guys out there who talk a lot.
Who don't give a fuck if it's dark or not
These guys will fight and intimidate regardless of whether it’s daytime or nighttime.
We'll be creepin' in the parking lot
My crew and I will sneak up on you in a parking lot.
Motherfuckers don't know if I can park or not
People underestimate me and don't know if I can maneuver a car well.
Cause I circle like vultures, La Costa Nostra
I am a part of a powerful Italian Mafia family and we are always circling around like vultures.
Bumpin' all the baddest bitches like I'm 'posed to
I am listening to music with a beat that can't be denied, while also playing with the hottest women available.
What's yo name, what's yo number and ya culture
I am asking this girl for her name, number and background, subtly implying I want to hook up with her.
You need nuts in yo face like a poster
This is a crude way of telling the girl that she needs to perform oral sex on me.
If you in a club nigga then shit bang
If you are in a club, then my music is going to get you hyped and pumped up.
And if it's what ya need boy, do ya thang
If you need this kind of music to get your adrenaline pumping then go for it, let loose.
If ya in a Range Rov then shit bang
Even if you are driving a fancy car like a Range Rover, my music still bangs with that thumping bass.
But if it's what ya need boy, let it bang
If this is the type of music you require, then let it play as loud as you want.
Fuck the police comin' straight from the underground
I hate the police and I have no problem letting everyone know this.
Fuckin' pig want to act like he like me now
Even though the police are supposed to be neutral and unbiased, they often try to act like they are my friends now. I'm not buying it.
In eighty six same bitch tried to lock me down
Once upon a time, in 1986 to be exact, there was a woman who tried to put me in jail.
And motherfuckers want to ask why I'm cocky now
People often ask me why I am so brazen and arrogant, but it is because I have been through enough to know I can handle things on my own.
To all the bitches that think they bootylicious
This is a message to all the confident and arrogant women who think they are irresistible to men.
I think they nutritious, I think they do dishes
I like women who know how to take care of themselves and their partners, both in and out of the bedroom.
I'm makin' three wishes or takin' they pictures
I am either making sexual advances or taking pictures for personal use when I meet these women.
And spendin' they riches and fuckin' they bitches
I am also taking advantage of these women's wealth while dallying with them.
Egomaniac, lil' homies call me brainiac
I am a bit full of myself, and some of my friends call me a genius or very smart.
Ice Cube's an asshole and it ain't a knack
I am an asshole, and it's not something I am good at or pretend to be.
So take a hit of that and remember that
Listen to my music and try to remember who I am, and all that I stand for.
Where my motherfuckin' niggas and my bitches at
I am looking for my friends and lovers, and wondering where they might be.
In the late night hour hit the front to back
When it's late at night, blast my music loudly and enjoy it from beginning to end.
Check the motherfuckin' rims on the Cadillac
Look at the rims on my fancy and expensive Cadillac car.
On the ass attack, can you keep it tight
I want to engage in sexual activity, and I'm hoping the person I'm with can keep things tight and stimulating.
And if the head right, nigga there every night
If the person is skilled in giving head, I am likely to return to them again and again.
This is for my niggas that's schemin' for cash
This music is aimed at my friends who are trying to get rich quickly and by almost any means necessary.
And lookin' for ass (In the late night hour)
At night, these same friends are also looking for sexual partners.
This is for my people that's countin' they riches
Another reminder that this music is for those who are obsessed with making money and living the good life.
And pickin' up bitches (In the late night hour)
Again, in the late night hours, people are even more on the lookout for possible sexual partners.
Tell me if I qualify nigga
I am asking this person to tell me if I meet their level of standards or up to their satisfaction.
To bail in like SuperFly
My goal is to show up and seize control, just like the fictional character SuperFly.
I want to get that, cop that, buy that, drive that
I want to obtain all of the material things and experiences that life has to offer, including the latest and greatest items around.
You want it too but don't know where to start at
I know others want to have these same things and experiences I'm having, but they don't know how to get them.
Fuckin' with me, nigga better bring his hard hat
Anyone who tries to mess with me better be prepared, because I'm going to hit them hard.
Nigga where ya heart at, leave ya on the tarmac
If you're not careful, I'll knock you out cold and leave you lying on the ground like trash.
Where my top at and my nigga Mack
I'm trying to locate my shirt and my friend Mack.
Ridin' shotgun, with the top gun
Mack is sitting in the passenger seat, and he is ready for anything.
Don't catch a hot one soon as he spot one
Be very careful not to run into Mack, because he's dangerous and will attack you.
Westside Connection is a doctrine
My group, Westside Connection, is like a belief system, a way of life or a set of rules that we follow.
This ain't another club song
This song is not just another generic dance song that can be played at a club.
Or love song that why'all can fuck on
I'm not making a sappy or romantic song that people can make love to.
So get the fuck on
People who don't like me or my music can leave quietly, no need to stick around.
A nigga rich can't believe the bullshit that I'm stuck on
Even though I am wealthy and successful, it's hard to believe that I'm still stuck in so much drama and nonsense.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, O'SHEA JACKSON, LORENZO JERALD PATTERSON, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, PHARRELL L WILLIAMS, ERIC WRIGHT, ANDRE ROMELL YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Mixer Mason
Underrated track. One of the Neptunes hardest beats and Cube came with fire, even if he reused some of his old bars.
Blue Prince
Amen, brother. Shit hits HARD!!!!
The Impeccable
Yo.. I would love to see Cube, Pharrell, & Pusha do this live!!! 💯💯💯
Semaj Samerai
this song is incredible
blaine lantz
Semaj Samerai
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If you're up in the late nite hour to take out your dog 2021, this sh!t still bangs🎶🔥♾💯
Jermaine Robinson Torbert
Cube murdered this song a head banger still bumping this today
The Frederick
This track is awesome. Ice Cubes so dope!
Patrick Dwyer
Fond memories of this song in my youth. Still know the lyrics off heart like I did then
KINGHRU HRU
KILLED this track 💣💣💣💣💣