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.
It's a Man's World
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To serve needs to my ding-a-ling
I'm a man who loves the one-night stand
Cause after I do ya
Huh I never knew ya
Cause to kick it man it gives me the fits
They wanna lay with they nose under your armpits
Ice Cube won't wait so give it up cow
I'm a brother with a big long...
First of all let me tell you my name it's Yo-Yo
When down on a girl first the fist and that's a no-no
Yo-Yo thinks the kitchen sink should be thrown in
Niggas be scheming and fiending to stick the bone in
No, Yo-Yo's not a hoe or a whore
And if that's what you're here for
Exit through the door
There's more
To see of me but you're blind so
Women like me are fading brothers in the 9-0
Ay what up buttercupper Miss Yo-Yo
I know you like to rap and like to flow so
But when it comes to hip-hop this is a man's world
Stay down and play the playground you little girl
What you're saying I don't consider it as rapping
Cause you're on rewind and I'm the new what's-happening
It never fails I'll always get respect
And you lose so take a rain check
Hell no cause you know that I'm first and you're second
If it wasn't for me you probably be pregnant
And barefoot complaining that your back is aching
Shaking and faking while I'm bringing home the bacon
Well you're mistaken
It's not going that far
I make brothers like you play the back yard
You used to flow with the title but I took it
Bring home the bacon but find another hoe to cook it
Damn it look it
Cause you're talking a lot of bull
Well I'm not your puppet so don't even try to pull
This is a man's world thank you very much
But it wouldn't be a damn thing without a woman's touch
Ah Miss Yo-Yo so what gives
I hear females always talkin about women's lib
Well get your own crib
And stay there
Instead of having more babies for the welfare
Cause if you don't I'll label you a gold digger
The name is Ice Cube you know that I ain't the nigga
For you to look at when your hair get nappy
So take a piece of the pole and be happy
Hell no because to me you're not a thriller
You come in the room with your three-inch killer
Thinking you can do damage to my backbone
Leave your child in the yard until it's full-grown
I'm a put it like this my man
Without us your hand would be your best friend
So give us credit like you know you should
If I don't look good you don't look good
I doubt it baby cause we're still most dominant
But you don't know how funky that I can get
This is a man's world thank you very much
But it wouldn't be a damn thing without a woman's touch
Man women I put a lot of fear in em
Cause I had it up to here with em
Drink a beer with em
No way cause I can only deal with em about an hour every day
Yeah if you know what I mean baby
Well I guess now that I think about it I think maybe
If you was more of a man instead of faking it
Women deserve the credit when they're making it
Yeah so what's the problem
Well I think we solved it
I know they know the best male from who's doggin it
Yeah I admit you can flow
Well that's true
But you see I'm a pro with the bank too
Yeah I can see you got it good
Oh that I know
But you see you're not better than Yo-Yo
The brand-new intelligent black lady
You're kinda dope but you still can't fade me
So what up then
Girl what you tryin to do
To prove a black woman like me can bring the funk through
This is a man's world thank you very much
But it wouldn't be a damn thing without a woman's touch
Or a big butt...
The song "It's a Man's World" by Ice Cube is a controversial song that challenges the social hierarchy between men and women. The song starts with derogatory lyrics against women, suggesting that they are only good for one thing, to serve men's sexual desires. It portrays men as the dominant gender and women as inferior to men. Ice Cube also talks about his preference for one night stands and how after having sex, he does not want to know the women anymore. Later in the song, Yo-Yo, a female rapper, challenges Ice Cube's views on women and the notion that hip hop is a man's world. She argues that women are not treated with respect in the genre and calls for more representation of women in hip hop.
The song can be interpreted as a critique of gender-based power structures that marginalize women. The derogatory lyrics towards women demonstrate how men use their power to control and dominate women. The idea that women are only good for one thing, to serve men's sexual desires, is a problematic stereotype that perpetuates gender-based violence. It is essential to highlight the negative impact that such lyrics can have on women and how they perpetuate harmful gender norms.
The lyrics of "It's a Man's World" are highly controversial, and the song has faced criticism for its derogatory portrayal of women. However, it reflects the gender inequalities that exist in society and challenges them. The song highlights the need for more representation and respect for women in hip hop and in society at large.
Line by Line Meaning
Women they're good for nothing no maybe one thing
To serve needs to my ding-a-ling
Ice Cube degrades women, saying they are worthless except to satisfy his sexual needs.
I'm a man who loves the one-night stand
Cause after I do ya
Huh I never knew ya
Ice Cube brags about his promiscuity and lack of responsibility in his sexual behavior.
Cause to kick it man it gives me the fits
They wanna lay with they nose under your armpits
Ice Cube won't wait so give it up cow
After we do it you can go home now
Ice Cube complains about spending time with women, preferring to just have sex with them and send them home.
Ay what up buttercupper Miss Yo-Yo
I know you like to rap and like to flow so
But when it comes to hip-hop this is a man's world
Stay down and play the playground you little girl
Ice Cube asserts that hip-hop is a man's world and belittles Yo-Yo, dismissing her talents as insignificant.
It never fails I'll always get respect
And you lose so take a rain check
Ice Cube boasts about always getting respect in hip-hop and belittles Yo-Yo again by telling her to back down and try again later.
Well you're mistaken
It's not going that far
I make brothers like you play the back yard
You used to flow with the title but I took it
Bring home the bacon but find another hoe to cook it
Yo-Yo challenges Ice Cube's claim to the title of the best rapper and tells him to let someone else take the spotlight. She also calls out his use of derogatory language towards women.
Ah Miss Yo-Yo so what gives
I hear females always talkin about women's lib
Well get your own crib
And stay there
Instead of having more babies for the welfare
Cause if you don't I'll label you a gold digger
The name is Ice Cube you know that I ain't the nigga
For you to look at when your hair get nappy
So take a piece of the pole and be happy
Ice Cube attacks Yo-Yo for advocating for women's rights and accuses her of being a welfare queen who has children for money. He also insults her appearance and belittles her again.
Without us your hand would be your best friend
So give us credit like you know you should
If I don't look good you don't look good
Ice Cube acknowledges that men need women but also makes sure to assert his dominance and control over them.
This is a man's world thank you very much
But it wouldn't be a damn thing without a woman's touch
Ice Cube contradicts himself by acknowledging that women are important while still asserting male dominance.
Man women I put a lot of fear in em
Cause I had it up to here with em
Drink a beer with em
No way cause I can only deal with em about an hour every day
Yeah if you know what I mean baby
Ice Cube is frustrated with women and can only tolerate them for a limited time. He also belittles them by implying they are only worth spending time with while drinking beer.
Well I guess now that I think about it I think maybe
If you was more of a man instead of faking it
Women deserve the credit when they're making it
Yeah so what's the problem
Ice Cube concedes that women deserve credit for their achievements but still criticizes Yo-Yo for not being more like a man.
You're kinda dope but you still can't fade me
So what up then
Girl what you tryin to do
To prove a black woman like me can bring the funk through
Yo-Yo challenges Ice Cube to a musical battle, asserting her ability as a female rapper to compete with him.
Or a big butt...
Ice Cube ends the song with a crude and sexist remark, reducing women to their physical attributes.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES BROWN, BETTY JEAN NEWSOME, ANTHONY (PKA SIR JINX) WHEATON, O'SHEA JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mighty Raccoon
Being able to show both sides of the gender argument while remaining entertaining is amazing. This is definitely one of Cube’s under rated tracks.
Sharcodile
I hate when I try to look this song up, and I get a million different songs with the similar name. It’s like people don’t be repping this song, one of the most badass male/female Collabs
f4Andrew7
If the one thats made by James brown that's probably what influenced this song
f4Andrew7
It's even sampled in the break
Galvatron over 9000
It’s easy for me I type ice cube mama world it’s easy
james moore
this song is hilarious. love it.
JustJ
Ice Cube always been one of the funniest rappers to me, and he does it without making a joke of his music like a lot of funny rappers.
Isaiah Romero
This is such a subversive track and I love it, I love oldschool rap but don't necessarily love the misogyny, and this track is a much needed different perspective on a classic but also very misogynistic record
Devin Svennson
It's satirical. We need songs like this today.
amogus sussy
bro the criticism goes both ways