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.
My Summer Vacation
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Departing from Los Angeles final destination to St. Louis
Thank you
Damn G the spot's gettin' hot
So how the fuck am I supposed to make a knot?
Police looking at niggas through a microscope
In L.A. everybody and they momma sell dope
So what the fuck can I do to make a profit?
Catch a flight to St. Louis
That's cool, cause nobody knew us
We stepped off the plane
Four gang bangers, professional crack slangers
Rented a car at wholesale
Drove to the ghetto, and checked in a motel
Unpacked and I grab the three-eighty
Cause where we stayin', niggas look shady
But they can't fade South Central
Cause bustin' a cap is fundamental
Checkin' out every block close
Seein' which one will clock the most
Yeah this is the one no doubt
Bust a you Bone, and let's clear these niggaz out
Hey hey man, whats up nigga?
Yo, well this Lench Mob nigga!
Now clearin' 'em out meant casualties
Still had the L.A. mentality
Bust a cap, and out of there in a hurry
Wouldn't you know, a driveby in Missouri
Them fools got popped
Took their corner next day, set up shop
And it's better than slangin' in the Valley
Triple the profit makin' more than I did in Cali
Breakin' off rocks like Barney Rubble
Cause them mark-ass niggas don't want trouble
And we ain't on edge when we do work
Police don't recognize the khakis and the sweatshirts
Getting bitches and they can't stand a
Nineteen-ninety-one Tony Montana
Now the shit's like a war
Of gang violence, where it was never seen before
Punks whirl when the gat bust
Four jheri curl niggas kickin' up dust
And some of them are even lookin' up to us
Wearing our colors and talkin' that gang fuss
Giving up much love
Dyin' for a street, that they ain't even heard of
But other motherfuckers want to stand strong
So you know the phrase, once again it's on
Top of the news tonight, gangs from South Central
Los Angeles which are known for their driveby shootings
Have migrated into East St. Louis
Leaving three dead and two others injured
No arrests have been made
Police say this is a nationwide trend
With similar incidents occurring in Texas, Michigan, and Oklahoma
"If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere")
Boom, my homie got shot he's a goner black
St. Louis niggas want they corner back
Shooting in snowy weather
It's illegal business, niggas still can't stick together
Fuckin' police got the four-one-one
That L.A. ain't all, surf and sun
But we ain't thinkin', bout the boys
Feudin', like the Hatfields and McCoys
Now the shit's gettin' tricky
Cause now they lookin' for the colors and the khakis
Damn, the spot's gettin' hot from the battle
About to pack up and start slangin' in Seattle
But the NARC's, raid about six in the morning
Try to catch a nigga while he's yawnin'
Put his glock to my chest as I paused
Went to jail in my motherfuckin' drawers
Tryin' to give me, fifty-seven years
Face'll be full of those tattooed tears
It's the same old story and the same old nigga stuck
And the public defender ain't givin' a fuck
The fool must be sparkin'
Talkin' about a double life plea bargain
You got to deal with the Crips and Bloods by hand G
Plus the Black Guerilla family
And the white pride don't like Northside
And it's a riot if any one of us die
No parole or probation
Now this is a young man's summer vacation
No chance for rehabilitation
Cause look at the motherfuckin' years that I'm facin'
I'ma end it like this cause you know what's up
My life is fucked
The lyrics for Ice Cube's "My Summer Vacation" depict the life of a young man who is involved in drug dealing in Los Angeles. He faces the police scrutiny every day as it is known that everyone in the city, including his own mother, is selling drugs. The singer is trying to make a profit, but the police are always watching. His answer is to move to St. Louis with his gang, where everyone is an unknown. They rent a cheap room and start selling drugs on a street corner, making triple the profit they would in L.A.
But as they settle in and become more established, they begin to attract attention from the local gangs. A drive-by shooting leaves them with a casualty, and tensions escalate from there. They can't keep operating in peace. A raid by the police leads to a long prison sentence for the singer. The song shows the harsh realities of drugs and gang life, as well as the flawed criminal justice system that disproportionately affects young black men.
"My Summer Vacation" is a song from Ice Cube's 1991 album "Death Certificate." The song is a critical commentary on the negative consequences of the war on drugs and the perpetuation of gang violence in low-income communities.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the final boarding call for flight 1259
Announcement for a flight departing Los Angeles for St. Louis
Damn G the spot's gettin' hot
The streets are becoming increasingly dangerous
So how the fuck am I supposed to make a knot?
How can I earn money with this level of danger?
Police looking at niggas through a microscope
Police scrutiny is at an all-time high
In L.A. everybody and they momma sell dope
Drug-dealing is rampant in Los Angeles
They trying to stop it
Efforts are being made to curb drug-dealing
So what the fuck can I do to make a profit?
How can I continue to make money despite heightened police presence?
Catch a flight to St. Louis
Travel to a new location where nobody knows me
That's cool, cause nobody knew us
Going to a new place offers anonymity
We stepped off the plane
Arrival in St. Louis
Four gang bangers, professional crack slangers
The singer and his associates are experienced drug-dealers
Rented a car at wholesale
Renting a car inexpensively
Drove to the ghetto, and checked in a motel
Checked into a motel in a poverty-stricken area
Unpacked and I grab the three-eighty
The singer has a weapon to protect himself
Cause where we stayin', niggas look shady
The surroundings are dangerous
But they can't fade South Central
The artist's hometown of South Central Los Angeles is still superior
Cause bustin' a cap is fundamental
Using violence is necessary
Checkin' out every block close
Surveying the area for potential business opportunities
Seein' which one will clock the most
Locating the most profitable location to sell drugs
Yeah this is the one no doubt
Successfully found the most profitable location
Bust a you Bone, and let's clear these niggaz out
Initiating a violent confrontation with other drug dealers
Hey hey man, whats up nigga?
Interacting with another gang member
Yo, well this Lench Mob nigga!
Proud affiliation with a specific group
Now clearin' 'em out meant casualties
Violence resulted in fatalities
Still had the L.A. mentality
Relied on a violent mentality despite being in a new city
Bust a cap, and out of there in a hurry
Using violence and quick escape tactics
Wouldn't you know, a driveby in Missouri
An incident of violence occurred in St. Louis
Them fools got popped
Other drug dealers were killed
Took their corner next day, set up shop
Taking over a profitable drug-dealing area
And it's better than slangin' in the Valley
Earning more profits than in Los Angeles
Triple the profit makin' more than I did in Cali
Earning three times the profits than in California
Breakin' off rocks like Barney Rubble
Breaking up drugs to sell to customers
Cause them mark-ass niggas don't want trouble
Avoiding confrontations with customers
And we ain't on edge when we do work
Confident while conducting drug deals
Police don't recognize the khakis and the sweatshirts
Blending in with the local fashion culture to avoid detection
Getting bitches and they can't stand a
Attracting women despite being a criminal
Nineteen-ninety-one Tony Montana
Compared to the ruthless and successful character from the movie "Scarface"
Now the shit's like a war
Increased violence in the area
Of gang violence, where it was never seen before
Gang violence spreading to new locations
Punks whirl when the gat bust
Others running away when violence occurs
Four jheri curl niggas kickin' up dust
Criminal associates causing trouble
And some of them are even lookin' up to us
Gaining respect from others in the criminal world
Wearing our colors and talkin' that gang fuss
Proudly representing the gang and talking about criminal activity
Giving up much love
Receiving praise and respect
Dyin' for a street, that they ain't even heard of
Dying for the gang's reputation and territory
But other motherfuckers want to stand strong
Other gangs are resisting the artist's gang's expansion
So you know the phrase, once again it's on
Preparing for more violence and confrontation
Top of the news tonight, gangs from South Central
News report about gangs from South Central Los Angeles
Los Angeles which are known for their driveby shootings
Gang violence in Los Angeles is commonly carried out with driveby shootings
Have migrated into East St. Louis
Gangs have moved into the city of East St. Louis
Leaving three dead and two others injured
Recent gang violence caused fatalities and injuries
No arrests have been made
Police have not caught the perpetrators of the recent violence
Police say this is a nationwide trend
Police notice gang violence spreading to new areas
With similar incidents occurring in Texas, Michigan, and Oklahoma
Violent incidents occur in multiple different states
"If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere"
Gang violence can occur in any area
Boom, my homie got shot he's a goner black
A friend of the artist was fatally shot
St. Louis niggas want they corner back
Violence from other gangs is occurring
Shooting in snowy weather
Violence occurring despite inclement weather
It's illegal business, niggas still can't stick together
Criminals still have difficulty working toward common goals
Fuckin' police got the four-one-one
Police have inside information about criminal activity
That L.A. ain't all, surf and sun
Los Angeles is not a perfect paradise like it's portrayed in media
But we ain't thinkin', bout the boys
Not considering the police
Feudin', like the Hatfields and McCoys
Similar to a long-lasting family feud
Now the shit's gettin' tricky
Situation is becoming more complicated
Cause now they lookin' for the colors and the khakis
Police are looking for clothing that associates the artist with the gang
Damn, the spot's gettin' hot from the battle
Dangerous situation is getting worse
About to pack up and start slangin' in Seattle
Moving to a new city to continue drug-dealing
But the NARC's, raid about six in the morning
Police raid occurs early in the morning
Try to catch a nigga while he's yawnin'
Police attempt to catch the artist by surprise
Put his glock to my chest as I paused
Police have the upper hand in a physical confrontation
Went to jail in my motherfuckin' drawers
Arrested with no time to put on clothing
Tryin' to give me, fifty-seven years
Facing a lengthy prison sentence
Face'll be full of those tattooed tears
Expecting to cry in prison and receive more tattoos
It's the same old story and the same old nigga stuck
Succumbing to a common fate for people involved in criminal activity
And the public defender ain't givin' a fuck
Facing difficulties receiving legal aid
The fool must be sparkin'
The lawyer's suggestion is foolish
Talkin' about a double life plea bargain
The lawyer's offered plea bargain is not helpful
You got to deal with the Crips and Bloods by hand G
An intimidating outlook for prison life
Plus the Black Guerilla family
Facing opposition from a particular gang in prison
And the white pride don't like Northside
Facing racism in prison
And it's a riot if any one of us die
The dangerous and violent nature of prison
No parole or probation
Facing an extended prison sentence with no possibility of early release
Now this is a young man's summer vacation
This lifestyle is a young person's only opportunity to live freely
No chance for rehabilitation
No opportunity to reform or improve one's situation
Cause look at the motherfuckin' years that I'm facin'
Facing a long sentence in prison
I'ma end it like this cause you know what's up
Concluding the song with a pessimistic outlook
My life is fucked
Summarizing the overall hopelessness of the singer's situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: O'shea Jackson, Garry Marshall Shider, David L. Spradley, George Jr. Clinton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AWAC12-12-70
Dying over a street they never heard of...one of the most truthful and potent lines in hip hop
Abraham Palmer
Facts
Midwest hoods
Kinda like how LA does about a Chicago street named Blackstone, an Chicago got a gang called the black p stones that the bloods represents as black p stone bloods.
Hadley Ringer. Sr
If you think people in St. Louis are dying over a street in LA. You don't know STL for nothing
Midwest hoods
@Hadley Ringer. Sr Do st Louis even have they own home grown gangs, or just LA an Chicago?
Prince Zane
@Midwest hoods STL do have their own gangs.
Charles Muhammad
In my opinion, one of the greatest story telling tracks of all-time.
Louis
Once upon a time in the projects is great too
Barry Lumsden
I agree. Really nice story but Cube is no drug dealing gangster. Lyrical genius/legend
victory101
Also ice -t six in morning and midnight tracks some awsome story telling