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.
Only in California
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Speak on it my nigga, speak on it (and my heat go)
[Chorus]
Only in California
Where niggas pull heat and run up on ya (get your grind on)
Only in California (California)
Where niggas pull heat and run up ya (run up on ya)
Ice Cube the motherfucking don
Snoop Doggy Dogg a.k.a. The Doggfather
Mack 10 alias the Chicken Hawk
Gangstas with rules
Cause you'se the niggas with no rules
Ain't got nothing to lose, we got everything to lose
Threw his ass in, he feel the fin of the barracuda
I negotiate Mack is the shooter
You the nigga on the journey strapped to this gurney
We break breads with accountants and attorneys
Currency never worry me (never)
Who's got the balls to murder me
Degree higher than a 33
Tell em what you drank (Hennessy)
Never tell em what you thinking
Never tell em where the body stinking
Fuck Lincoln, fuck Jackson, banking Franklin what you thanking
Hope your man come with the ransom
Let me see you dance on, no longer handsome
If you don't drop off than walk off, watch him, watch him
[Chorus]
[Snoop Doggy Dogg]
Them west coast niggas is real set trippas
Will get you for them zippers, on a quest for them chippas
Sliding while we riding, not even hitting switches
Hanging at the high school getting at them young bitches
I got the dove sacks, homies love that (who got the bud)
Where the bud at, hollering at my big homeboy who fresh out
Hanging at my grand mama house, homie burnt out
What you gonna do when you get out of jail (speak on it)
I'm gonna have some fun
What do you consider fun a ounce and about five hun
So I put him on a move that I know about
Hooked him with a home girl from the South (good looking out)
Money made, plug a player in the game
Especially when he represent the same thing I claim
Damn they don't make niggas like they used to
That's probably why I keep a tight grip on my deuce deuce (that's real)
Cause everybody wanna be a star
In the city of dope, a.k.a. caviar
[Chorus]
[Mack 10]
What have we a house full of cavi (no stress)
Well known riders from different sides of the West
Got the hi-zoes licking up so hard we sticking up niggas
Tired of the bullshit so we clicken up
Nigga please we ain't tripping off C's and B's
It's the West side Connect with the DPG's
For the cheese we jab with the gift of the gab
Always capping, Mack, Cube and Snoop rapping
Now how did that happen it's all good (fool)
So peep game If you could
Snoop be from Long Beach and I be from Inglewood
Now you despise cause it came to yo surprise
Two well known enemies now becoming allies
In Californ-I-A we parlay the G way
Some wear red and black and some sport blue and gray
So gangsta's don't dance we hang boogie and bang
So it's the Westside Connect with the Dogg Pound Gang
[Chorus]
[Ice Cube]
There we have it, Ice motherfucking Cube
The big fish, rolling with the atomic dog
Snoop Doggy Dogg, down with the ring leader
Mack motherfucking 10, coming back once again
Nigga we make and spend nigga
And my heat goes boom boom boom boom boom boom
In "Only In California" by Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Mack 10, the trio raps about the unique lifestyle and dangers of living in California. The hook of the song reiterates the idea that only in California will people pull out guns and attack someone, highlighting the violence that can occur within the state. The rappers hold up their reputation as west coast gangsters, enforcing their set of rules and reminding listeners that they have everything to lose. The lyrics portray the trio's experience of going to any lengths necessary to protect their interests and live on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Speak on it my nigga, speak on it (and my heat go)
Ice Cube encourages Snoop Dogg and Mack 10 to speak their minds as he is ready to defend them with his gun.
Only in California
The following lyrics describe events that can only occur in California.
Where niggas pull heat and run up on ya (get your grind on)
In California, people carry guns and may attack others without provocation.
Ice Cube the motherfucking don
Ice Cube is a respected and powerful figure in California.
Snoop Doggy Dogg a.k.a. The Doggfather
Snoop Dogg is a well-known rapper and leader in the California rap scene.
Mack 10 alias the Chicken Hawk
Mack 10 is known for his aggressive and confrontational attitude.
Gangstas with rules
Although they are gangsters, they have some moral code.
Cause you'se the niggas with no rules
Others, who do not have any moral code, are unpredictable and may cause problems.
Ain't got nothing to lose, we got everything to lose
They have achieved success through their music and, therefore, have a lot to lose.
Threw his ass in, he feel the fin of the barracuda
They engage in brutal and violent acts.
I negotiate Mack is the shooter
Mack 10 is the one who carries out the violent acts in their group.
You the nigga on the journey strapped to this gurney
California is a dangerous place where anyone, even those who thought they were safe, can become a victim of violence.
We break breads with accountants and attorneys
They have attained a level of financial success and have surrounded themselves with professionals who can help protect them.
Currency never worry me (never)
Their money is not important to them.
Who's got the balls to murder me
They know that they are vulnerable and wonder who would be daring enough to try and kill them.
Degree higher than a 33
They are highly intelligent and educated.
Tell em what you drank (Hennessy)
They enjoy drinking Hennessy.
Never tell em what you thinking
They maintain a tough exterior and do not reveal their true feelings or thoughts.
Never tell em where the body stinking
They have killed before and do not want anyone to know the location of the bodies.
Fuck Lincoln, fuck Jackson, banking Franklin what you thanking
They are not concerned with the historical figures displayed on money, only its value.
Hope your man come with the ransom
If someone is kidnapped, they hope that the ransom is paid without issue.
Let me see you dance on, no longer handsome
If someone does not meet their demands, they will execute them.
If you don't drop off than walk off, watch him, watch him
If someone does not comply with their demands, they will keep a close eye on them.
Them west coast niggas is real set trippas
People from the West Coast of California are known for causing trouble and fighting.
Will get you for them zippers, on a quest for them chippas
They will rob people for their money and valuables.
Sliding while we riding, not even hitting switches
They are cruising through the city in their car without changing the radio station.
Hanging at the high school getting at them young bitches
They pursue relationships with young women who are still in high school.
I got the dove sacks, homies love that (who got the bud)
They have marijuana, and their friends appreciate it.
Where the bud at, hollering at my big homeboy who fresh out
They inquire about marijuana availability with their friend who was recently released from jail.
Hanging at my grand mama house, homie burnt out
They can often be found at their grandmother's house burning marijuana.
What you gonna do when you get out of jail (speak on it)
They want to know what their friend's plans are once he is released from jail.
I'm gonna have some fun
Their friend intends to enjoy himself once he is out of jail.
What do you consider fun a ounce and about five hun
Their friend considers smoking marijuana and spending money to be fun.
So I put him on a move that I know about
They offer their friend a way to make money.
Hooked him with a home girl from the South (good looking out)
They introduce their friend to a woman from the southern part of the country who can assist in their plan.
Money made, plug a player in the game
They successfully make money and add a new member (their friend) to their crew.
Especially when he represent the same thing I claim
Their friend is now part of their group and represents the same lifestyle.
Damn they don't make niggas like they used to
People today are not as tough and capable as they were in the past.
That's probably why I keep a tight grip on my deuce deuce (that's real)
They keep a small handgun with them constantly as a precaution.
Cause everybody wanna be a star
Many people aspire to become famous and successful like them.
In the city of dope, a.k.a. caviar
In California, everyone is trying to make money and live a luxurious lifestyle.
What have we a house full of cavi (no stress)
They have achieved financial success and can afford luxurious items like caviar without stress or worry.
Well known riders from different sides of the West
They are known in different parts of the West Coast.
Got the hi-zoes licking up so hard we sticking up niggas
They have a group of supporters who will do anything for them, even commit crimes.
Tired of the bullshit so we clicken up
They are fed up with nonsense and have formed a group for protection.
Nigga please we ain't tripping off C's and B's
They do not care about gang affiliations.
It's the West side Connect with the DPG's
They are part of a larger network of West Coast gangs known as the DPGs.
For the cheese we jab with the gift of the gab
They use their wit and charm to secure money.
Always capping, Mack, Cube and Snoop rapping
They frequently perform and rap together.
Now how did that happen it's all good (fool)
They are surprised by their unlikely friendship but content with it.
So peep game If you could
They advise others to take note of their success.
Snoop be from Long Beach and I be from Inglewood
They are from different parts of California.
Now you despise cause it came to yo surprise
Others are jealous of their success and are surprised by their friendship.
Two well known enemies now becoming allies
They had previously been considered rivals but have joined together.
In Californ-I-A we parlay the G way
In California, they conduct themselves in a gangster-like manner.
Some wear red and black and some sport blue and gray
Different gangs in California are known for wearing different colors.
So gangsta's don't dance we hang boogie and bang
They do not dance, but rather, hang out and engage in gang activities.
There we have it, Ice motherfucking Cube
This the end of the song and a reference to Ice Cube himself.
The big fish, rolling with the atomic dog
Ice Cube is a powerful figure in California and is associated with Snoop Dogg.
Snoop Doggy Dogg, down with the ring leader
Snoop Dogg is a leader in the rap scene and is closely affiliated with Ice Cube.
Mack motherfucking 10, coming back once again
Mack 10 is a popular rapper who is making a comeback.
Nigga we make and spend nigga
They earn and spend a lot of money.
And my heat goes boom boom boom boom boom boom
They have a gun and are prepared to use it if necessary.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, ADAM KEEFE HOROVITZ, JOSEPH WARD SIMMONS, DARRYL MATTHEWS MCDANIELS, RICK RUBIN, PRIEST J. BROOKS, CALVIN CORDAZOR BROADUS, DEDRICK D'MON ROLISON, DELMAR DREW ARNAUD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Semi AUStral Ants
Threw his ass in, he feel the fin of the barracuda
I negotiate Mack is the shooter
You the nigga on the journey strapped to this gurney
We break breads with accountants and attorneys
Currency never worry me (never)
Who's got the balls to murder me
Degree higher than a 33
Tell em what you drank (Hennessy)
Never tell em what you thinking
Never tell em where the body stinking
Fuck Lincoln, fuck Jackson, banking Franklin what you thanking
Hope your man come with the ransom
Let me see you dance on, no longer handsome
If you don't drop off than walk off, watch him, watch him
Pinned Butterfly
This was my favorite song when I was like 11. Shit still holds up!
RayBanWearinDog
Lol why was I thinking the same thing, this was one my favorites when I was like 12
gully1983
My favorite when I was 14. Holy shit we're getting old lol.
Shooters gotta shoot
"Still holds up" bruh this shit BANG FUC YO NEW GEN RAPPERS LMAO
jeffery hawkins
Snoop killed it!!!!
Aaron Strickland
jeffery hawkins He always do!
john smith
June 2020 still be banging this. Ride may have changed but real rap never has. Am i right 👍
AboutThatLIFE
TWOTHOUSANDTWENTYMUTHAFUCKINTHR33
JEB BRAMBLETT
When rap music was rap music.
Kush The Greatest #MOB
Forreal