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.
Pushin' Weight
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blaze one for the nation
Brr
Brr
Brr
I got lyrics that wake up spirits
They told me how to make big hits and spend digits
You fed you dead see red
My lead yo head I fed
Like you shit
I got rhymes push that shit like weight
My nigga Lincoln help me navigate
Through this hate retaliate it's official
I got that bomb, bomb, diddy, diddy, diddy, bomb, bomb
When I hit you
Push the issue
My ghetto dope is amazin'
The bitch that's with you already know that I'm blazin'
That's by the number, we can slumber, on the under
Girl no wonder, you got a ass full of thunder
The frozen Tundra ain't cold enough
And baby ain't old enough
For this game I'm rollin' up
De-zamn it feels good to be the don
Straight legit, while niggas like Gotti just sit
[Chorus: x4]
A yeah yeah
I push rhymes like weight
I push rhymes like weight
I hold zone like a Corleone
No more fuckin' with that homegrown
Hit the shit we on
The rolleo's and the baguettes
You still fuckin' with them faggots
We turn haters into maggots
Oak on the dash, but no coke on the hash
You broke ass niggas learn to mash, like me
Constantly, put the hustle down
With four or five niggas that's musclebound
Send your head to the taxidermist
Won't be satisfied, till I get my face on a thermos
You got to earn this, you can't take it
Can't fake it, got to live it, or we gots to visit
Who is it, the exquisite, Don Mega
Walkin with my entourage, I think I'm better, makin' chedder
You see me sag in my Jag, with the rag recognize the flag
You better get back, everybody want to do it like me
I got it made, been makin' rap money since the tenth grade
(Ch-ching)
(since the tenth grade)
(Ch-ching)
(What you need)
[Chorus: x4]
I keeps a firm grip on my shit when in transit
Uncandid, it's the young bandit
Fresh out the trenches, the wood works
City of the Tempeon, where the hoods lurk
In search of the rich blocks, to lick spots, and kick rocks
From shattered glass, down the pig locks
Want tips by the clock
You niggas scramblin' for fouyan
And settle for crumbs and croutons
I'm out for armored bucks and armored trucks, with armed killers
Bitch niggas get swallowed by the armadillos
Ain't no harmin' me, the army full honorary niggas you can't see
So while you pace bitches and Saturn's livin' jenky
I hangs with niggas who got patterns on they hankey
After Ben Frankeys, with the big skullen eyes
You niggas bound and nullified
Sit back and mine stack it multiply
[Repeat: x2]
A yeah yeah
I push rhymes like weight
I push rhymes like weight
[Repeat: x2]
A yeah yeah
I push rhymes like weight
I push rhymes like weight
Ask about me
Worldwide baby
Worldwide baby (A yeah yeah)
Ice Cube makin' more money in the rap game
Than some of you can (A yeah yeah) with a bird in your hand
Puttin' it down
We wanted in fifty states for this weight
(A yeah yeah)
Pushin' rhymes like weight
Pushin' rhymes like weight
(A yeah yeah)
Yeah, blaze one for the nation
(A yeah yeah)
You know my name
You know my name
(A yeah yeah)
You know my name
Yeah, some of you fools just got in it
And think you gonna change the game
You ain't changin' nothin'
I been doin' this, I been doin' this
Ask about me
Ask about me
The song Pushin' Weight by rapper Ice Cube is all about his pride in his ability to write clever, insightful lyrics that resonate with his fans. He describes how his lyrics are so powerful that they can “wake up spirits” and advises listeners to “push the issue” when they feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. The chorus repeats the line “I push rhymes like weight” which is an analogy to the drug trade and refers to Ice Cube's talent for making a hit song.
Ice Cube also touches on themes of hustle, power, and violence in this song. He raps about his success in the rap game and how he is “pushing weight” financially. He talks about his wealth and the luxury cars he drives, while also dropping hints about his involvement in illegal activity. He describes himself as the “Don” and says he's “straight legit” while calling out other rappers for being “faggots” and posing with guns they don't have the guts to use.
Overall, Pushin' Weight is a song about Ice Cube's pride in his success and his talent as a rapper. It's filled with his signature tough-guy swagger and boasts about his financial success and influence in the industry. It's also a reminder that Ice Cube is one of the most talented lyricists in the rap world and that he's still pushing the boundaries of the genre even after all these years.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah
Exclamation of agreement or affirmation
Blaze one for the nation
Smoke marijuana for the good of the country
Brr
Onomatopoeic sound of a gun loading or being cocked
I got lyrics that wake up spirits
My lyrics are spiritually powerful and awakening
They told me how to make big hits and spend digits
My mentors taught me to create popular music and spend large amounts of money
Can you dig it?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
You fed you dead see red
If you hesitate or show weakness, you will be attacked and killed
My lead yo head I fed
I will give orders and you must follow them, or suffer consequences
Like you shit
As easily as defecating
I got rhymes push that shit like weight
My rhymes are valuable and I promote them vigorously
My nigga Lincoln help me navigate
My associate named Lincoln helps me stay on track
Through this hate retaliate it's official
In the face of hatred, we will strike back and make it known publicly
I got that bomb, bomb, diddy, diddy, diddy, bomb, bomb
I have powerful and impressive music
When I hit you push the issue
When I confront you, you better resist or there will be problems
My ghetto dope is amazin'
My music is amazing and comes from my difficult background
The bitch that's with you already know that I'm blazin'
Your female companion is aware of my greatness and talent
That's by the number, we can slumber, on the under
We follow rules and can rest quietly without attracting attention
Girl no wonder, you got a ass full of thunder
Your large buttocks are easily noticeable and impressive
The frozen Tundra ain't cold enough
Even the coldest and harshest environment would not deter me
And baby ain't old enough
Even young children can recognize my greatness
For this game I'm rollin' up
I am taking control of this industry
De-zamn it feels good to be the don
I feel great being at the top of my profession
Straight legit, while niggas like Gotti just sit
I am respectable and follow the law, while others are idle or involved in criminal activity
A yeah yeah
Exclamation of agreement or affirmation
I push rhymes like weight
I promote my rhymes like valuable goods
I hold zone like a Corleone
I control my territory and act like a powerful mafia boss
No more fuckin' with that homegrown
I don't deal with low quality or amateur products
Hit the shit we on
Try the product we are promoting
The rolleo's and the baguettes
We have expensive and valuable items to show off
You still fuckin' with them faggots
You are still dealing with inferior or untrustworthy people
We turn haters into maggots
We defeat and humiliate those who oppose us
Oak on the dash, but no coke on the hash
We have luxury items but we do not engage in illegal activities
You broke ass niggas learn to mash, like me
You poor people should learn to work hard like I did
Constantly, put the hustle down
Continue to work hard and hustle
With four or five niggas that's musclebound
I have strong and capable associates
Send your head to the taxidermist
We will defeat you and display your head as a trophy
Won't be satisfied, till I get my face on a thermos
I am not satisfied with being merely successful, I need more recognition and fame
You got to earn this, you can't take it
You must work hard and deserve success, it cannot be stolen or taken without effort
Can't fake it, got to live it, or we gots to visit
You must genuinely live and experience something or we will forcefully show you how it is done
Who is it, the exquisite, Don Mega
I am the exceptional and impressive Don Mega
Walkin with my entourage, I think I'm better, makin' chedder
I am surrounded by my group and feel superior, making a lot of money
You see me sag in my Jag, with the rag recognize the flag
You see me in my Jaguar car, wearing a rag, showing off my affiliations
You better get back, everybody want to do it like me
You should back away since everyone wants to copy my style and success
I got it made, been makin' rap money since the tenth grade
I am easily sustaining myself by making money from rap music since a young age
(Ch-ching)
Onomatopoeic sound of a cash register
(since the tenth grade)
Referring back to making money since a young age
(What you need)
Asking what someone wants or needs
I keeps a firm grip on my shit when in transit
I hold onto my valuable items tightly when traveling
Uncandid, it's the young bandit
I am a dishonest criminal
Fresh out the trenches, the wood works
I am recently out of a difficult situation and now flourishing
City of the Tempeon, where the hoods lurk
I live in a dangerous city where criminals hide
In search of the rich blocks, to lick spots, and kick rocks
I am looking for wealthy areas to target and steal from, and will leave quickly when necessary.
From shattered glass, down the pig locks
I will break windows and fences to gain entry to a place
Want tips by the clock
I want money by any means necessary
You niggas scramblin' for fouyan
You people are struggling for scraps
And settle for crumbs and croutons
You are accepting of the little that you have
I'm out for armored bucks and armored trucks, with armed killers
I am aiming for a lot of money and protection, with help from violent associates
Bitch niggas get swallowed by the armadillos
Weak and cowardly people are punished and defeated by nature or other forces
Ain't no harmin' me, the army full honorary niggas you can't see
No one can hurt me, I have a secret army of loyal supporters
So while you pace bitches and Saturn's livin' jenky
While you are wasting time living a mediocre lifestyle
I hangs with niggas who got patterns on they hankey
I associate with people who have achieved high levels of success and display their wealth
After Ben Frankeys, with the big skullen eyes
After earning one hundred dollar bills, showing off my wealth
You niggas bound and nullified
You people are silenced and defeated
Sit back and mine stack it multiply
Relax and let my money grow and multiply
Ask about me
Inquire about my reputation and success
Worldwide baby
My influence and success extends all over the world
Ice Cube makin' more money in the rap game
I am earning more money through my music than many other rappers
Than some of you can (A yeah yeah) with a bird in your hand
I am making more money than some people could even dream of
Puttin' it down
Showing off my success and achievements
We wanted in fifty states for this weight
My product is desired in every state because it is valuable and high quality
Pushin' rhymes like weight
Promoting my lyrics like valuable goods
Yeah, some of you fools just got in it
Some of you are new to this industry and don't know what you're getting into
And think you gonna change the game
But you believe you can revolutionize the industry
You ain't changin' nothin'
You won't make any big changes - I already have control and success
I been doin' this, I been doin' this
I have been successful in this industry for a long time
Ask about me
Inquire about my reputation and success
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, JOSEPH JOHNSON, LIONEL, JR. "SHORT KHOP" HUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GLEECED
My mom had this CD I remember listening to it when she wasn’t around 🤣
@eldridgedyson
😡"GleeCed gitCHO azz inYea...who tf scratched my 💿?"🤣😂
@bingload
So funny your mom is bumping gangster stuff, she's probly my age. I never thought about our kids listening to this, it's so great
@carinarosales6899
Your momma has great taste
@shaileshmaskare1
i had the CD since HS soo classic
@batmanjones8708
One of the best rappers who ever touched the mic
@marsharoberts4938
CORRECTION!! THEE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!
@TraffickingInsights
Second best of NWA. Tip of the fedora to you sir
@EdDaBawsh
@@TraffickingInsights who's the 1st??
@bardock1415
@Dac Tucker 😂i sell rhymes like weight