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.
Rollin' Wit The Lench Mob
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
First I load the clip and then I make the hit
I know some y'all can't fade this
Lench Mob niggas are the craziest
So you and your boys are ass out
When I'm rollin' in a seven deuce glass house
The Mob ain't nothing but a menace
When we get the motherfucking dog in us
I'm pouring out some of my beer for my homies
Ready to peel your cap
You can't believe "Faces of Death" on wax
Some say the Mob ain't positive
Man fuck that shit cause I gots to live
How I live and you could either give a fuck punk
Yo or get your ass bucked
Some rappers are heaven-sent
But Self-Destruction don't pay the fucking rent
So you can either sell dope or get your ass a job
I'd rather roll it wit the Lench Mob
To be down with the Mob is simple
Mind your own you want a spot find your own
And take mine if you're badder than the strong man
I do the right thing I do the wrong thing
Do anything cause I ain't faking the scene
It's all about how much bacon you bring
And if you see something from the gat I will stuff it
Yo you ain't seen nothing
Cause if you testify you're living blind
Cause in the city you live and let die
Rolling with the fools One Time can't beat
On my knees in the street interlock my hands and feet
He said "I know you" I said "you might
My name is Ice Cube I did a song you didn't like"
So he soaked me up like Bounty
Had to do a week in the county
A piece of cake it was just like a party
Cause in the county you know everybody
No I didn't kill or steal or rob
Locked up for what cause I'm rollin wit the Lench Mob
If you know a female that's rollin with the Lench Mob
Watch your step cause the gat is kept
In the purse like my homegirl Yo-Yo
You gotta be down and you can't be a hoe no
Cause if you are I'll be the first one to bust you out
After my crew I'll be the first one to rush you out
Get the picture or bitch
You'll get the eighty-six
If she want to try and mix
Business and pleasure make up your own mind
You gotta be a hoe on your own time
Don't sleep cause even on a solo creep
Yo the Mob is still deep
And we'll play ya just like a nit-wit
You thought you got with the crew you can't get with
So get the noose ready for the lynching
Now 235 is what I'm benching
But nowadays it's still not enough
I got something guaranteed to stop the bum rush
Give me the gat, step back, and watch me do the job
Rolling with the motherfucking Lench Mob
The lyrics to Ice Cube's song Rollin' Wit The Lench Mob depicts the life of the members of the Lench Mob crew, which Ice Cube founded after he left N.W.A. The verses convey the unapologetic attitude of the group towards their gangsta lifestyle, violence, and drug dealing. The lyrics boast about their criminal activities, owning firearms, and their carelessness towards other people's lives. Ice Cube makes it clear that he and the Lench Mob are not interested in conforming to society's expectations of positivity or seeking heaven's reward. Instead, they choose to make a living by any means necessary.
The lyrics also emphasize the fierce loyalty and brotherhood among the Lench Mob members. They stick together no matter what, and outsiders are not allowed to join unless they are ready to prove their worth by being as strong as the rest of the crew. Anyone who breaks the rules is instantly shut out or punished, and women are expected to be loyal and not play games with the group's reputation.
Overall, the lyrics reflect the rough and combative ambiance of the rap community in the late '80s and early '90s, where gangsta rap music gained popularity and was a channel through which young people expressed their anger, protest, survival strategies, and discontents in their harsh living conditions.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't fuck with the criminal rapping over gangsta shit
No one can compete with the raw and honest lyrics delivered over hard-hitting beats by a true street veteran
First I load the clip and then I make the hit
The lyrics are powerful and deadly, much like the loaded gun ready to be fired
I know some y'all can't fade this
I'm aware that some people might not be able to handle the pure and unfiltered reality of the music
Lench Mob niggas are the craziest
The members of my crew are the wildest and most unpredictable people out there
So you and your boys are ass out
If you and your friends try to come at me, you'll be left with nothing but your defeated and humiliated selves
When I'm rollin' in a seven deuce glass house
I'm cruising around in a classic car, a symbol of my hard-earned success
The Mob ain't nothing but a menace
We might seem like troublemakers, but we're just reflecting the harsh realities of our environment
When we get the motherfucking dog in us
When we get pushed too far, we become ferocious and unstoppable
Playing them old beats
We are paying homage to the classic sounds of hip hop and keeping the old-school spirit alive
I'm pouring out some of my beer for my homies
I'm paying respect to my fallen comrades and keeping their memory alive
Ready to peel your cap
We are not afraid to use lethal force if necessary to protect ourselves and our loved ones
You can't believe "Faces of Death" on wax
Our music is not just entertainment, but a reflection of the harsh realities of street life
Some say the Mob ain't positive
Some people criticize us for promoting violence and negative stereotypes
Man fuck that shit cause I gots to live
I don't care about what others think, I'm just trying to survive and make a better life for myself
How I live and you could either give a fuck punk
I'm living my life on my own terms and I don't care about your opinion, punk
Yo or get your ass bucked
Either you respect us or face the consequences
Some rappers are heaven-sent
Some musicians are just naturally gifted and seem to have a positive impact on the world
But Self-Destruction don't pay the fucking rent
As much as we might support positive messages, we still need to make a living and survive
So you can either sell dope or get your ass a job
In this harsh environment, your choices are limited to making money through illegal means or finding a legitimate job
I'd rather roll it wit the Lench Mob
I choose to stay loyal to my crew and face the struggles of the street life together
To be down with the Mob is simple
If you want to join our crew, just mind your own business and prove yourself to be tough and capable
Mind your own you want a spot find your own
Don't expect us to do the hard work for you, you need to earn your spot by yourself
And take mine if you're badder than the strong man
If you're truly stronger and more capable than me, you might be able to take my place
I do the right thing I do the wrong thing
Our actions might not always be ethical or legal, but we do what we need to in order to survive
Do anything cause I ain't faking the scene
I'm being authentic and true to myself, even if it means doing things that might be considered controversial or dangerous
It's all about how much bacon you bring
Your worth in our crew is measured by how much value you can bring and how much money you can make
And if you see something from the gat I will stuff it
If you have a weapon, I will take it from you and use it to protect myself and my crew
Yo you ain't seen nothing
Don't underestimate our skills and determination, you haven't seen the worst of us yet
Cause if you testify you're living blind
If you speak against us, you're putting your own life at risk and might not live to see the consequences
Cause in the city you live and let die
The environment we live in is harsh and unforgiving, and sometimes it's better to just keep your head down and survive
Rolling with the fools One Time can't beat
The police might think they can stop us, but they can't match our strength, unity and determination
On my knees in the street interlock my hands and feet
When faced with a police search, I'm willing to comply and avoid confrontation in order to stay alive
He said "I know you" I said "you might
The police officer recognizes me and my reputation, but I don't feel the need to be confrontational
My name is Ice Cube I did a song you didn't like"
I'm not afraid to speak my mind and challenge authority, even if it might not win me any friends
So he soaked me up like Bounty
The officer took me in for questioning and tried to intimidate me, but I refused to back down
Had to do a week in the county
I had to spend some time in jail for my defiance, but it was a small price to pay for standing up for myself
A piece of cake it was just like a party
Jail is nothing compared to the harsh realities of street life, and I can handle it with ease
Cause in the county you know everybody
Even in jail, I'm able to make connections and find allies who will have my back
No I didn't kill or steal or rob
I might have a reputation as a criminal, but I've never done anything truly heinous or unforgivable
Locked up for what cause I'm rollin wit the Lench Mob
I might be in jail, but it's because I chose to stay loyal to my crew and my values, which are more important to me than my freedom
If you know a female that's rollin with the Lench Mob
If you're associated with us, you need to be careful and know the risks that come with it
Watch your step cause the gat is kept
We always carry weapons with us to protect ourselves and our interests
In the purse like my homegirl Yo-Yo
Even seemingly harmless items like a purse might contain a deadly weapon
You gotta be down and you can't be a hoe no
If you want to be part of our crew, you need to be loyal, competent and not easily intimidated
Cause if you are I'll be the first one to bust you out
If you betray us or show weakness, I will not hesitate to cut you loose and even retaliate
After my crew I'll be the first one to rush you out
I prioritize the safety and well-being of my crew above anyone else, and will defend them fiercely
Get the picture or bitch
Understand the game or face the consequences
You'll get the eighty-six
If you don't shape up, you'll be kicked out or worse
If she want to try and mix
If a woman wants to get involved with us, she needs to know the risks and what's expected of her
Business and pleasure make up your own mind
Decide whether you want to be with us for money, power or personal satisfaction, but understand the risks and consequences
You gotta be a hoe on your own time
Don't bring your personal issues and drama to the crew, and maintain a professional and loyal attitude at all times
Don't sleep cause even on a solo creep
Be vigilant and alert at all times, even when you're alone or think you're safe
Yo the Mob is still deep
Our crew might seem small and insignificant, but we have connections and influence that extend far beyond our immediate circle
And we'll play ya just like a nit-wit
Don't think you can outsmart us, we are cunning and ruthless
You thought you got with the crew you can't get with
Don't think you can just join our crew easily, you need to prove yourself and earn our respect first
So get the noose ready for the lynching
If you cross us, we will not hesitate to take extreme measures to punish you and keep our reputation intact
Now 235 is what I'm benching
I might seem like a small and unassuming person, but I have strength and power that you can't see at first glance
But nowadays it's still not enough
Even with my physical strength and toughness, I still need to stay vigilant and smart in order to survive
I got something guaranteed to stop the bum rush
I have a weapon or plan that will protect me in case of an attack
Give me the gat, step back, and watch me do the job
Give me the weapon, stay out of the way, and let me handle the situation on my own terms
Rolling with the motherfucking Lench Mob
I'm proud to be part of a fierce and loyal crew that supports me no matter what
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEITH BOXLEY, GEORGE CLINTON JR., WILLIAM BOOTSY COLLINS, O'SHEA JACKSON, ERIC SADLER, BERNARD WORRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D Dave
When this album dropped. BANGER!!
Record companies couldn't believe a Artist with no commercials, radio sponsorship, Airplay
debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Platinum in 4 months!
VEGA SHAINNING
Hey Man thats fascinating. Mins sharing a good DOC or? With said behind the scenes of these special albums. Thanks
Sheperd Johnson
Cube is pure fire!! No filter in his lyrics and mean as a rattlesnake!🔥🔥✌️
DJ Smitty 717
Cube was unstoppable in his prime
Joshua Gonzales
Especially rollin with the lench mob
Sean Rankin
Definitely!
John D.
He did step to BDP on this song and almost got his ass lit up.
Disciple of The Way
Yeah Cube took over before Snoop & all them he took the west coast it was his
godloveszaza
@John D. almost
Míchele Cobré
When hip hop was beautiful....