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.
Sic Them Youngins On 'Em
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Punishment
Consequences and repercussions
Understand me
Y'all know what I do
[Hook]
Sic them youngins on 'em
Sic them youngins on 'em
Sic them youngins on 'em
Sic them youngins on 'em
[Verse]
Try to go ham on porky pig
Fucked up boy, that's what you did
Barbed wire, come through, straight your wig
Y'all can't wrestle with the giant squid
Try to get that to the iron fist
Act all green, I'm hot as (???)
Yarn in my hand, no pinky wearing
Godfather, nigga, I pull the strings
Do what I tell'em, buy what I sell'em
Fuck their master, I'm Jim Hanson
See my muppets, they like duckets
Y'all feeling wrong when you see that bucket
Hit that coma, true when I wanna
Get another jar for the organ donor
Ice Cube, nigga, I know better
But you ain't gotta fight
When you got that Cheddar
[Hook]
[Verse]
Try to have beef with a fucking bull
With no teeth I'm about to pull
I'm that dentist about to finish
All the spoils go to the winners
Don't go mad cause my hands are clean
I'm the king, never flee on the scene
Wizard of Oz, if you need a plane
Need a heart? Here's a start!
Don't you worry if you need the courage
Y'all motherfuckers know where you heard it
Gangsta, gangsta, thank me now
rap god nigga, please take a bow
Can't take bullshit from a cow
Don't ask who, I'mma fuck it out
Thirsting howl will get you murdered
Come to the boss if you need some work
Come to the boss if you need some herd
White collar boy, if you check my shit
Get on my sun, get likely burn
Gotta get my boys a pop of dirt
Putting the rap game on the lurp
Fuck with them and I will revert
Back to the old days, back to the old ways
Back to the Ak's fucking up doorways
[Hook]
[Verse]
Try to play chicken with a fucking rooster
Don't you worry, I'm not the shooter
I M A fucking computer, with a whole army of boosters
Nigga got out one piece, five piece, dime piece
Cause my crimmies move like zombies
Wha? Being heads to the 90'
Don't act like you don't know where to find me
Now, if you wanna get by me
Look at all the grinding,
Niggas all behind me
You don't wanna go to war so you start to sing
Can we be friends? Pussy ass niggas by extent
Pray to the God, repent your sins,
Ice Cube ain't like the rest of them
[Hook]
[Verse]
In the song "Sic Them Youngins On 'Em," Ice Cube emphasizes his dominance and power in the rap game. The lyrics convey his ability to control and lead young artists while also warning his enemies about the consequences of crossing him. He mentions wrestling with a giant squid, depicting his strength and ability to conquer any challenge. He also references to Jim Hanson, a well-known puppeteer, implying that he has control over his "muppets," or young rappers.
The chorus "Sic them youngins on 'em" refers to Cube's ability to command his young rappers to attack anyone who challenges him. He uses animalistic imagery to describe his enemies, such as comparing them to a porky pig or a rooster, highlighting their inferiority compared to him. Furthermore, the song talks about Cube's rise to fame and how he emerged as a "Gangsta, Gangsta, rap god" with his unique style and ability to control and lead young rappers.
Line by Line Meaning
Punishment
I'm about to dish out punishment to those who cross me
Consequences and repercussions
Be prepared for the consequences and repercussions of your actions
Understand me
Listen carefully and understand what I'm saying
Y'all know what I do
You're familiar with my style and what I'm capable of
Sic them youngins on 'em
Send in the young ones to handle the situation
Try to go ham on porky pig
You made a foolish move by trying to mess with me
Fucked up boy, that's what you did
You messed up and now you're going to pay for it
Barbed wire, come through, straight your wig
I'm coming at you hard and fast, like barbed wire, and you're going to feel it
Y'all can't wrestle with the giant squid
You're in over your head and can't handle me
Try to get that to the iron fist
You won't be able to get past my tough exterior
Act all green, I'm hot as (???)
You might think you're cool, but I'm the real deal
Yarn in my hand, no pinky wearing
I'm in control and I don't need fancy accessories to prove it
Godfather, nigga, I pull the strings
I'm the boss and I control the situation
Do what I tell'em, buy what I sell'em
My word is the law and you'll do what I say
Fuck their master, I'm Jim Hanson
I don't play by anyone else's rules, I make my own
See my muppets, they like duckets
My people are loyal and follow me without question
Y'all feeling wrong when you see that bucket
You'll know you're in trouble when you see me coming
Hit that coma, true when I wanna
I can hit hard when I need to, but I know when to hold back
Get another jar for the organ donor
You messed with the wrong person and now you're going to pay with your life
Ice Cube, nigga, I know better
I know what I'm doing and I'm not to be messed with
But you ain't gotta fight
You don't have to fight me, just know that I'm in charge
When you got that Cheddar
Money talks and I've got it, so listen up
Try to have beef with a fucking bull
You're attempting to start a fight with someone who's much stronger than you
With no teeth I'm about to pull
Just because I might be weak in one aspect doesn't mean I can't fight back
I'm that dentist about to finish
I'm in control of the situation and I'm about to end it
All the spoils go to the winners
Only the strongest survive and get the rewards
Don't go mad cause my hands are clean
Don't get angry because I'm in control and you can't stop me
I'm the king, never flee on the scene
I'm the leader and I never back down from a challenge
Wizard of Oz, if you need a plane
I'm the one in charge and I can get you what you need
Need a heart? Here's a start!
Need help? I'm here to offer assistance
Don't you worry if you need the courage
I'll give you what you need to succeed
Y'all motherfuckers know where you heard it
Everyone knows who's really in control
Gangsta, gangsta, thank me now
I'm the real deal and you should thank me for showing you
rap god nigga, please take a bow
I'm truly amazing and you should recognize that
Can't take bullshit from a cow
I won't be fooled by anyone
Don't ask who, I'mma fuck it out
I don't care who started this, I'm going to finish it
Thirsting howl will get you murdered
Don't show weakness or you'll be taken down
Come to the boss if you need some work
I'm the one in charge and I can get things done for you
Come to the boss if you need some herd
You can rely on me to lead and guide you
White collar boy, if you check my shit
I might not look tough, but I can handle myself
Get on my sun, get likely burn
Don't mess with me or you'll get burned
Gotta get my boys a pop of dirt
I need to get you out of my way, one way or another
Putting the rap game on the lurp
I'm taking control of the rap game and there's nothing anyone can do about it
Fuck with them and I will revert
If you mess with me or my people, I'll go back to my old ways
Back to the old days, back to the old ways
I'll do whatever it takes to get what I want
Back to the Ak's fucking up doorways
I'll resort to violence if necessary to get what I want
Try to play chicken with a fucking rooster
You're picking a fight with the wrong person
Don't you worry, I'm not the shooter
I don't need to use a gun to take you down
I M A fucking computer, with a whole army of boosters
I'm powerful and unstoppable, with many people standing behind me
Nigga got out one piece, five piece, dime piece
I'm tough and can handle whatever you throw at me
Cause my crimmies move like zombies
My people follow me blindly, without question
Wha? Being heads to the 90'
I'm ahead of the game, always thinking ahead
Don't act like you don't know where to find me
Everyone knows where I am and how to reach me
Now, if you wanna get by me
If you want to get ahead, you'll have to go through me
Look at all the grinding,
I've worked hard to get where I am and I won't give it up easily
Niggas all behind me
My people are loyal and supportive
You don't wanna go to war so you start to sing
You're not strong enough to face me, so you resort to begging and pleading
Can we be friends? Pussy ass niggas by extent
You're weak and pathetic, and I won't be friends with someone like that
Pray to the God, repent your sins,
You're in trouble and you should start praying for forgiveness
Ice Cube ain't like the rest of them
I'm not like other rappers, I'm a force to be reckoned with
Contributed by Daniel P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@SouthCentralChannel
pray to the god, repent your sins, ice cube ain't like the rest of them
@johnmcfirstley6122
SouthCentralChannel definitely he's very GD tho if him and hopsin came together they will destroy all rappers
@geraldpleasant6424
when God made ice cube he made star i am big ice fan...
@BeKindToBirds
@@johnmcfirstley6122 Bro, hopsin has a lot of growing up to do to stand next to cube and spit
@assadmuhammad7058
he's been at it for decades and he's still a major factor .
@mikejones7148
Assad Muhammad Facts
@raelahage1907
age don't discriminate these Real OGs 😘
@SouthCentralChannel
Everybody who hates this should go listen to the rest of 2014 rappers put out, im sure you wont find a better track... or you just mad cube didn't put you on
@dereklewis4321
Now do you have word on the new date? I have a feeling it will be after the N.W.A movie because if he drops an album that means a tour and I don't think he has the time for filming and a tour. What's your take?
@SouthCentralChannel
Derek Lewis i guess cube was foreal when he tweeted ''October 21, 2015'' but who knows in an tweet last month he said Early 2015 but i guess mid-end 2015 because he's doing a new movie called Rocky Mountain High