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.
Take Me Away
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes I just get on my knees you know what I mean
And pray to the man with the master plan
[Verse 1: Ice Cube]
Lord have mercy, my people so thirsty
Come feed 'em, either Jesus or Mohammad
All we get is vomit, come like a comet
Only you can do it, I'ma learn from it
Do what I gotta do, try not to plum it
America used to shoot like reptiles
Don't worry tomorrow, let's get this right now
They wanna run us in the ground
Educate yourself, before they dumb you down
Get your money boy, the legal way
Beat 'em with they own bullshit if you may
Now rich white men they got the world fucked up
Why should I give a fuck about a Styrofoam cup
Environmental saying, but if I go green
You know what I mean bitch
[Chorus]
Take me away from these people [Repeat: x4]
[Verse 2: Ice Cube]
Ice Cube for President, let's just do it for the hell of it
See how I run the government
Make money irrelevant
I might tell a chick, it's illegal to resell of it
Secret service don't know where the hell I went
Sorry yall, I had to fuck a super delicate
Dream ticket, Ice Cube and Obama
American dream, Ice Cube and yo mama
The Terminator, are you Sarah Conner?
Arnold Schwarzenegger, can kill who he wanna
In California, they strap you to a jury
And murder your ass, in front of your attorney
Do you really wanna take this journey?
And scared of none of yall, motherfuckers like Bernie
Mad step back, I got the mac 11
Unlike Obama, I'ma have to back my Reverend
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Now the Lord is my Sheppard
My flow is respected, world wide
In the west I got to rep it
So please check it, cause my style is infected
With the virus, Ice Cube's the ocyeros
I bailed through, they wanna put up in bail view
Cause my point of view is not red, white and blue
It's black and blue residue
I know what crack can do, to a whole fuckin' avenue
Spit on it, and they'll get mad at you
You know I do this bullshit for your gratitude
I'ma nigga with a attitude
I'ma do what I gotta do, just to change my latitude
In the system, rollin' with my diamonds glistening
And niggas listenin', from your local prison
I'ma prism, your only vision is a rainbow in the sky
When I spit the ism
[Chorus]
The lyrics of "Take Me Away" by Ice Cube featuring Butch Cassidy reflect on certain social issues and political topics America is facing. The song is divided into three verses that the artist uses to communicate his thoughts and express different opinions. The artist starts with acknowledging the thirst in his community, and he emphasizes that he needs to spread the word of faith by comparing Christianity and Islam. He goes on to state that America used to behave like reptiles, which highlights that the country was aggressive and dangerous. Still, they have reformed and come a long way, which is where the artist encourages his listeners to educate themselves and get their money legally instead of falling into traps set by others. Ice Cube then adds an element of humor to his lyrics by saying, "Ice Cube for President," and compares himself to Obama, indicating that anybody could be President of the United States with the right attitude. He ends the lyrics by moving into a prayer mode and talking about God and his blessings.
The lyrics have many interpretations, but the central theme of "Take Me Away" appears to be the political situation in America. Ice Cube's aggressive tone and fast-paced rapping convey his thoughts on social issues and political powers that be. His lyrics remind the listeners that America has come a long way, but we still have work to do if we want to improve our country. His words are powerful and empower people who feel oppressed, and he encourages his fans to stand up for themselves and their communities. At the same time, he juxtaposes humor with serious topics, making his lyrics both poignant and comedic.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord have mercy, my people so thirsty
Oh my god, my community is in dire need of help
Come feed 'em, either Jesus or Mohammad
Provide them with spiritual comfort and guidance
All we get is vomit, come like a comet
We are only supplied with garbage; please provide something better
Put it in my brain Lord, put it in my stomach
Grant me the knowledge and sustenance I require to survive
Only you can do it, I'ma learn from it
I understand that only a higher power can save us, but I am willing to learn and better myself
Do what I gotta do, try not to plum it
I will do whatever it takes to survive and better my situation without making mistakes
America used to shoot like reptiles
The United States was once known for being quick and efficient
Don't worry tomorrow, let's get this right now
We shouldn't be concerned about what'll happen tomorrow when we can fix things today
They wanna run us in the ground
There are people who would like to see us fail and suffer
Educate yourself, before they dumb you down
Be knowledgeable and aware before someone tries to suppress your intelligence
Get your money boy, the legal way
Earn your income through honest and lawful means
Beat 'em with they own bullshit if you may
Use the same tricks and fallacies they use to mislead and oppress you to your own advantage
Now rich white men they got the world fucked up
The wealthiest, privileged individuals have created a messed up society
Why should I give a fuck about a Styrofoam cup
Why should I care about something as insignificant as a disposable item when there are bigger issues that need addressing?
Environmental saying, but if I go green
There is a popular trend promoting environmental awareness, but if I start being eco-friendly
You know what I mean bitch
You understand what I'm saying, don't you?
Ice Cube for President, let's just do it for the hell of it
I jokingly suggest I should become president without any real intent or conviction
See how I run the government
Humorously claiming I could do a good job leading the country
Make money irrelevant
My administration would be people-focused rather than economically-driven
I might tell a chick, it's illegal to resell of it
I might mislead a woman for fun, joking that it's illegal to resell purchased goods
Secret service don't know where the hell I went
I'm a bit of a wild card; even security doesn't know what I'll do next
Sorry yall, I had to fuck a super delicate
Forgive me, everyone, I had to have sexual intercourse with someone very delicate
Dream ticket, Ice Cube and Obama
Hypothetically, it would be a dream come true if Obama and myself collaborated
American dream, Ice Cube and yo mama
Another joking reference to me being president and your mother being involved in some way
The Terminator, are you Sarah Conner?
Another joke referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger's role in Terminator movies, asking if someone is the character Sarah Conner
Arnold Schwarzenegger, can kill who he wanna
Referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger's action-star status and ability to defeat anyone he wants in movies
In California, they strap you to a jury
In California, juries typically wear identification badges around their necks
And murder your ass, in front of your attorney
If found guilty, one would be executed right in front of their lawyer
Do you really wanna take this journey?
Do you really want to pursue this lifestyle or make these choices?
And scared of none of yall, motherfuckers like Bernie
I am not afraid of anyone, even people who may have more power or influence than me, like Bernie Sanders
Mad step back, I got the mac 11
Everyone take a step back out of respect, I have a Mac-11 submachine gun
Unlike Obama, I'ma have to back my Reverend
A reference to Obama's distancing from controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright; if I were president, I would have to support my religious leader
Now the Lord is my Sheppard
God is the one who guides and cares for me
My flow is respected, world wide
My rapping style is appreciated and valued all around the world
In the west I got to rep it
I must represent myself and my style while on the west coast
So please check it, cause my style is infected
Please listen closely, because my style is contagious
With the virus, Ice Cube's the ocyeros
My style is like a virus, and I am the host
I bailed through, they wanna put up in bail view
I am evading the police and they are looking for me
Cause my point of view is not red, white and blue
My perspective is different and does not adhere to traditional American values
It's black and blue residue
My experiences and background have given me a unique perspective, which I express through my music
I know what crack can do, to a whole fuckin' avenue
I am aware of the damage and destruction drugs can bring to an entire neighborhood
Spit on it, and they'll get mad at you
If I speak my truth and criticize the system, people will become angry and defensive
You know I do this bullshit for your gratitude
I create this music, even if it's seen as insignificant or vulgar, for the appreciation of my fans
I'ma nigga with a attitude
I am a black man with a rebellious and unapologetic demeanor
I'ma do what I gotta do, just to change my latitude
I will do whatever it takes to improve my circumstances and mentality
In the system, rollin' with my diamonds glistening
I exist within a flawed, oppressive system, but I still maintain my wealth and confidence
And niggas listenin', from your local prison
People who are currently incarcerated are still tuning in to my music and message
I'ma prism, your only vision is a rainbow in the sky
I am like a prism, allowing people to see things in a different light and offering a new perspective and hope
When I spit the ism
I am sharing my thoughts and beliefs through my music
Take me away from these people [Repeat: x4]
I am feeling overwhelmed and want to be removed from my current environment and situation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JESSICCA ANNE BENNETT, ANDREW JOHN KLIPPEL, BARRY JOHN JOSEPH PALMER, JACLYN SUZANNE PEARSON, BELINDA LEE BERNADETTE REID, MICAELA JAYNE SLAYFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Markus Niepmann
Cube is the best rapper in the world
LazzG1
This song is SO underrated!
Mr Community
True indeed!!!
David
this song is on repeat and added to my favorites. ..song so damn real.
J. DoLo
"Unlike Obama, I'mma have to back my reverand"
When I first heard that line when this dropped, I automatically knew what he was referencing. I bet a lot of people didn't catch that, but I did, and I definitely agree with Cube. Especially what's been going on 10 years later since this album dropped.
Wyatt Brunow
straight up clown obama stole from the joke of the world american taxpayers
Varg Markussen
"Ice Cube for president" - well, shit, surely a better option than either of those two clowns. Ice Cube 2016, let's make America gangsta again!
stopactainpoland2012
Ice Cube, president of L.A. hoodz.
Rayan Aryaan
I wish he becomes a president before he dies
Ketamine Kyle
bangers like this keep me alive!