O'Shea Jackson Sr. (born June 15, 1969), known professionally as Ice Cube, … Read Full Bio ↴O'Shea Jackson Sr. (born June 15, 1969), known professionally as Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the seminal rap group N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes). After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he began both a successful solo music career and an acting career which included roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood (1991), Friday (1995), for which he also co-wrote the screenplay, and Barbershop (2002). Additionally, he has served as one of the producers of the Showtime television series Barbershop and the TBS series Are We There Yet?, both of which are based upon films in which he portrayed the main character.

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.

Thank God
Ice Cube Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I do gangsta Rap
They want to blame the world problems on Gangsta Rap
It's our fault,
Cause motherfuckers are dieing in Iraq
It's our fault,
Cause motherfuckers is starving in Africa
It's Gangsta Raps fault,
That people are poor

Can't get enough to fucking eat or live their life
(That's bullshit)
That's rap musics fault.
It's rap musics fault,
We got all these god damn laws, and restrictions and shit we can't do
(That's bullshit)
They blame it all on us
I'm blamin' them motherfuckers for Gangsta Rap
Because if they didn't create these kind of conditions
I wouldn't have shit to rap about
You know what I mean!

A'right, a'right, everybody back up, star status comin' through.
The man is in the building.
Don't touch him, don't look at him, and don't ask to take a picture.

I walks in, with that California swagger
With that attitude that it ain't nothin' badder
Now you can call me rapper
Or you can call me mister
Big money trapper, fuckin' with your sister
I'ma do it my way, from here to Zimbabwe
It's too hot today
Fuck what you got to say
Fuck if you mad at me, better go change your battery
Ain't gon' take my sunshine, like I hit the lottery
Ah, he's a show off, a hot head go off
Yeah don't make he mad
He might tear the fucking door off
Take all his cars, and don't try to fall
Cause one of his people, might cut your fucking toe off
Ice Cube baby, make you take him serious
Everthin' I say, ends with a period
Everthin' I do, ends with you curious
Lookin' for the best rapper
God damn period.

(Thank God)
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap
(So thank God)
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap

Comin' live from Los Angleas
I know you hate to see me comin'
(I know, I know)
I know you saved a little something
(I know, I know)
I know your mouth is still runnin'
(I know, I know)
All smiles when I'm coming

When I step up in the spot
Is he a thug or not
Is he a Juggernaut, no I'm a astronautic
Nose all in the clouds, y'all think I'm too proud
Got to stay above the crowd, How you fuckers like me now
Some of y'all start to smile
Some of y'all start to frown
Some of y'all back up
All niggas start to clap
Now I gotta act up, kinda like Bobby Brown
Better call for back up, when I shut this lobby down
When will you realise the cycle will continue though
Commercials for hatorade.
Boy is it in you
Hate to see me comin'
?
Me and my ladies
Superman and Wonder Woman
He think he the shit, the shit think he me
So come smell mine, I bet it don't stink
I am the link, the food and the drink
The colour in the Kool aid, the nigga in the meat
(Don't trip)

(Thank God)
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap
(So thank God)
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap

I know you hate to see me comin'
(I know, I know)
I know you saved a little something
(I know, I know)
I know your mouth is still runnin'
(I know, I know)
All smiles when I'm comin'

Thank God that
The gangsta's back (Crazy remix style)

When will they realise, they'll never stop me
They call me arrogant
They call me cocky
Just because, I wont let them chop me
They want to whoop my ass, but this ain't Rocky
I'm as hot as a habotchi ?
Star child comin'
And I promise y'all I'ma keep it one hun'ed
'Yall promise me you wont T.R.I.P
Or I'ma have to hit your ass with a 2-piece
Hit you with some rice and two more sides
Don't you know my niggas turn haters int' mash potatus
I'm the macaroni with the cheese nigga please
When you see me on the red carpet, down on your knees!

(Thank God)
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap
(So thank God)
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
Thank God the gangsta's back
And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap

I know you hate to see me comin'
(I know, I know)
I know you saved a little something
(I know, I know)
I know your mouth is still runnin'

(I know, I know)
All smiles when I'm comin'

Overall Meaning

In "Thank God," Ice Cube responds to the frequent criticism of gangsta rap as a contributing factor to the world's problems. He asserts that it is not the fault of gangsta rap that people are dying in Iraq or starving in Africa, but rather the fault of those who create those conditions. Ice Cube believes that gangsta rap highlights the issues that exist in society and that without those conditions, he wouldn't have anything to rap about. He displays his California swagger and defies those who would try to stop him, stating that he will do it his own way. The chorus asserts that the return of the gangsta rap is something to be thankful for and that it serves as a rebellion against the brainless rap that is dominating the industry.

Ice Cube uses strong language to assert that gangsta rap is simply a reflection of existing societal problems rather than a cause of them. He flips the script on those who blame gangsta rap for issues and puts the responsibility back on those who create the conditions for them. He confirms that he will continue to do things his own way despite the opposition.

The song is seen as a rebirth of Ice Cube's gangsta rap, which he began with as a member of N.W.A. in the late 80s. "Thank God" was part of his 2006 album "Laugh Now, Cry Later."

Line by Line Meaning

I do gangsta Rap
I am an artist who creates and performs gangsta rap music.

They want to blame the world problems on Gangsta Rap
Some people hold gangsta rap responsible for global issues and use it as a scapegoat.

It's our fault, Cause motherfuckers are dieing in Iraq
Gangsta rap is being blamed for the violence and deaths that occur in Iraq.

It's our fault, Cause motherfuckers is starving in Africa
Gangsta rap is being blamed for the poverty and extreme hunger experienced in Africa.

It's Gangsta Raps fault, That people are poor Can't get enough to fucking eat or live their life (That's bullshit)
Gangsta rap is being held responsible for the poverty that prevents people from having enough food and living fulfilling lives.

That's rap musics fault.
Rap music as a whole is being blamed for societal issues and hardships.

It's rap musics fault, We got all these god damn laws, and restrictions and shit we can't do (That's bullshit)
Rap music is being accused of causing an increase in laws, regulations, and limitations that hinder freedom of expression.

They blame it all on us
They attribute all the blame for these problems to us, rap artists and creators.

I'm blamin' them motherfuckers for Gangsta Rap
I am holding those individuals accountable for the negative perception and consequences of gangsta rap.

Because if they didn't create these kind of conditions I wouldn't have shit to rap about
If they hadn't created these oppressive and challenging circumstances, I wouldn't have any subject matter to address in my music.

You know what I mean!
You understand the point I'm trying to make.

A'right, a'right, everybody back up, star status comin' through.
Alright, everyone move away, I, being a star, am making my entrance.

The man is in the building.
I, as the man, have arrived at the venue.

Don't touch him, don't look at him, and don't ask to take a picture.
Do not make physical contact, maintain eye contact, or request to take a photograph with me.

I walks in, with that California swagger With that attitude that it ain't nothin' badder
I enter the venue with a confident and proud demeanor, specifically embodying the style associated with California.

Now you can call me rapper Or you can call me mister Big money trapper, fuckin' with your sister
You have the choice to refer to me either as a rapper or as a respected individual. I am financially successful and have engaged in sexual activities with someone related to you.

I'ma do it my way, from here to Zimbabwe It's too hot today Fuck what you got to say
I will follow my own approach, disregarding your opinions, even if it takes me from here to Zimbabwe. The current temperature is high, and I don't care about your thoughts or criticisms.

Fuck if you mad at me, better go change your battery Ain't gon' take my sunshine, like I hit the lottery
I don't care if you're angry with me, you should focus on improving your own mood. You won't be able to ruin my happiness and success, which feel like winning the lottery.

Ah, he's a show off, a hot head go off Yeah don't make he mad He might tear the fucking door off
He is someone who likes to display their accomplishments and can become easily angered. It is advisable not to provoke him, as he is capable of causing significant damage.

Take all his cars, and don't try to fall Cause one of his people, might cut your fucking toe off
Confiscate all his vehicles, but be careful not to stumble or make a mistake. One of his associates might retaliate by severing your toe with violence.

Ice Cube baby, make you take him serious Everthin' I say, ends with a period Everthin' I do, ends with you curious Lookin' for the best rapper God damn period.
I am Ice Cube, and my presence demands your respect and attention. Everything I say is final and definitive. Everything I do leaves you curious and searching for the best rapper. Emphasizing my dominance, god damn period.

(Thank God) Thank God the gangsta's back Thank God the gangsta's back Thank God the gangsta's back And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap
Expressing gratitude to God for the return of the gangsta genre in music. Acknowledging that we no longer have to tolerate mindless and unintelligent rap songs.

(So thank God) Thank God the gangsta's back Thank God the gangsta's back Thank God the gangsta's back And we don't gotta put up with this brainless rap
Continuing to express gratitude to God for the resurgence of gangsta rap and the relief that we do not have to endure brainless rap music.

Comin' live from Los Angeles I know you hate to see me comin' (I know, I know) I know you saved a little something (I know, I know) I know your mouth is still runnin' (I know, I know) All smiles when I'm coming
Broadcasting live from Los Angeles, I am aware that you dislike my presence. I know that you have been keeping something hidden. I know that you continue to criticize and talk negatively about me. However, you cannot hide your joy and satisfaction when I make an appearance.

When I step up in the spot Is he a thug or not Is he a Juggernaut, no I'm a astronautic Nose all in the clouds, y'all think I'm too proud Got to stay above the crowd, How you fuckers like me now
When I enter a location, people question if I am a thug or not. I am not just a powerful being, but I am also an astronautic figure. They believe I am arrogant because I always keep my head held high. I must remain superior to everyone around me. Now, how do you feel about me, you bastards?

Some of y'all start to smile Some of y'all start to frown Some of y'all back up All niggas start to clap Now I gotta act up, kinda like Bobby Brown Better call for back up, when I shut this lobby down
Some of you begin to smile, while others turn their expressions to frowns. Some of you distance yourselves from me, but all of my people start to applaud. Now I have to become more aggressive, similar to how Bobby Brown behaves. It would be wise for you to request additional support as I am about to bring an end to this event or gathering.

When will you realise the cycle will continue though Commercials for hatorade. Boy is it in you Hate to see me comin' ?
When will you understand that the pattern will persist? There are advertisements promoting hate, just like commercials for Gatorade. Boy, do you possess the ability to hate. You despise encountering me, don't you?

Me and my ladies Superman and Wonder Woman He think he the shit, the shit think he me So come smell mine, I bet it don't stink I am the link, the food and the drink The colour in the Kool aid, the nigga in the meat (Don't trip)
I am accompanied by my female companions, just like Superman and Wonder Woman. He believes he is great, but I am even greater than what he considers to be great. So come and experience my existence; I guarantee it won't be unpleasant. I am the connecting force, both nourishment and refreshment. I am the element that gives flavor to the Kool-Aid and the essential person within a group.

I know you hate to see me comin' (I know, I know) I know you saved a little something (I know, I know) I know your mouth is still runnin' (I know, I know) All smiles when I'm comin'
I am aware that you don't want to witness my arrival. I know that you have been withholding some information or resources. I know that you continue to speak negatively about me. However, you cannot hide your joy and satisfaction when I make an appearance.

Thank God that The gangsta's back (Crazy remix style)
Expressing gratitude to God for the return of the gangsta genre in music, presented in a unique and exciting remix style.

When will they realise, they'll never stop me They call me arrogant They call me cocky Just because, I wont let them chop me They want to whoop my ass, but this ain't Rocky
When will they understand that they will never be able to prevent me from succeeding? They label me as conceited and overly confident simply because I refuse to be controlled or manipulated. They desire to physically harm me, but this isn't a fictional boxing match like in the movie Rocky.

I'm as hot as a habotchi ? Star child comin' And I promise y'all I'ma keep it one hun'ed 'Yall promise me you wont T.R.I.P Or I'ma have to hit your ass with a 2-piece Hit you with some rice and two more sides Don't you know my niggas turn haters int' mash potatus I'm the macaroni with the cheese nigga please When you see me on the red carpet, down on your knees!
I am incredibly popular and in high demand, like a tamagotchi. I am an extraordinary and talented individual. I assure you all that I will remain honest and true to myself. I ask all of you to promise me that you won't cause trouble or engage in negative behavior. If you break this promise, I will physically confront you. I will hit you with a combination of punches, like serving a meal with rice and two additional side dishes. Don't you know that my friends have the ability to convert haters into mashed potatoes? I am the main attraction, the highest quality and most appealing aspect, just like macaroni with cheese. So, when you see me on the red carpet, you should show your reverence and respect by kneeling before me!

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, TOM BROCK, ROBERT NELSON RELF, BARRY EUGENE WHITE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

LazzG1

11y↑9

A true westcoast legend!

SunnySinclair1979

7y↑12

Thank God Cube is still doing raps maybe he can help us solve some problems

[ SPECTA]

7y↑4

still sounds better than the nowadays rap and holy shit , been years since i last heard this , only to comeback because of xxx

arion rexha

11y↑4

GIVE THIS MAN A MEDAL

JadziDGK

15y↑7

Ice Cube always sing true ! RESPECT CUBE!!!

Edgar Mkrtchyan

@TREVOR-_-PLAYSL2 will be time 100 years ago🤣

TREVOR-_-PLAYSL2

2y↑1

13 yrs ago dang

JaviDall KO

U still alive?

Ryan Stills

6y↑63

Didn't have to see XXX to listen to this. Been bumpin' this album from '08 to '18! ICE CUBE!!!

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