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.
The Shot
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to Ice Cube's song The Shot depict the experience of a white man visiting the doctor's office to receive a vaccine shot. The song starts with phones ringing and babies crying in the waiting room, giving the impression of a crowded and busy environment. Then the white guy introduces himself and asks for a glass of water while he waits for his appointment. Finally, he meets the doctor - Ice Cube - who teases him about not liking shots and proceeds to administer the shot, causing a loud bang.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the fear and discomfort that some people may feel when it comes to vaccines. Ice Cube's character represents a stereotypical tough and menacing doctor who enjoys causing pain, while the white guy represents a vulnerable patient who just wants to get it over with. The lyrics suggest that the vaccination process can be intimidating and uncomfortable, but it is important for individuals to receive their shots for the greater good of public health.
Line by Line Meaning
[phones ringing, babies crying]
The sounds of a busy doctor's office fill the background, with phones ringing and babies crying.
[white guy:] Hi how ya doin' ?
A white male patient greets the nurse as he checks in for his scheduled appointment.
[nurse:] Doctor's office, could you hold please? Yes sir can I help you?
The nurse puts a caller on hold and answers the white male patient's phone call about his appointment.
[white guy:] Yes I have a four o'clock appointment, I'm here to get my shot.
The white male patient confirms his appointment time and states that he is there to receive a shot.
[nurse:] Okay, come right with me.
The nurse leads the patient to where he will receive his shot.
[white guy:] This isn't gonna take too long is it?
The white male patient expresses his desire for a quick appointment.
[nurse:] Here we are, here have a seat right here.
The nurse shows the patient where to sit while he waits for the doctor.
[white guy:] Uhh maybe a glass of water would be great. Oh great, thanks, thanks.
The patient requests a glass of water and thanks the nurse when she brings it to him.
[nurse:] The doctor will be right with you, and can I get you anything? Okay great.
The nurse informs the patient that the doctor will be coming to see him and asks if he needs anything else.
[door creaks open, funky music in the backround] [door shuts] [doctor Ice Cube:] Yo wussup?
The doctor arrives with a creaking door and funky music in the background, greeting the patient with slang.
[white guy:] Hi how ya doin' ?
The white male patient greets the doctor as he arrives.
[white guy:] Damn, what is taking so long?
The patient voices his impatience about the appointment taking too long.
[doctor Ice Cube:] Alright, let's see what we got here uhh, Mr. White huh?
The doctor begins to examine the patient, using his last name to address him.
[white guy:] Yes sir that's me. [doctor Ice Cube:] heh, I heard you don't like shots do ya?
The patient confirms his identity and the doctor teases him about not liking shots.
[white guy:] No I sure don't. Let's get this over with. jus' uhh turn your head...
The white male patient admits his dislike of shots and directs the doctor to proceed so that it will be over with quickly.
[click] for you, and uhh brace yourself!
The doctor prepares the shot and instructs the patient to brace himself.
[doctor Ice Cube:] yeah uhh, rub a little alcohol on there, right here, [BANG!]
The doctor administers the shot, first applying alcohol and then giving the injection with a bang sound.
Lyrics Ā© BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, O/B/O APRA AMCOS, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOEL STEIN, JUANITA STEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
EspantapƔjaros
TelƩfonos sonando, bebƩs llorando]
[Sr.Ā White]
Hola, ĀæcĆ³mo estĆ”s?
[Enfermera]
Consultorio del mĆ©dico, ĀæpodrĆa esperar, por favor?
SĆ seƱor, Āæpuedo ayudarlo?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
SĆ, tengo una cita a las cuatro en punto, estoy aquĆ para vacunarme
[Enfermera]
EstĆ” bien, ven conmigo
[Sr.Ā White]
Esto no va a tomar mucho tiempo, Āæverdad?
[Enfermera]
AquĆ estamos, aquĆ, siĆ©ntese aquĆ mismo
[Sr.Ā White]
Oh genial, gracias, gracias
[Enfermera]
El doctor estarĆ” con usted, Āæpuedo traerle algo?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
Uh, tal vez un vaso de agua serĆa genial
[Enfermera]
EstĆ” bien, genial
[La puerta se cierra]
[Sr.Ā White]
Maldita sea, Āæpor quĆ© estĆ” tardando tanto?
[La puerta cruje al abrirse, mĆŗsica funky de fondo]
Doctor Ice Cube: ĀæQuĆ© pasa?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
Hola, ĀæcĆ³mo estĆ”s?
[Ice Cube]
Muy bien, veamos quĆ© tenemos aquĆ.
Uh, Sr. White, Āæeh?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
SĆ, seƱor, ese soy yo
[Ice Cube]
Je, escuchĆ© que no te gustan los tiros, Āæverdad?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
No, seguro que no
[Ice Cube]
Aww, eres un chico grande uhh, esto no dolerĆ” un poco.Ā Jus 'uhh gira la cabeza ...
[Sr.Ā White]
Terminemos con esto con
[Ice Cube]
SĆ, uh, frota un poco de alcohol aquĆ, aquĆ mismo para ti, y uh ... Ā”prepĆ”rate!
[
HacerĀ clic]Ā [Ā”BANG!]
Greg Campbell
Ice cube always has the best intos
EspantapƔjaros
TelƩfonos sonando, bebƩs llorando]
[Sr.Ā White]
Hola, ĀæcĆ³mo estĆ”s?
[Enfermera]
Consultorio del mĆ©dico, ĀæpodrĆa esperar, por favor?
SĆ seƱor, Āæpuedo ayudarlo?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
SĆ, tengo una cita a las cuatro en punto, estoy aquĆ para vacunarme
[Enfermera]
EstĆ” bien, ven conmigo
[Sr.Ā White]
Esto no va a tomar mucho tiempo, Āæverdad?
[Enfermera]
AquĆ estamos, aquĆ, siĆ©ntese aquĆ mismo
[Sr.Ā White]
Oh genial, gracias, gracias
[Enfermera]
El doctor estarĆ” con usted, Āæpuedo traerle algo?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
Uh, tal vez un vaso de agua serĆa genial
[Enfermera]
EstĆ” bien, genial
[La puerta se cierra]
[Sr.Ā White]
Maldita sea, Āæpor quĆ© estĆ” tardando tanto?
[La puerta cruje al abrirse, mĆŗsica funky de fondo]
Doctor Ice Cube: ĀæQuĆ© pasa?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
Hola, ĀæcĆ³mo estĆ”s?
[Ice Cube]
Muy bien, veamos quĆ© tenemos aquĆ.
Uh, Sr. White, Āæeh?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
SĆ, seƱor, ese soy yo
[Ice Cube]
Je, escuchĆ© que no te gustan los tiros, Āæverdad?
[SeƱor.Ā White]
No, seguro que no
[Ice Cube]
Aww, eres un chico grande uhh, esto no dolerĆ” un poco.Ā Jus 'uhh gira la cabeza ...
[Sr.Ā White]
Terminemos con esto con
[Ice Cube]
SĆ, uh, frota un poco de alcohol aquĆ, aquĆ mismo para ti, y uh ... Ā”prepĆ”rate!
[
HacerĀ clic]Ā [Ā”BANG!]
Andrew Flood
GREAT SHOT INTRO !!!
HotBoi Z31
Hardest album cover yet!!!!
crews 1212
@A Cup Of Coffee what u talk about
A Cup Of Coffee
You don't know anything about slam metal. Check Cephalotripsy.
Ice Cube
"this isnt gonna take too long is it.?" Naw it wont
Moeeshang Pate
Ha Ha Ha Ha, CUBE'S intros is just as dope, as N.W.A.
Greg Campbell
The best intro ever
MrGardener27
i swear when he said "And uhh, brace yo self" I was listening on spotify and got a hole lot of ads after that one.