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.
Tomorrow
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The West coast warlord, and the future is today
Cause tomorrow, that shit never come
I worry 'bout today and this urban decay
I worry 'bout hip-hop, when did it flip-flop
Get whack, and turn into gridlock
I don't know is it a government plot?
That's all we got and if you throw it away
You dumb as OJ, off a forty
In your Izod, this the rap God
What you goin' put up, in your iPod?
Downloader, what you go/in' do
When your favorite MC, got to sue you
Cause he got to eat ain't nothin' taboo
Get your ass beat by Erykah Badu
Cause you wanna steal this good music
Put me out of business, now you lose it
[Chorus]
Tomorrow, don't you worry about tomorrow (that shit never come)
This is very hard to swallow
Keep your hand up on that throttle
Don't you worry 'bout tomorrow
Tomorrow, I'ma handle my business
But today, I'ma drink this liquor
Cause tomorrow, I might be a little quicker
But today, I'm just the same old nigga
You know that shit is still a day away
Do yo' thing baby put your life on layaway
Cause everybody is Nostradamus
Boy don't you know that tomorrow ain't promised?
To all the lil' mamas
Don't do a nigga, like Isiah Thomas
If you a bitch, please be honest
Actin' like a hoe you're not an an-gel
While you're, daydreaming 'bout your future
Motherfucker come around the corner and shoot you
Don't you, get stuck in neutral
Put your shit in drive, while you still alive cause
[Chorus]
Tomorrow! That shit never come
I know it sounds strange but today is never done
I'm up in the Range when the clock strikes 1
While y'all countin' sheep, I'm countin' Benjamins
Up on my feet at the break of the sun
President of the Gangster Na-tion
We don't go to war, we go to the store
We rob from the rich, and give to the poor
Hip-Hop, oh what a bore
Lettin college motherfuckers run the front door
(Fuck that!) Let's take it back to the streets
Don't let Viacom, dictate the heat
The nerve of them, I never heard of dem
Askin' me about, my urban spins
And if I got about, a thousand of them
I'm a crate MC, accordin' to them
Fuck that!
[Chorus: x2]
All hail to the West coast, I am the grand wizard
The West coast warlord, the future is today
Get your grind on man, get your grind on man, get your grind on
In the song "Tomorrow," Ice Cube pays tribute to the West coast and declares himself to be the grand wizard and warlord of the region, citing the future as being today. Cube then goes on to talk about the state of hip-hop, expressing concern over its current state and pondering whether it is part of a government plot. He urges listeners to appreciate the genre and not to take it for granted, likening those who do so to OJ Simpson, who famously threw away his life and legacy. Cube then encourages his audience to live in the moment and not worry about the future, highlighting the importance of being present and taking action while one still has the chance.
Throughout the song, Cube speaks on various themes including justice, poverty, and gun violence in a way that speaks to the realities of life for many people in America. He encourages listeners to take control of their lives and get their grind on, highlighting the importance of hard work and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
All hail to the West coast, I am the grand wizard
Ice Cube is a leader of the West coast hip-hop scene
The West coast warlord, and the future is today
Ice Cube is a powerful figure in West coast rap and thinks the current moment is just as important as the future
Cause tomorrow, that shit never come
Tomorrow is just an idea, the present is what matters
I worry 'bout today and this urban decay
Ice Cube is concerned about the problems facing urban areas right now
I worry 'bout hip-hop, when did it flip-flop
Ice Cube is worried about the state of hip hop and how it has changed over time
Get whack, and turn into gridlock
Hip-hop has become less interesting and stagnant
I don't know is it a government plot?
Ice Cube is questioning whether the government has a hand in the current state of hip-hop
I don't give a fuck whether you love it or not
Ice Cube doesn't care if you like his music or not
That's all we got and if you throw it away
Hip hop is all some people have and it's important not to let it go to waste
You dumb as OJ, off a forty
You're acting foolish, like OJ Simpson after having a drink
In your Izod, this the rap God
Ice Cube is a powerful figure in the rap game
What you goin' put up, in your iPod?
Ice Cube is asking what people are listening to on their iPods
Downloader, what you go/in' do
He is asking the listener what they will do when their favorite rapper sues them for downloading their music illegally
When your favorite MC, got to sue you
Ice Cube is warning listeners of the potential consequences for downloading music illegally
Cause he got to eat ain't nothin' taboo
Rappers need to make money and sell their music to survive
Get your ass beat by Erykah Badu
You will be in trouble if you try to steal good music
Cause you wanna steal this good music
Stealing music is wrong and can have negative consequences
Put me out of business, now you lose it
Illegal downloading can hurt the music industry and lead to artists losing their livelihoods
[Chorus]
Ice Cube is reminding listeners to focus on the present and not worry too much about the future
Tomorrow, don't you worry about tomorrow (that shit never come)
The future is unpredictable, so it's better to focus on the present
This is very hard to swallow
It's difficult to accept that the future is unpredictable
Keep your hand up on that throttle
Stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward
Don't you worry 'bout tomorrow
Stop worrying about the future and focus on the present
Tomorrow, I'ma handle my business
Ice Cube is confident in his ability to handle his responsibilities tomorrow
But today, I'ma drink this liquor
Today, Ice Cube is going to relax and not worry too much
Cause tomorrow, I might be a little quicker
Tomorrow, Ice Cube might be more productive
But today, I'm just the same old nigga
Today, Ice Cube is not going to be any different than he usually is
You know that shit is still a day away
The future is still just a concept and not tangible
Do yo' thing baby put your life on layaway
Invest in yourself and your future by saving and working hard
Cause everybody is Nostradamus
Everyone likes to think they can predict the future, but it's impossible
Boy don't you know that tomorrow ain't promised?
The future is unpredictable and you never know what might happen
To all the lil' mamas
Ice Cube is addressing young women
Don't do a nigga, like Isiah Thomas
Don't deceive or cheat someone, especially in a personal relationship
If you a bitch, please be honest
If you're not interested in a relationship, be honest and don't lead someone on
Actin' like a hoe you're not an an-gel
Don't act like someone you're not or pretend to be innocent
While you're, daydreaming 'bout your future
While you're thinking about your future, don't forget to focus on the present
Motherfucker come around the corner and shoot you
Violence is a real threat and can happen at any time, so be aware of your surroundings
Don't you, get stuck in neutral
Don't get stuck in a rut or become stagnant
Put your shit in drive, while you still alive cause
Push yourself and work hard while you're still alive and able to do so
[Chorus]
Ice Cube is reminding listeners to focus on the present and not worry too much about the future
Tomorrow! That shit never come
The future is an abstract concept and is not guaranteed
I know it sounds strange but today is never done
There's always work to be done and something to focus on in the present
I'm up in the Range when the clock strikes 1
Ice Cube is successful and able to enjoy the fruits of his labor
While y'all countin' sheep, I'm countin' Benjamins
While others are sleeping, Ice Cube is making money
Up on my feet at the break of the sun
Ice Cube is up early and working hard
President of the Gangster Na-tion
Ice Cube is a leader in the world of gangster rap
We don't go to war, we go to the store
Ice Cube is promoting peaceful resolution and not violence
We rob from the rich, and give to the poor
Ice Cube supports Robin Hood-like tactics and taking from the wealthy to help the less fortunate
Hip-Hop, oh what a bore
Ice Cube is not impressed by the current state of hip-hop
Lettin college motherfuckers run the front door
Ice Cube is criticizing the influence of people in power who don't understand hip-hop culture
(Fuck that!) Let's take it back to the streets
Ice Cube wants to return to the roots of hip-hop culture
Don't let Viacom, dictate the heat
Ice Cube is opposed to corporations controlling the content and direction of hip-hop
The nerve of them, I never heard of dem
Ice Cube is dismissing the relevance of corporations who try to control hip-hop culture
Askin' me about, my urban spins
Ice Cube is being questioned by corporations about his music and influence in urban communities
And if I got about, a thousand of them
Ice Cube has a significant amount of influence in urban communities
I'm a crate MC, accordin' to them
Corporations may see Ice Cube as a product they can market, but he sees himself as a genuine artist
Fuck that!
Ice Cube is rejecting the idea of being controlled by corporations and staying true to his artistic vision
[Chorus: x2]
Ice Cube is reminding listeners to focus on the present and not worry too much about the future
Get your grind on man, get your grind on man, get your grind on
Ice Cube is telling listeners to work hard and focus on their goals
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WARRYN CAMPBELL, O'SHAE JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
matuto2007
The best rapper of all time. Number one.
1 - Ice Cube
2 - DMX
3 - Dub C
4 - Lil Boose
5 - Lloyd Banks
6 - 8Ball & MJG (yes, they both are real good)
7 - Tupac
8 - C-Bo
9 - Jody Breeze (Boyz N Da Hood)
10 - Big Gee (Boyz N Da Hood)
And others...
northman831
one of his greatest songs, so underrated
94masso
"tomorrow, that shit never come" -Ice Cube
Edgar Mkrtchyan
you better run all day run all night
chris gilkey
Llqpp
kooly patron
cant believe only heard this yesterday. This gonna be on repeat for awhile.
JamesAutoDude
Bro I just heard it now, 4 years later then you! Gonna have this on repeat for awhile in 2020 😎
mellow melo
https://www.reverbnation.com/melovibessensation/song/2691584-tip-violence-tips-back?
don't worry about the things
ethrez
kooly patron Same here bruv.. What a sick track💪
thafr0zen
haa i feel you, i listened to it @ release and loved it, but its been few years now and i really feel this even more today, maybe marry jane did her (do ya)thang (listen to this whole album he did recently in 2000's((Raw Footage)), its a bomb compared to whatever is coming out now days)
MrVariousX
+kooly patron Tell me about it....