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.
Until We Rich ft. Krayzie Bone
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The struggle it don't stop, until we drop
Krayzie Bone and Ice Cube
The best thing in life in life is life (uh-huh, uh-huh)
Get your mind right, and get your grind right (we gotta keep goin')
Hey young thugs (we gotta keep goin')
Get your mind right, and get your grind right
Get your mind right, and get your grind right
Look into my eyes if you want to know me
Before you hypnotized, homey what do you see
A figure that's just a little bigger than dealers
A hustler countin' figures ain't pulled no triggers
Can you dig us, we be the ultimate lick
We's the hitters, that make the ultimate hits
Kinda flossy, kinda bossy
It's gotta be done my way, do what the {fuck} I say
Top of the pyramid, homey what I tell you
If you leave this Westside umbrella you hit the cellar
Bring me my slippers, black robe, and my globe
And I could rule the world with my eyes closed
(with my eyes closed)
[Chorus]
See the mission's to get what we don't got
Until we filthy rich and on top
You better go get it, it's yours
Nigga the mission's to get what you don't got
The struggle it don't stop until we drop
Krazyie Bone and Ice Cube
See the mission's to get what we don't got
Until we filthy rich and on top
You better go get it, it's yours
Nigga the mission's to get what you don't got
The struggle it don't stop until we drop
To all the little homies that's watchin' TV
I see you tryin' to be a O.G. like me
Chasin' dreams, pullin' mo' schemes for wealth
But the best thing in life is health, be yourself playa
Television it'll keep yo' ass wishin' forever
You'll never get you life together
Don't talk about death, I got too much life to live
Too many orders to give, what it is, showbiz
Taught you what a trick and a hoe is (what?)
Showed you what a Six-ty Fo' is (what?)
Lord knows, "In God We Trust"
And everybody in the world want to be like us (everybody)
[Chorus]
To the kids of the world that's waitin' for wealth
Waitin' for health, you better do for self
Homey that's yo' last cup
Forget about the fast buck; boy, get you ass up
People use yo' brain to gain
Do something that ain't never been done; and we can spend hun's
Wipe our ass with twenties, light our joints with ones
Throw away the guns, have nuttin but fun
And homey we could do that {shit}!
Police have a fit, when yo' paper's legit
We gotta get off the phone, we gotta teach our own
Send your baby to school and she'll come back grown
We got to talk to our grandma's
And she'll help us through them dark halls, and them pitfalls
Everybody know we got the world to gain
We got to stop the pain, lord stop the rain
[Chorus]
Keep goin', little homey why you slowin'?
Keep rollin', little homey why you slowin'?
Keep rollin', little homey why you slowin'?
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Yeah young thug, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
(get your mind right, and get your grind right)
Yeah young thug, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours (Ice Cube)
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
(the best thing in life is life)
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
(I got to say it twice)
Yeah young thug, the world is yours
(the best thing in life is life)
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
(get your mind right, and get your grind right)
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Yeah young thug, the world is yours
In the opening verses of Ice Cube's song Until We Rich, he emphasizes the importance of striving towards success despite obstacles. The mission is to acquire what is not possessed and never give up until the end, without any signs of slowing down. He pairs up with Krayzie Bone to reflect on their journey towards success, calling themselves "the ultimate lick" and "the ultimate hitmakers". Cube takes on the role of a mentor, particularly addressing young people watching TV and dreaming of being like him. He encourages self-love and a focus on the best thing in life, which is good health, instead of fixating solely on wealth. He advocates the importance of education and staying in school, to stop the pain and rain in this world.
The underlying message of the song remains relevant almost two decades later. Ice Cube highlights the struggle of living in poverty and being a survivor in society, motivating people to keep going despite their living situation. The lyrics encourage people to use their brains and think of new ways to earn wealth legally. The song urges the oppressed to keep trying because they have the world to gain, calling for action and change.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga the mission's to get what you don't got
The goal is to obtain what you currently do not possess
The struggle it don't stop, until we drop
There will always be challenges to overcome until we are no longer able to continue
The best thing in life in life is life (uh-huh, uh-huh)
The most valuable aspect of existence is simply being alive
Get your mind right, and get your grind right (we gotta keep goin')
Prepare mentally and work diligently to achieve success
Hey young thugs (we gotta keep goin')
Addressing the younger generation, the message is to keep pushing forward towards their goals
Look into my eyes if you want to know me
To truly understand me, you must observe through my eyes
Before you hypnotized, homey what do you see
Prior to any external influence, what do you perceive?
Can you dig us, we be the ultimate lick
Can you comprehend that we are the ultimate opportunity for success?
We's the hitters, that make the ultimate hits
We are the ones that create the most significant achievements
It's gotta be done my way, do what the {fuck} I say
Things must be carried out according to my terms and instructions
Top of the pyramid, homey what I tell you
I am at the pinnacle of success and authority, and you must comply with my demands
If you leave this Westside umbrella you hit the cellar
If you separate from the protection and power of the Westside, you will fail
See the mission's to get what we don't got
Our objective is to obtain what we lack
Until we filthy rich and on top
We will tirelessly work towards gaining immense wealth and power
You better go get it, it's yours
You must strive to attain what you desire because it belongs to you
I see you tryin' to be a O.G. like me
I recognize that you aspire to become a respected and influential figure like myself
But the best thing in life is health, be yourself playa
The most integral aspect of existence is one's well-being, and it is essential to remain true to oneself
Television it'll keep yo' ass wishin' forever
Watching television will perpetually leave you unsatisfied
You'll never get you life together
You will never successfully organize your existence without action and effort
Do something that ain't never been done
Pursue something innovative and unprecedented
And we can spend hun's, wipe our ass with twenties
With success, we can freely spend hundreds, even clean ourselves with bill denominations
Throw away the guns, have nuttin but fun
Dispose of violent weapons and enjoy nonviolent entertainment
And homey we could do that {shit}!
We are capable of achieving this level of success and enjoyment
Police have a fit, when yo' paper's legit
Law enforcement officials become agitated when presented with valid legal documents
We gotta get off the phone, we gotta teach our own
We must end idle chatter and educate our own community
Everybody know we got the world to gain
Everyone acknowledges that there is much to gain in life
We got to stop the pain, lord stop the rain
The suffering in the world must come to an end, and divine intervention is required
Hey young thugs, the world is yours
Addressing the younger generation, the world is available for them to conquer and enjoy
Keep goin', little homey why you slowin'?
Continue persevering, why are you slowing down?
Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'
Keep progressing and moving towards success
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LA FORREST COPE, O'SHEA JACKSON, ANTHONY HENDERSON, RICHARD WORLEY JR. SHELTON, LAURYN N. HILL, CHUCKY THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@buzzrace9095
Came here for krazie Bone at the moment as he’s fighting for his life , pull through my dude, prayers big dawg 💯
@craigdias4848
hes recovered :)
@noname-tk4is
@@craigdias4848what’s wrong 😢
@guileruiz3955
Everybody is fighting for their life he ain't the only one
Everybody fighting to survive 💯 you live and you die
@stuntbounce
Thank God 🙏🏾❤️✨
@swagg2much864
He pulled thru 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Thank GOD
@editbyheaf
Who’s still listening in 2024!? Get your mind right and get your grind right.
@user-jo6eg9nz6z
not like 14 years ago song
@DannyGu33
I discovered I liked Ice Cube songs like a week ago 😂 I'm experiencing a whole different era of music... This song is really good
@fernandolanduche2712
Um dos meus sons favoritos!