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.
When Will They Shoot?
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
God damn, another fuckin' payback with a twist
The motherfuckers shot but the punks missed
Ice Cube is outgunned, what is the outcome?
Will they do me like Malcolm?
'Cause I bust styles, new styles
But I never run, never will
Deal with the devil with my motherfuckin' steel, boom!
Media tried to do me
But I was a boy in the hood before the movie, yeah
Call me nigga, bigot, and a spook
But you the one that voted for Duke, motherfucker
White man is somethin' I tried to study
But I got my hands bloody, yeah
They said I could sing like a jaybird
But nigga, don't say the J-word
I thought they was buggin'
'Cause to us, Uncle Sam is Hitler without an oven
Burnin' our black skin
Buy my neighborhood, then push the crack in
Doin' us wrong from the first day
And don't understand why a nigga got an AK
Callin' me an African-American
Like everything is fair again, shit
Devil, you got to get the shit right
I'm black, blacker than a trillion midnights
"Don't Believe The Hype" was said in '88 by the great Chuck D
Now they're tryin' to fuck me!
"With no Vaseline
Just a match and a little bit of gasoline" (huh)
It's a great day for genocide (what's that?)
That's the day all the niggas died
They killed JFK in '63
So what the fuck you think they'll do to me?
But I'm the OG and I bust back (boom, boom!)
Bust back (boom, boom!), peel a cap (boom, boom!)
Gimme room in the fire of the sun
Here the Mack come, here the Black come, watch Jack run!
Motherfuckers can't gank me
Fuck a devil, fuck a rebel, and a Yankee
Overrun and punk the Presidency
If it means that I'm down with O.P.P., yeah!
I met Farrakhan and had dinner
Now you ask if I'm a Five Percenter? Well
No, but I go where the brothers go
Down with Compton Mosque, Number 54
Made a little dough, still got a sister on my elbow
Did Ice Cube sell out? You say, "Hell no!"
A black woman is my manager, not in the kitchen
So could you please stop bitchin'?
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
You missed, and didn't hit Da Lench Mob, either
Guerrillas in tha Mist without jungle fever
But I got the fever for the flavor of a cracker, not a Pringle
Bust the single, here's my new jingle
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
The KKK has got three-piece suits
Usin' niggas like turkey shoots
My motto is, "Treat 'em like a prostitute!"
Now if I say no violence, devil, you won't respect mine
Fuck the dumb shit and get my TEC-9 (yeah)
And if they approach us
I, I I bury those cockroaches
And if you can't deal with my Kill at Will
Here's a new gift to get, try my Death Certificate
AmeriKKKa's Most, America's burnt, it's like toast
Like Jordan, I'm goin' coast to coast
Dribblin' the funk, here comes the nigga with the motherfuckin' monster dunk
Get off me, punk!
"Jordan"
"Watch Jordan!
Ayo, Cube, watch Jordan"
"Yes!"
You better eat your Wheaties"
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
Daryl Gates got the studio surrounded
'Cause he don't like the niggas that I'm down with
Motherfucker wanna do us
'Cause I like Nat, Huey, Malcolm, and Louis
Most got done by a black man's bullet
Give a trigger to a nigga and watch him pull it
Negro assassin
I'ma dig a ditch, bitch, and throw yo' ass in
When they shoot, no, it won't be a cracker
They use somebody much blacker
What I do? I called up the Geto Boy crew
'Cause my mind's playin' tricks on me, too
Never died, surround my crib
And FOI makin' sure nobody creep when I sleep
Keep a nine millimeter in my Jeep (What?)
Peep when I roll, I gots to roll deep
Ain't goin' out cheap
Met the MADD Circle on Cypress Hill 'cause it's so steep
They'll never get me, they'll never hit me
Motherfuck that shit, J-Dee
Now I'm relaxed
Grab the St. Ides brew so I can max
Sittin' by the window 'cause it's so fuckin' hot
And then I heard a shot (boom!)
In the song "When Will They Shoot?" by Ice Cube, the artist speaks about his struggle against white supremacy as a black man living in America. Ice Cube's lyrics dig deep into the issues of police brutality, institutional racism, and the misuse of the justice system against him and his race. The opening lines of the song "Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots" serve as a metaphorical representation of the constant surveillance and discrimination that people of color face on a daily basis.
The song takes a generally defiant tone as Ice Cube addresses the media who have tried to silence him and accuses them of trying to make him irrelevant. He compares the white government to Adolf Hitler and claims that the United States was built on the enslavement of black people, arguing that black Americans have been systematically oppressed since the founding of the country. The second verse features references to JFK’s assassination, highlighting the hypocrisy of America’s condemnation of violence when they are often the source of violence.
At its core, "When Will They Shoot?" challenges the unwritten rules of society that perpetuate the disenfranchisement of minority groups. It's not only about the artist expressing his own frustrations but the experiences of an entire race that remains brutally marginalized. The song seeks to make it clear that there is no safety or peace for black people in America until institutional racism is eradicated.
Line by Line Meaning
Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots
I am moving with determination and strength, fully aware of the challenges I face
God damn, another fuckin' payback with a twist
Once again, I find myself seeking revenge in a unique and unexpected way
The motherfuckers shot but the punks missed
My enemies attempted to harm me, but their efforts were futile
Ice Cube is outgunned, what is the outcome?
I am facing superior forces, and the result is uncertain
Will they do me like Malcolm?
I fear that I will meet a similar fate as Malcolm X
'Cause I bust styles, new styles
I am constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of my art
Standin' strong, while others run a hundred miles
I remain steadfast and resolute while others flee in fear
But I never run, never will
I refuse to back down or retreat
Deal with the devil with my motherfuckin' steel, boom!
I confront my enemies head-on, using my weapon as my ally
Media tried to do me
The media attempted to discredit or harm me in some way
But I was a boy in the hood before the movie, yeah
I come from the streets, long before it was popularized in movies and television
Call me nigga, bigot, and a spook
I'm subjected to racial slurs and derogatory labels
But you the one that voted for Duke, motherfucker
Yet, it is you who supported a candidate with racist affiliations
White man is somethin' I tried to study
I attempted to understand the white man's perspective
But I got my hands bloody, yeah
However, I witnessed the injustices committed by white people firsthand
They said I could sing like a jaybird
Some claimed that I could perform brilliantly
But nigga, don't say the J-word
But don't refer to me using a derogatory term for African Americans
I thought they was buggin'
I initially believed they were delusional
'Cause to us, Uncle Sam is Hitler without an oven
From our perspective, the US government is oppressive and genocidal
Burnin' our black skin
Metaphorically attacking and suppressing our black identity
Buy my neighborhood, then push the crack in
They gentrify our communities and then introduce drugs for profit
Doin' us wrong from the first day
They have been mistreating us since the beginning
And don't understand why a nigga got an AK
They fail to comprehend why someone in my position would possess a firearm
Callin' me an African-American
Referring to me by a politically correct term
Like everything is fair again, shit
As if racial equality has been achieved, which is far from the truth
Devil, you got to get the shit right
Addressing those who perpetuate systemic racism and injustices
I'm black, blacker than a trillion midnights
Asserting my strong black identity and heritage
"Don't Believe The Hype" was said in '88 by the great Chuck D
Referencing Public Enemy's influential song and message
Now they're tryin' to fuck me!
Now, they are attempting to undermine and discredit me
"With no Vaseline
Exposing the lack of lubrication or fairness in their actions
Just a match and a little bit of gasoline" (huh)
I only need a small spark to ignite the fire of change
It's a great day for genocide (what's that?)
Sarcastically referring to a day when black people are wiped out
That's the day all the niggas died
Imagining a day when all black people are killed
They killed JFK in '63
Highlighting a historical assassination to illustrate the potential harm I face
So what the fuck you think they'll do to me?
Considering the danger and possible harm I am exposed to
But I'm the OG and I bust back (boom, boom!)
I am an original gangster who retaliates fiercely when attacked
Bust back (boom, boom!), peel a cap (boom, boom!)
Responding with gunfire and aiming to eliminate the threat
Gimme room in the fire of the sun
Grant me space to shine and thrive despite the intense heat
Here the Mack come, here the Black come, watch Jack run!
My arrival commands attention, causing others to flee in fear
Motherfuckers can't gank me
No one can deceive or take advantage of me
Fuck a devil, fuck a rebel, and a Yankee
Strongly expressing my disdain for those who oppress or oppose me
Overrun and punk the Presidency
Defying and undermining the authority of the President
If it means that I'm down with O.P.P.
Even if it leads to my association with a controversial group
I met Farrakhan and had dinner
I had the opportunity to interact with Louis Farrakhan, a prominent leader
Now you ask if I'm a Five Percenter? Well
Now you question if I am aligned with the Five Percent Nation
No, but I go where the brothers go
I may not subscribe to their beliefs, but I support and stand with my community
Down with Compton Mosque, Number 54
Affiliating myself with a specific mosque in Compton
Made a little dough, still got a sister on my elbow
Despite my success, I remain connected and committed to the black community
Did Ice Cube sell out? You say, "Hell no!"
Dismissing claims that I have compromised my values or integrity
A black woman is my manager, not in the kitchen
Highlighting the strength and capability of a black woman in a position of power
So could you please stop bitchin'?
Urging others to cease unnecessary complaints and criticisms
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
'I am confident, assertive, and unapologetic in my actions
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
However, I am constantly aware and wary of the potential danger I face
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Continuing to move forward and face challenges with strength and determination
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
I remain vigilant and cautious, knowing that harm could come at any moment
You missed, and didn't hit Da Lench Mob, either
My enemies failed to harm me or my associates
Guerrillas in tha Mist without jungle fever
We are fierce and rebellious, uninfected by the influence of the mainstream
But I got the fever for the flavor of a cracker, not a Pringle
I am attracted to the culture and experiences of white people, not their superficial image
Bust the single, here's my new jingle
Presenting a new song or message for my audience
The KKK has got three-piece suits
The Ku Klux Klan is organized and dressed in respectable attire
Usin' niggas like turkey shoots
Exploiting black people easily, like shooting turkeys
My motto is, "Treat 'em like a prostitute!"
I approach and interact with them as disposable and unimportant
Now if I say no violence, devil, you won't respect mine
Even if I advocate for non-violence, they will still disrespect me
Fuck the dumb shit and get my TEC-9 (yeah)
Rejecting pointless conflicts and arming myself with a firearm
And if they approach us
If they come near us with malicious intent
I, I I bury those cockroaches
I swiftly and effectively eliminate them
And if you can't deal with my Kill at Will
If you are unable to handle my aggression and assertiveness
Here's a new gift to get, try my Death Certificate
I offer you my new album, which embodies my defiant spirit
AmeriKKKa's Most, America's burnt, it's like toast
Referring to my album and highlighting the state of America
Like Jordan, I'm goin' coast to coast
Like Michael Jordan in basketball, I am dominating and conquering
Dribblin' the funk, here comes the nigga with the motherfuckin' monster dunk
Metaphorically, I am effortlessly and flawlessly succeeding in my endeavors
Get off me, punk!
Demanding that weak individuals and doubters stay away from me
"Jordan"
"Watch Jordan!
Ayo, Cube, watch Jordan"
'Hey, Cube, look at Jordan's performance in awe'
"Yes!"
You better eat your Wheaties"
'You better prepare yourself and be ready for the challenge ahead'
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Continuing to move forward and face challenges with strength and determination
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
I remain vigilant and cautious, knowing that harm could come at any moment
"Stalkin', walkin' in my big black boots"
Continuing to move forward and face challenges with strength and determination
Yeah, yeah
"But when will they shoot?"
I remain vigilant and cautious, knowing that harm could come at any moment
Daryl Gates got the studio surrounded
Daryl Gates, the former LAPD chief, has surrounded the recording studio
'Cause he don't like the niggas that I'm down with
He opposes and dislikes the people I associate with
Motherfucker wanna do us
He wants to harm us
'Cause I like Nat, Huey, Malcolm, and Louis
Because I admire and support activists like Nat Turner, Huey Newton, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrakhan
Most got done by a black man's bullet
Many of these activists were killed by fellow black men
Give a trigger to a nigga and watch him pull it
Providing a weapon to a black man may lead to violence
Negro assassin
Referring to the stereotype of black men being violent or dangerous
I'ma dig a ditch, bitch, and throw yo' ass in
Threatening to harm or even kill those who try to harm me
When they shoot, no, it won't be a cracker
When I am targeted, it won't be a white person who harm me
They use somebody much blacker
They will employ a person of darker complexion to carry out their agenda
What I do? I called up the Geto Boy crew
To protect myself, I contacted my loyal associates from the Geto Boys
'Cause my mind's playin' tricks on me, too
I am dealing with internal struggles and paranoia
Never died, surround my crib
My enemies have failed to eliminate me and instead choose to monitor my movements
And FOI makin' sure nobody creep when I sleep
Members of the Fruit of Islam ensure my safety while I am vulnerable
Keep a nine millimeter in my Jeep (What?)
I carry a firearm for protection
Peep when I roll, I gots to roll deep
I am always accompanied by a large group of associates
Ain't goin' out cheap
I won't go down without a fight
Met the MADD Circle on Cypress Hill 'cause it's so steep
I encountered the MADD Circle, a group of like-minded individuals, due to the difficult nature of our surroundings
They'll never get me, they'll never hit me
They will never capture or harm me
Motherfuck that shit, J-Dee
Dismissing any doubts or concerns, addressing someone named J-Dee
Now I'm relaxed
I am now calm and composed
Grab the St. Ides brew so I can max
I grab a St. Ides malt liquor to fully enjoy and indulge myself
Sittin' by the window 'cause it's so fuckin' hot
Relaxing near the window to escape the intense heat
And then I heard a shot (boom!)
Suddenly, I heard a gunshot, indicating immediate danger
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Harold May, O'shea Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Sprawl
My favourite hip-hop track ever. This beat could flatten mountains.
Lawrence Chavez
Fo sho
Salayo Brown
I think this iz my favorite,too.
Chris B
Are we speaking literally because I want you to prove it asshat!
Donnie Wynn
His best opener and best opener ever
Kareem Abbas
Damn Sprawl I really like that one!
waters228 91
The most underrated album by Ice Cube. This is just as classic as his first two records.
Greg Campbell
@Sean l Johnson sr No doubt
Sean l Johnson sr
CLASSIC ALBUM
Greg Campbell
This was his best selling album