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.
Why We Thugs
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us
I'm from the land of the gang bang
Since I was little, ain't a god damn thang changed
It's the same ol same
Bush run shit like Sadaam Hussien
I cock and aim, clinically insane
To deal with this bullshit day to day
If I sell some yay or smoke some hay
You bitches wanna throw me up in Pelican's Bay
Call me an animal up in the system
But who's the animal that built this prison
Who's the animal that invented lower living
The projects, thank god for Russell Simmons
Thank god for Sugarhill
I'm putting a different kind of steel up to my grill
Y'all know what it is, scared for your own kids
How these ghetto niggas taken over showbiz
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us (Uh huh)
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us
It's Boyz in the Hood, it's toys in the hood
Y'all wanna know why there's noise in the hood
Cause there's drugs in the hood, thugs in the hood
Nigga killed a Crip and a Blood in the hood (For real)
Cause when niggas get tribal
It's all about survival, nobody liable
I got caught by Five-0
Grandmama came to court with her bible
But when the judge hit the gavel
Now I'm too far from my family to travel
I just came unraveled
Socked the D.A. before I got gaffled
Owned by C.A, State Property
Just like the year fifteen fifty three
Looking for me, a one-way ticket out
Don't understand, what's so hard to figure out?
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us (Uh huh)
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us
(Damn) I can't take the pressure
Pulled the fo-fo up out the dresser
Grabbed the weight up out the closet
Po-po coming but I'm scared to toss it
Y'all know what happened last time I lost it
Can't tell you niggas what the fuckin boss did
D game got a nigga exhausted
Gotta go for the plea bargain they offered
Twenty years for what?
Breaking these laws that's so corrupt
Taking these halls and fillin 'em up
Some powder cake shit that's about to erupt
Ay y'all, I'm about to be stuck
Until the year two thousand, what the fuck?
In the hood, don't press your luck
Cause these motherfuckers will set you up, word up
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us (Uh huh)
They give us guns and drugs
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
They wanna count the slugs
Then come around here and fuck with us
Every hood's the same
Every hood's the same
Every hood's the same
Every hood's the same
Every hood's the same, stop trippin on it
In Ice Cube's song Why We Thugs, the lyrics highlight the struggles and challenges faced by individuals living in the inner city, particularly those who become involved with gangs and drugs. The song suggests that individuals in these communities are given guns and drugs by those in power, only to then be labeled as thugs and criminals when they use them. This creates a vicious cycle, as those in power then use law enforcement to target and oppress these communities further. The song's lyrics also suggest that the system itself is responsible for creating oppressive conditions that force individuals to turn to drug dealing and violent behavior as a means of survival.
Ice Cube specifically references the discriminatory policies of former US President George W. Bush in the lyrics, calling his administration out for the hypocrisy of invading Iraq and condemning Saddam Hussein while simultaneously supporting similar oppressive behavior at home. He also references the impact of systemic racism and poverty, pointing out that these issues are complex and deeply ingrained in American society.
Overall, the lyrics of Why We Thugs reflect Ice Cube's frustration with the systemic oppression that has become part of life in the inner cities of America. By addressing these issues head-on, he brings attention to the difficulties faced by those living in these communities and encourages listeners to examine the root causes of these problems.
Line by Line Meaning
They give us guns and drugs
Our community is given weapons and illegal substances
Then wonder why in the fuck we thugs
It's no surprise that we turn to criminal behavior
They wanna count the slugs
Authorities investigate and document the crimes in our neighborhood
Then come around here and fuck with us
Police officers and officials then target and harass our community
I'm from the land of the gang bang
I come from a neighborhood known for gang activity
Since I was little, ain't a god damn thang changed
The social and economic conditions in my community have remained the same my entire life
Bush run shit like Sadaam Hussein
The government is oppressive and controlling like a dictator
I cock and aim, clinically insane
The violence and stress of my everyday life has negatively affected my mental health
To deal with this bullshit day to day
I have to cope with the challenges and hardships I face on a regular basis
If I sell some yay or smoke some hay
Selling drugs or using marijuana are my only means of making money and finding relief
You bitches wanna throw me up in Pelican's Bay
The government punishes and incarcerates me for my actions instead of addressing the root issues in my community
Call me an animal up in the system
The system views me and those like me as inferior and subhuman
But who's the animal that built this prison
Despite their judgment and punishment, the government is responsible for creating the oppressive system that has led to my current situation
Who's the animal that invented lower living
The government has neglected and failed to properly support impoverished communities like mine
The projects, thank god for Russell Simmons
Celebrities like Russell Simmons have provided resources and help to impoverished communities when the government has not
Thank god for Sugarhill
Record labels like Sugarhill have given people like me a voice and a platform to share our experiences
I'm putting a different kind of steel up to my grill
I am not afraid to fight against the government and its oppressive system
Y'all know what it is, scared for your own kids
Those in power fear for their own children because they know the oppressive system affects everyone
How these ghetto niggas taken over showbiz
Despite the hardships we face, people from my community have found success in the entertainment industry
It's Boyz in the Hood, it's toys in the hood
My community contains both violence and the innocent pleasures of youth
Y'all wanna know why there's noise in the hood
The violence and stress in our community is the cause of the commotion
Cause there's drugs in the hood, thugs in the hood
The illegal drugs and gang activity are the root causes of the violence and chaos in our community
Nigga killed a Crip and a Blood in the hood
The violence between different gangs in our community causes tragedy and loss
Cause when niggas get tribal
When gang mentality takes over, our community becomes even more divided and dangerous
It's all about survival, nobody liable
Everyone here is just trying to survive and avoid being blamed for the chaos
I got caught by Five-0
I was caught and arrested by the police
Grandmama came to court with her bible
My family supports me and turns to religion for help during tough times
But when the judge hit the gavel
The justice system is harsh and unyielding
Now I'm too far from my family to travel
Being incarcerated separates me from my family and support system
I just came unraveled
The stress and pressure of my situation led to emotional distress
Socked the D.A. before I got gaffled
I acted out violently towards the district attorney when they tried to prosecute me
Owned by C.A, State Property
While incarcerated, I am no longer seen as a person but rather as the property of the state
Just like the year fifteen fifty three
Similar to the time of slavery, the government has ownership and control over the bodies and lives of those incarcerated
Looking for me, a one-way ticket out
My dream is to escape poverty and oppression and leave my current situation behind
Don't understand, what's so hard to figure out?
Those in power fail to comprehend the complexity and depth of the issues in my community
Pulled the fo-fo up out the dresser
I am armed and ready to defend myself
Grabbed the weight up out the closet
I have also hidden illegal drugs in my home for protection and as a way to make a living
Po-po coming but I'm scared to toss it
I am afraid to dispose of the evidence because I know the consequences I will face if caught
Y'all know what happened last time I lost it
My past violent behavior has led to consequences and a criminal record
Can't tell you niggas what the fuckin boss did
I cannot reveal the actions of my boss or leader in illegal activities
D game got a nigga exhausted
The lifestyle of selling drugs and participating in gang activity has taken a toll on my physical and mental well-being
Gotta go for the plea bargain they offered
I have no other options than to accept the plea arrangement offered by the prosecution
Twenty years for what?
The punishment I face for my actions is excessively harsh and doesn't address the root causes of my behavior
Breaking these laws that's so corrupt
I am committing crimes that stem from the corruption and inequality in our society
Taking these halls and fillin 'em up
The government unfairly targets and incarcerates people from my community, filling prisons with those who are simply trying to survive
Some powder cake shit that's about to erupt
The oppressive conditions in my community are a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment
Ay y'all, I'm about to be stuck
The harsh punishment I am facing will leave me trapped and unable to escape my current situation
Until the year two thousand, what the fuck?
The sentence I am facing is excessively long and cruel, extending beyond the year 2000
In the hood, don't press your luck
Those who are not a part of the community should not come here and try to interfere or cause trouble
Cause these motherfuckers will set you up, word up
Those in power and those who are a part of the community might conspire against outsiders and bring harm to them
Every hood's the same
Issues of poverty, violence, and struggle are present in every impoverished community
Stop trippin on it
Those in power should stop blaming and stigmatizing people from these communities and instead work towards real solutions to address the root causes of these issues
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, SCOTT SPENCER STORCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yuvithedope
No one can beat old school rap classics
@TTTonyVirus
@ri37eh2ushe it kinda is
@Adawg.2002
I agree
@drabdallahmohamedboinaba-nz9do
We need it back
@djcrystalclear420
@ri37eh2ushe the 2000s are oldschool you fool u realize it’s 2023
@jessecampos7394
@Kane?
*
Jjkkijjjm
@pr29silva
Se vc voltou aqui para ouvir esse som Parabéns! Seu gosto é Excelente!!!🤝
@LucasGomes-en6ew
Fez parte de minha infância ❤
@1Mister_Ali
Saddam Hussein👑
@lucasaugustox
Simm