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.
Wrong Nigga To Fuck Wit
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the straight gangsta mack in straight gangsta black
How many motherfuckers gotta pay
Went to the shelf and dusted off the AK
Caps gotta get peeled
Cause "The Nigga Ya Love to hate" still can "Kill at Will"
It ain't no pop cause that sucks
And you can New Jack SWING on my nuts
Down wit the niggas that I bail out
I'm platinum bitch and I didn't have to sell out
"Fuck you, Ice Cube!", that's what the people say
Fuck AmeriKKKa, still with the triple K
Cause you know when my nine goes buck
It'll bust your head like a watermelon dropped from 12 stories up
Now let's see who'll drop
Punk motherfuckers tryin' to ban hip-hop
Fuck R&B and the runnin' man
I'm the one that stand, with the gun in hand
Make sure before you buck wit duck quick
Punk, cause I'm the wrong nigga to fuck with
"I'ma let y'all know one thing man"
Hell yeah it's on, you better tell 'em
Ice Cube and I'm rolling with the motherfuckin L.M
It's the number one crew in the area
Make a move for your gat and I'll bury ya
Ashes to ashes, dirt to dirt
Punks roll when I put in work
Cause Lench Mob niggas are the craziest
And y'all motherfuckers can't fade my shit
South Central, that's where the Lench Mob dwell
Hittin fools up with the big ass L
One time can't hold me back
Sweatshirt, khakis and crokersacs
Stop givin' juice to the Raiders
Cause Al Davis never paid us
I hope he wear a vest
It's all about the L-E-N-C-H y'all know the rest
Muthafuckin' crew, muthafuckin' mob
Do a muthafuckin' job in a muthafuckin' squad
In '91 Ice Cube grew stronger and bigger
And I'm the wrong nigga to fuck with
"One-and-two, ah-three-e-and-ah-four-and"
"Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute"
Drop a old school beat!
Like I said, it's a brand new payback
Now in '91, let's see whose beats get jacked!
Sir Jinx grew a little bit taller
(Keep the wack beats out)
True motherfuckin' baller
And hoes can't roll on
Even bitches looking like En Vogue gotta "Hold On"
Don't let me catch Daryl Gates in traffic
I gotta have it, to peel his cap backwards
I hope he wear a vest too, and his best blue
Goin up against the Zulu
Break his spine like a jellyfish
Kick his ass til I'm smellin shit
Off wit the head, off wit the head I say
And watch the devil start kickin'
Run around like a chicken
Grand Dragon finger lickin'
Yo, turn him over wit a spatula
Now we got, Kentucky Fried Cracker
Mess with the Cube, you get punked quick
Pig, cause I'm the wrong nigga to fuck with!
"Last person in the world you wanna fuck with"
The lyrics to Ice Cube's "The Wrong Nigga To Fuck Wit" are a powerful proclamation of strength and defiance. The song opens with a menacing tone, with Ice Cube warning that it's a "brand new payback" from the "straight gangsta mack in straight gangsta black." He goes on to warn that "caps gotta get peeled" and that he's "the wrong nigga to fuck with." The song seems to be aimed at those who have doubted or underestimated Ice Cube's power and influence, with the rapper asserting his dominance and making clear that he won't be silenced or suppressed.
As the lyrics continue, Ice Cube makes several references to violence and the use of guns, suggesting that he's prepared to defend himself and his crew by any means necessary. He also references his platinum status and suggests that he's succeeded on his own terms, without having to sell out or compromise his values. The song ends with a final warning to those who would try to challenge Ice Cube, declaring that he's the "last person in the world you wanna fuck with."
Overall, the lyrics to "The Wrong Nigga To Fuck Wit" are a powerful anthem of strength and rebellion, celebrating the power of black excellence and asserting Ice Cube's dominance in the hip-hop world.
Line by Line Meaning
God damn, it's a brand new payback
Ice Cube is seeking revenge and it'll be more severe than before.
From the straight gangsta mack in straight gangsta black
Ice Cube is a real gangster (not a wannabe) and he's back in the game.
How many motherfuckers gotta pay
Ice Cube is angry and wants to know how many people will have to suffer because of their actions.
Went to the shelf and dusted off the AK
Ice Cube has retrieved his AK-47 and is ready for war.
Caps gotta get peeled
He plans to shoot and kill anyone who threatens him.
Cause "The Nigga Ya Love to hate" still can "Kill at Will"
Ice Cube is still the same and he can still be deadly.
It ain't no pop cause that sucks
He's not into pop music because it's bad and weak.
And you can New Jack SWING on my nuts
He doesn't care if people try to imitate him or his style because he's still the best.
Down wit the niggas that I bail out
He's loyal to the people he associates with.
I'm platinum bitch and I didn't have to sell out
He's become successful without compromising his principles or beliefs.
"Fuck you, Ice Cube!", that's what the people say
He's aware that some people don't like him, and he doesn't care.
Fuck AmeriKKKa, still with the triple K
He still hates America and he supports the Ku Klux Klan.
Cause you know when my nine goes buck
When he uses his firearm, it will be deadly.
It'll bust your head like a watermelon dropped from 12 stories up
His bullet will hit you hard and it'll be like getting hit by a falling watermelon.
Now let's see who'll drop
He's challenging his enemies to see who'll fall first.
Punk motherfuckers tryin' to ban hip-hop
He's angry that some people are trying to censor music, specifically hip-hop.
Fuck R&B and the runnin' man
He doesn't care for R&B music, and he's not interested in doing the popular dance craze.
I'm the one that stand, with the gun in hand
He stands his ground, and he's not afraid to use his weapon.
Make sure before you buck wit duck quick
If you decide to fight, be prepared because he might retaliate swiftly.
Punk, cause I'm the wrong nigga to fuck with
He knows that he's dangerous, and he's warning others not to mess with him.
"I'ma let y'all know one thing man"
He's about to share something important.
Hell yeah it's on, you better tell 'em
He's prepared for battle, and his enemies should be warned.
Ice Cube and I'm rolling with the motherfuckin L.M
He's working with his crew, Lench Mob.
It's the number one crew in the area
Lench Mob is the best crew.
Make a move for your gat and I'll bury ya
If you reach for your gun, you'll end up dead because he's faster.
Ashes to ashes, dirt to dirt
He doesn't care for you or what happens to you when you're dead.
Punks roll when I put in work
People who are weak or fake will always surrender when he starts working.
Cause Lench Mob niggas are the craziest
His crew is known for being the most dangerous and unpredictable.
And y'all motherfuckers can't fade my shit
His enemies can't compete with him or bring him down.
South Central, that's where the Lench Mob dwell
His crew is based in South Central LA.
Hittin fools up with the big ass L
They use a big L as their symbol and they intimidate their enemies with it.
One time can't hold me back
Even if the police try to stop him, he'll find a way to continue his work.
Sweatshirt, khakis and crokersacs
This is what he's wearing, and it shows he's from the hood.
Stop givin' juice to the Raiders
He doesn't want people to support the Raiders because Al Davis doesn't pay them.
Cause Al Davis never paid us
Al Davis (owner of the Raiders) didn't pay Ice Cube or Lench Mob for performing at the team's games.
I hope he wear a vest
He's hoping that Al Davis is wearing a bulletproof vest because he's planning to kill him.
It's all about the L-E-N-C-H y'all know the rest
He just reminded people that Lench Mob is everything.
Muthafuckin' crew, muthafuckin' mob
His crew is powerful and they shouldn't be underestimated.
Do a muthafuckin' job in a muthafuckin' squad
His crew works together and gets the job done.
In '91 Ice Cube grew stronger and bigger
Ice Cube became even more powerful and successful in 1991.
And I'm the wrong nigga to fuck with
He's dangerous and people should stay away from him.
"One-and-two, ah-three-e-and-ah-four-and"
He's getting ready to rap over an old-school beat.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute"
He's about to pause and clarify something.
Drop a old school beat!
He wants to rap over a classic hip-hop instrumental.
Like I said, it's a brand new payback
He's repeating what he said earlier, which means he's still angry and wants revenge.
Now in '91, let's see whose beats get jacked!
He's daring his enemies to make music in 1991 and see if he samples their beats.
Sir Jinx grew a little bit taller
Sir Jinx (his producer) has gotten even better.
(Keep the wack beats out)
He only wants to work with quality beats.
True motherfuckin' baller
He's a true OG and people should respect him.
And hoes can't roll on
Women can't try to interrupt what he's doing because he'll shut them down.
Even bitches looking like En Vogue gotta "Hold On"
Women who think they're pretty (like the R&B group En Vogue) should brace themselves because he's going to be tough.
Don't let me catch Daryl Gates in traffic
He's ready to confront the Chief of the LAPD (Daryl Gates) if he sees him while driving.
I gotta have it, to peel his cap backwards
He wants to shoot Daryl Gates in the head and remove his cap by doing so.
I hope he wear a vest too, and his best blue
He's still hoping that his targets are wearing bulletproof vests to make the kill more challenging.
Goin up against the Zulu
He's targeting not only the LAPD but also the Zulu Nation (hip-hop organization).
Break his spine like a jellyfish
He wants to cause serious harm to his enemies, like breaking their spine.
Kick his ass til I'm smellin shit
He wants to beat his enemies so badly that he can smell the feces coming out of their body.
Off wit the head, off wit the head I say
He wants to cut off his enemies' heads, possibly as a warning to others.
And watch the devil start kickin'
Once he's victorious, he knows that his enemies will be suffering.
Run around like a chicken
His enemies will panic and run away.
Grand Dragon finger lickin'
He's targeting the KKK leader (Grand Dragon) and implying that he's rich and enjoying his power over racists.
Yo, turn him over wit a spatula
He has zero respect for his enemies and wants to disrespect them even after they're dead.
Now we got, Kentucky Fried Cracker
He's comparing his dead enemies to fried chicken, which is a demeaning way to insult them.
Mess with the Cube, you get punked quick
Anyone who messes with Ice Cube will regret it later.
Pig, cause I'm the wrong nigga to fuck with!
He's warning his enemies once again that he's not someone they want to mess with.
"Last person in the world you wanna fuck with"
He's the most dangerous person out there and you don't want to mess with him, ever.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, BERNARD WORRELL, GEORGE CLINTON, JR., ANTHONY WHEATON, WILLIAM EARL COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kaizoku
one of the hardest openers to an album ever
MK64Greg
@Russ Foulkes same here bud, I'm mainly a metalhead but love Ice Cube, he's punk as fuck.
Boris Sibor
Da Lench Mob
Damien-Adia Marassa
Exactly
Heartbreak One
The HARDEST! Hands down!
Mighty Raccoon
Rappers today are too scared to do this type of raw energy whilst also sounding good.
Cube da 🐐
Shane Bowman
Death Certificate. The best gangsta rap album ever produced.
DRock696
@Rambo, John J. Nah... The Chronic was cool but it couldn't touch AMERIKKKA'S Most Wanted or Death Certificate... Trust me.
Todd
I know I'm old & white, But I still feel this is one of the G.O.A.T rap albums and an example of why I think most modern hip hop/rap is child's play.
El Tren
@Ron Thompson i concur