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.
Y'all Know How I Am
Ice Cube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (I'm A Fool)
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
Drop It
Drop It
Uh Look
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (Don't Trip)
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
[Verse 1: Ice Cube]
Mr Ice Cube Treat Me Like The Man
If Not I Come Through Sleptrock Bam Bam
Uncle SAm Can't Fuck With Your Nephrew
F You Ya'll Better Let A Vet Through
[Hook: Ice Cube]
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (Don't Trip)
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
[Verse 2: OMG]
Oh My Goodness OMG Make 'Em Say Oh My Goodness
And In LA With 2 Fives Like L Goodrich
Black Lambo Keeps Me On My Bullshit
Disrespect The Team I Wish You Would Bitch
[Hook: Ice Cube]
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (Don't Trip)
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
[Verse 3: DoughBoy]
Call Me Doughboy Bitch You Know How I Do
I Spit I From The Top Like A Frisbee On The Roof
You Can Call A Nigga Dope
Buy All The Chrispy And Coupe
Every Friday After The Next I Pull Up In Something New
In Something New [x9]
[Verse 4: WC]
The Dirty Rubber Play The Gutter Far From A Lady Lover
The 380 Clutch A Dove Shady Than A Motherfucker
Turning Up The Acordia Shoot The Whole Party Up
Catch You At The Stoplight Wuth A Lynch Mob Like
[Hook: Ice Cube]
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (Don't Trip)
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
[Verse 5: Maylay]
Maylay Ugly Get Stupid Mcnewbie
Came In With Dub C This Ice Cube Shit
La Hats Tats And Air Mats
Plastered C A Tat Yea We Stay Strapped
[Hook: Ice Cube]
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (Don't Trip)
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
[Verse 6: Ice Cube]
I'm A Fool I'm A Trip
I'm A Blood I'm A Crip
I'm a Slide I'm a Dip
I'm a Take You On A Trip
Where The Girls Wanna Strip
If You Stay To The Script
Act Up If You Think I'm On Some Hollywood Shit
Hollywood Shit [x9]
I'm A Fool I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
I'm A Fool I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
Don't Trip Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am
Don't Trip Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am
The lyrics of Ice Cube's "Y'all Know How I Am" is a testament to the rapper's confidence and his ability to own his persona. The lyrics of the song celebrate his status as a legendary rapper and that he is still one of the best. The chorus repeats the phrase, "Don't Trip, Ya'll know how I am" which may signify that despite everything, Ice Cube is still the same person he has always been, and people shouldn't be surprised by his actions. Notably, Ice Cube seems to address some haters in his verses as he talks tough and threatens to hurt anyone who dare cross him. The song also features the verses of other rappers in Cube's crew, adding to the song's celebratory tone.
The lyrics of the song highlight the West Coast rap style of the 90s, as the rappers boast about their cars, guns, and women. The flow and rhyme scheme of the verses add to the song's catchiness, making it easy for fans to recite and remember. Ice Cube's lyrics also reveal his duality, as he presents himself as both a blood and a crip, portraying his gangster image. He also refers to his "Hollywood" persona, indicating his success in mainstream entertainment.
Overall, Ice Cube's "Y'all Know How I Am" is a braggadocio song that serves as a reminder of his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. The song celebrates his longevity in the industry, his reputation for being a badass, and his ability to inspire other artists.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (I'm A Fool)
Don't worry about me, you should know that I am a wild and unpredictable person
I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
I am not afraid to act foolishly or recklessly, as my reputation precedes me
Drop It
Let's get this party started by playing some music
Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am (Don't Trip)
Once again, don't worry about me, my behavior is no surprise to you
Mr Ice Cube Treat Me Like The Man
I demand respect from everyone, particularly from authority figures
If Not I Come Through Sleptrock Bam Bam
If I am not treated with respect, I will come through with force, causing chaos
Uncle SAm Can't Fuck With Your Nephrew
The government has no power over me, as I am too powerful and unpredictable
F You Ya'll Better Let A Vet Through
If you don't want to face my wrath, you had better show deference to me as a veteran in the game
Oh My Goodness OMG Make 'Em Say Oh My Goodness
My skills are so impressive that people cannot help but react with shock and awe
And In LA With 2 Fives Like L Goodrich
I am rolling around LA with two expensive cars, just like a wealthy celebrity would
Black Lambo Keeps Me On My Bullshit
My black Lamborghini keeps me feeling confident and ready to cause trouble
Disrespect The Team I Wish You Would Bitch
If you disrespect my team, I will retaliate with force
Call Me Doughboy Bitch You Know How I Do
My name is Doughboy, and I am notorious for my behavior
I Spit I From The Top Like A Frisbee On The Roof
I am a skilled rapper, and my rhymes fly high and accurately, much like a frisbee on a rooftop
You Can Call A Nigga Dope
People may recognize and respect my skills as a rapper
Buy All The Chrispy And Coupe
I have the financial means to buy expensive cars and champagne (Chrispy)
Every Friday After The Next I Pull Up In Something New
I regularly make extravagant purchases and flaunt them to those around me
The Dirty Rubber Play The Gutter Far From A Lady Lover
I am a tough and rugged individual who is not interested in romance or pleasing women
The 380 Clutch A Dove Shady Than A Motherfucker
I carry a gun with a deadly .380 caliber, and my actions can be questionable or dangerous
Turning Up The Acordia Shoot The Whole Party Up
When I turn up the music, I am likely to get rowdy and cause chaos
Catch You At The Stoplight Wuth A Lynch Mob Like
If I see you at a stoplight, I may intimidate you with my friends, much like a lynch mob
Maylay Ugly Get Stupid Mcnewbie
My name is Maylay, and I am not conventionally attractive, but I am still skilled and respected
Came In With Dub C This Ice Cube Shit
I arrived with Dub C (Westside Connection), and we are creating classic Ice Cube music
La Hats Tats And Air Mats
I proudly represent LA with my fashion choices and tattoos
Plastered C A Tat Yea We Stay Strapped
My tattoos are permanent, much like the guns that I carry for protection
I'm A Fool I'm A Trip
I am a wild and unpredictable person
I'm A Blood I'm A Crip
I have affiliations with both Bloods and Crips gangs
I'm a Slide I'm a Dip
My movements are smooth and flashy
I'm a Take You On A Trip
I will take you on an adventure or experience with me
Where The Girls Wanna Strip
I am known for my attractiveness and ability to attract women, even strippers
If You Stay To The Script
If you follow my lead or instructions, you will be alright
Act Up If You Think I'm On Some Hollywood Shit
Don't test me or cause problems, as I am still a tough street person, not some polished Hollywood celebrity
I'm A Fool I'm A Fool Ya'll Know How I Am
I am truly an unpredictable and wild person, and everyone knows it
Don't Trip Don't Trip Ya'll Know How I Am
Again, don't worry about me or expect me to change my behavior, as I am consistent in my wildness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER J. BELLARD, DARRELL CHRISTIAN JACKSON, DARRELL E. JACKSON, O'SHEA JACKSON, O'SHEA JACKSON JR., WILLIAM ALLEN HODGE, WILLIAM L. CALHOUN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ghettofreakshow781
I think W.C. is one of the most underrated lyricists
@tolgakbgli5390
hell yeah!
@SomeRightGuy
Barracuda 👌
@craigdavis5407
💯💯💯💯
@rg3_inc183
No thinking,W.C. is EASILY one of most underrated lyricists of all time
@kai_444
water closet
@Seinra
Ice Cube never goes out of style!
@rudyf2387
cube's sons are fuckin fire!!
@toxicfataldestiny5408
What did ya expect? they get it from their dad 🙂.
@nicolasfernandez1688
0:19 RIP Cameron Boyce An angel who inhabited the planet and left to teach the stars how to shine 😭😓😓✨🕊️