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Long before Ride Along and the Fridays, Ice Cube reminded us on his third solo album that he "was a boy in the hood before the movie." His career launched while a part of the "world's most dangerous rap group," better known as N.W.A. Yes, the star of Are We There Yet was once viewed as a threat to middle america. Their album Straight Outta Compton is one of the most important hip-hop albums ever. Its been credited for planting the seeds of "gangsta rap" (just think about how that term was almost redundant in the mid to late nineties), defining the sound of west coast rap, and inviting a white audience into hip-hop while simultaneously scaring the same demographic. Ice-Cube was at the center of this project and was responsible for about half of the lyrics on the album (more than his own). He didn't feel he was being paid enough for the extra writing he was doing. This caused a split-up and now-typical beef between the members. Mr. Cube got to work on his solo career quickly with a legacy-solidifying 3 album (and Kill at Will ep) stretch from 1990-92. His career since has consisted of 6 high charting solo albums and two Westside Connection albums, all with mostly average to mixed critical reception (Note: his solo albums Laugh now, Cry Later; Raw Footage, and the first WC album Bow Down are worth checking out, but didn't have the game changing impact of his best work). (wiki on the numbers)
Discography Highlights
Straight Outta Compton (1988), Amerikka's Most Wanted (1990), Death Certificate (1991), The Predator (1992)
I've seen the case made for any of his first three solo albums being his crowning achievement. If pre '90s hip-hop is a little too old-school for you usually I would listen to them in reverse order. This sounds obvious but I believe Predator is quite more accessible on young ears than Amerikka's Most Wanted (personal experience).
Sounds Like: NWA, Da Lench Mob (Note: Ice Cube was closely tied to this group. He appeared on their albums, they appeared on his. He was the executive producer on their debut album. Think Goodie Mob and Oukast if Outkast had attached themselves with direct oversight), Public Enemy crossed with Dr. Dre, he strangely reminds me of a West Coast version of Kool G Rap
Similar Roo artists: not much here. Probable crossover for fans of Lauryn Hill and Pusha T.
Suggested Listening
If you are interested in some of his newer sounding songs, check out the tracks Hello, Go to Church, and Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It.
Also, if you are ever wondering at the end of the night if you had a good day, here is a great flow chart to help your assessment.
Live Show
I've yet to see Ice Cube. After watching videos it seems like this will be a straightforward hip-hop show. He will run through classics along with some newer stuff. He’s passionate and energetic on stage. If you’re anything like me, the veins in your neck will be extra visible from screaming his verses with him and you’ll probably be doing a little hip-hop arm bouncing up and down action paired with the head-bob of your choice. Having been to my fair share of hip-hop shows, I would suggest getting a solid position for this or any other rap show you plan to see. I've never thought this genre translates live very well if you aren't in the thick of things.
Personal Notes
If Ice Cube is an actor who used to rap in your mind, you should work on getting that flipped around before June. I think strong arguments can be made that this man is the most influential hip-hop artist on the lineup (Kanye, Lauryn) and the best MC (Pusha). A true legend with legendary material to perform for us. I leave you with a classic and often-sampled verse from a game-changing song from a genre-defining album...
“F*ck tha police Comin straight from the underground Young ni**a got it bad 'cause I'm brown And not the other color so police think They have the authority to kill a minority
F*ck that sh*t, 'cause I ain't tha one For a punk muthaf*cka with a badge and a gun To be beatin on, and throwin in jail We could go toe to toe in the middle of a cell
F*ckin with me 'cause I'm a teenager With a little bit of gold and a pager Searchin my car, lookin for the product Thinkin every ni**a is sellin narcotics
You'd rather see me in the pen Then me and Lorenzo rollin in the Benzo Beat tha police outta shape And when I'm finished, bring the yellow tape
To tape off the scene of the slaughter Still can't swallow bread and water I don't know if they f*gs or what search a ni**a down and grabbin his nuts
And on the other hand, without a gun they can't get none But don't let it be a black and a white one 'cause they slam ya down to the street top Black police showin out for the white cop
Ice Cube will swarm On any muthaf*cka in a blue uniform Just 'cause I'm from the CPT, punk police are afraid of me A young ni**a on a warpath And when I'm finished, it's gonna be a bloodbath
Of cops, dyin in LA Yo Dre, I got somethin to say” – first verse, Fuck the Police
So excited to him live. Unfortunately I'll prob be missing this show so he'll more than likely be in the Nas spot from last year you don't realize how many hits he has had till you read something like this.
So excited to him live. Unfortunately I'll prob be missing this show so he'll more than likely be in the Nas spot from last year you don't realize how many hits he has had till you read something like this.
After reading this I scrolled through my post and I had forgot to post Gangsta Nation. Updated. Such a great song. I was guilty about forgetting a few myself.
I'm aware he was rollin' with them frequently but do they really need to be mentioned here? I threw in a lil tidbit about them in the "sounds like" section.
10/19/14-Phantogram
11/29/14-New Politics, Bad Suns
4/17/15-Hippo Campus, Night Riots, The Mowglis
5/1/15-Penn State Movin' On Music Festival-New Politics, Passion Pit, Big Gigantic, Big Sean
6/11/15-6/14/15-Bonnaroo!
6/21/15 - Paul McCartney
6/27/15-Halsey, Imagine Dragons
you don't realize how many hits he has had till you read something like this. 
