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Album Review
by Adam ‘Gangsta’ Smythee
19-3-2003
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| Ice Cube: four CD re-issues + bonuses |
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Ice Cube : '[4 reissues]'
(Virgin)
Ice Cube – ‘new’ material with reissues
Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson, was the first member to leave the legendary Compton, Los Angeles, rap crew N.W.A. in 1989, at the height of their popularity and power after falling out with their manager, Jerry Heller, over royalty payments. He headed to the rival East Coast to work with Public Enemy’s production team; inspired by Chuck D and the Public Enemy crew, he released ‘AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted’ in early 1990. The follow-up EP, ‘Kill At Will’ saw a softer side to Cube, but audiences embraced the tracks nevertheless. It went gold (Stateside) just like its predecessor.
Both acclaimed and reviled for its violent, homophobic and misogynist lyrics, the album was nevertheless a massive hit and regarded as a groundbreaking Hip-hop classic. It also reflected the growing reputation of Cube, that of courting controversy with explicit and political rhymes although his lyrical stance has always proved far superior to his gangsta peers. ‘Kill At Will’ is now included as a bonus material on ‘AmeriKKKa’.
‘Death Certificate’ was released in 1991, proving even more political and vulgar. ‘No Vaseline’ was a vicious attack on N.W.A’s manager and was perceived as anti-Semitic, while ‘Black Korea’ was regarded as a racist invocation to burn down all Korean-owned grocery stores. The songs provoked a public condemnation from the trade publication Billboard, but that didn't prevent it from reaching number two and going platinum.
Platinum-selling ‘The Predator’ was released the following year and was the first album ever to debut at Number 1 on both the Pop and R’n’B charts. It housed three US number ones ‘Check Yo Self’ (‘The Message’ Remix), ‘It Was A Good Day’ and ‘Wicked’. ‘Lethal Injection’ followed in 1993, entering the US top 5 and going platinum on the back of hot grooves such as the George Clinton collaboration ‘Bop Gun’ and the haunting ‘Ghetto Bird’.
Although ignored in Europe initially it is time to re-evaluate these waxings because they are seminal Hip-hop outings – and worth a re-listen. (Apart from being remastered, the re-issues include bonus tracks as well as expanded artwork and liner notes.) In meantime we had an opportunity to watch his cinematic progress that’s been rather remarkable.
The above quartet is to be followed by a new Ice Cube long player later this year that will feature high-playa collaborations with Eminem, Dr Dre and 50 Cent.
‘AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted’ – 8.6/10
‘Death Certificate’ – 7.8/10
‘The Predator’ – 8.4/10
‘Lethal Injection’ – 7.5/10
Adam ‘Gangsta’ Smythee
19-3-2003
Ice Cube’s first four albums are re-released on 24 March 2003 by Virgin
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