Ice Cube

★ 9.0

album

AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted

“One can say this is both similar and different to Public Enemy's output around 1990. Similar because of its pro-Black message; different because of their approaches to it. In Ice Cube's case, his approach was to fight the bullshit and directly saying "fuck you" to the opposition. Crazy how this album still holds true in the grand scheme of things 35 years later. Released after leaving N.W.A. in 1989, Ice Cube sought out to make a defining opening statement to his then-new solo career. Linking up with the Bomb Squad (who were from the East Coast) seemed like a risk on paper back then, but safe to say it paid off. The end result is the production didn't sound too much like the East Coast; actually, it sounded like a bit of both coasts and worked successfully. Raw, rough, rugged: three words that not only describe the musical landscape, but also the star of the album himself. Ice Cube retains the aggression he previously displayed before and multiplied it by a hundred, with him affirming himself as a gangsta rapper who is also political at the same time. Tracks like "The Nigga Ya Love to Hate" and "Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside)" help blend both ends of the spectrum that ended up crafting two of the most empowering songs on here. O'Shea Jackson also showcases his humorous side, albeit briefly, with "A Gangsta's Fairytale", a track I probably wouldn't recommend playing for children before bedtime (even though at one point, I considered doing so if I ever had kids). Ice Cube as "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted"? Safe to say he made his case in believing he fits the profile.”

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