30 Nov Ice Cube – I Am The West | Album Review

Ice Cube is one of the forefathers of Gangsta rap and one of the rawest MCs to ever rip a beat. Not unlike Chuck D, it wasn't about style, lyricism or flow, but charisma, presence and often powerful statements that made him so unique and special. Once upon a time, he was the illustrious ghost writer for all of the N.W.A. members with a heart on sleeve approach, characterised by statements spat with intensity and aggression rather than focusing on cadence or word choice. This made him a sort of a weapon, capable of thrilling, intimidating and shocking, making him in a way, perfectly tailored for the Gangsta Rap birth era. His first three albums Amerikkas Most Wanted (1990), Death Certificate (1991) and Predator (1992) further solidified his status and volcanic rhyme approach. Up until here it was a beautiful Hip Hop affair and that's where it should have ended: in glory, no mistakes and no regrets, an immaculate career, especially in light of Cube finding a new outlet in Hollywood juggling directing, producing and acting. While it's not my place to evaluate his performance on the film industry, I doubt anyone would say his impact in it, was remotely close to what he achieved as an MC, still, he found longevity and substantial financial success going Hollywood, arguably as one of the most successful rapper turned actor, which leads me to asking what does a 40 year old accomplished Hollywood star want to achieve, by releasing an independently produced album?