audio review : Facts ( song ) … Ice Cube ( featuring J-Dee )

I don’t know when this song was made; it wasn’t released until Ice Cube’s Man Down album; but it should’ve been put out in 2021 shortly after, speaking of releases, J-Dee of Da Lench Mob’s 20-something-year prison stint. That’s what it’s all about; Cube sets the scene with his opening monologue; and it’s a (gang) banger.

my rating : 4 of 5

2024

audio review : Man Down ( album ) ... Ice Cube

audio review : Man Down ( album ) … Ice Cube

audio review : Man Down ( album ) ... Ice Cube

The title could just as well refer to Ice Cube himself. What made the rapper standout in the late 1980s and early 1990s was his brute insolence and racial/political indignations. This album includes hints of both, but the richer calmer Man he’s long since matured into just isn’t as interesting.

The best songs include the J-Dee reunion; Facts about Dee’s 20-something-year prison stint; and 3 Lil Piggies. Rollin At Twilight, at the beginning where it is, with its odd vocal breaks, comes across as a tacked-on demo. Cube should’ve omitted it to start and end the set with Ego trips.

my rating : 3 of 5

2024

audio review : Snoop Cube 40 Short ( album ) … Mount Westmore

audio review : Snoop Cube 40 Short ( album ) ... Mount Westmore

Mount Westmore should be the album title. There’s no need for a group moniker. Stating each rapper’s name; Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40 and Too Short; doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it’s better than cramming them together for what ultimately makes for an awkwardly self-titled debut. That’s if you don’t count the obscure NFT version; Bad MFs; released a few months ago.

The songs are about what you’d expect. All four Californians are, as the farcical cover picture suggests, gods of the rap game. They’re also long past their creative slash stylistic primes, though E-40 remains the most unique and interesting character of the bunch. His verses and the beats are the best parts. The worst are the hooks, most of which are, despite claims to do their Best, half-assed.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022