Thirty-four years ago, Ice Cube released Kill At Will, a blistering follow-up to his landmark debut album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted. As an EP, it’s a concise yet potent project that not only cemented Cube’s reputation as a pioneering solo artist but also showcased his ability to blend storytelling, social commentary, and unrelenting aggression.
Clocking in at just under 25 minutes, Kill At Will serves as both an extension of his debut’s themes and a standalone statement. The EP begins with “Endangered Species (Tales From the Darkside),” a hard-hitting collaboration with Chuck D of Public Enemy. The track tackles systemic violence, police brutality, and the precarious position of Black lives in America—a message as relevant today as it was in 1990. Cube’s verses are sharp, unflinching, and filled with urgency, while Chuck D’s presence reinforces the weight of its message.
Another standout is “Dead Homiez,” a somber reflection on the cycle of violence in South Central Los Angeles. Cube adopts a mournful tone as he pays homage to fallen friends, capturing both the grief and frustration that come with living in a community plagued by gang violence and systemic neglect. The haunting production amplifies the emotional impact, showcasing Cube’s versatility as not just a firebrand but also a deeply introspective storyteller.
“Jackin’ for Beats” is perhaps the EP’s most innovative track, where Ice Cube raps over a medley of beats borrowed from other popular songs of the time. It’s a playful yet assertive display of lyrical dominance, as Cube effortlessly adapts his flow to each new instrumental, proving his prowess as a master emcee. This track also nods to hip-hop’s roots in sampling and reinvention, making it a clever meta-commentary on the genre itself.
The EP closes with “The Product” and “I Gotta Say What Up!!!,” which continue Cube’s sharp critique of societal issues while reinforcing his role as an unfiltered voice for the disenfranchised. The latter track serves as a shoutout to the hip-hop community, solidifying Cube’s connection to his peers and the movement as a whole.
What makes Kill At Will remarkable is its balance. While it carries the same confrontational energy as AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, it feels more focused and distilled. The EP format works in its favor, offering listeners a concentrated dose of Ice Cube’s artistry without filler.
Decades later, Kill At Will remains a pivotal moment in Ice Cube’s career and hip-hop history. It captured the zeitgeist of the early ‘90s, where racial tensions, police violence, and urban decay loomed large in America’s collective consciousness. More importantly, it gave a voice to those living in the margins, proving once again that Cube was more than a rapper—he was a revolutionary.
Listening to Kill At Will today, its themes still resonate, making it both a time capsule and a timeless piece of art. It’s a testament to Ice Cube’s vision and a reminder of the power of hip-hop as a tool for truth and transformation.
Few names in hip-hop carry as much weight as Ice Cube. With over 30 years in the game, the legendary rapper, actor, and businessman has earned his place as a hip-hop icon. Whether it’s his groundbreaking work with N.W.A., his solo career, or his influence in hip-hop cinema, Cube has always kept it real. Now, he’s back with Man Down, a highly anticipated album that proves he’s still true to his roots while pushing the envelope. From deep, thought-provoking tracks to bangers like “It’s My Ego,” the album captures Cube’s perspective on the world as well as his vision for the future.
In this exclusive interview with HotNewHipHop, Ice Cube opened up about the making of Man Down. Cube discussed how important it was for the album to connect with his fans and deliver that familiar sound they’ve come to expect. “It’s important to do what you do best,” Cube said. “After decades in the game, my experimental phase is over. I’m making records that I know sound good and that I feel my audience is looking for. That West Coast sound, that G-Funk flavor, is right up my alley. It’s what we’ve been doing from day one, so it’s cool to lean into it and get accepted for it.” Thus, day-one fans are in for a treat while listening to this project.
Moreover, the album comes at a point in Cube’s career where he’s already a seasoned vet, balancing his iconic status in hip-hop with his moves in film, sports, and business. Man Down blends the raw, street-level storytelling Cube is known for while also diving into some real-world topics. One of the main themes is masculinity today. Furthermore, he speaks on the way manhood is viewed and the misconceptions surrounding what it means to be masculine in today’s society. In our conversation, Cube broke it down and shared his thoughts on the topic.
Beyond Man Down, Cube also spoke candidly about the current state of hip-hop music on the West Coast. However, he offered a grounded perspective on the shifting tides of hip-hop by region. “We’re having our moment,” he says. “We’ve just got to keep it going. Let’s not get cocky—let’s be happy and keep doing good music. Try to top what we’re doing.” Cube also looked back on major career milestones, talked about staying true to his roots while working on Man Down, and shared his thoughts on his role as a tastemaker in West Coast hip-hop. He even gave a sneak peek into his plans for an ambitious tour production. Keep reading to hear all about what he has to look forward to.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HotNewHipHop: Man Down is your first solo album since 2018’s Everythang’s Corrupt. It covers the topic of masculinity. How would you describe masculinity in today’s world?
Ice Cube: I think masculinity is given a bad name. When you overdo anything, it’s not good. If somebody overdoses masculinity, it does become toxic. But masculine behavior itself isn’t toxic just because it’s masculine. That’s where we are right now, and I think that’s the overshoot. Nobody likes toxic people, but just because you’re masculine doesn’t mean you’re toxic. I think masculinity is kind of under threat a little bit in today’s society. Why do you feel this was an important topic for you to talk about?
I’m a man. And I’m a masculine man. I never thought of myself with that adjective, you know what I’m saying? But that’s what I am, and I kind of wanted to stand up for guys like myself. But it’s hip-hop, so it’s fun. You’ve got to be clever, talk a little shit, and still do it in a record form. You drop the jewels where you can, where they make sense. But it’s a record for everybody, really. I don’t want it to feel like this call to arms for me. It’s just a record coming from a heterosexual male perspective on what I see.
You’ve said in past interviews that Man Down is for Ice Cube fans. Can you talk about the creative process behind making an album that’s true to who you are and your roots?
It’s important to do what you do best. After decades in the game, my experimental phase is over. I’m making records that I know sound good and that I feel my audience is looking for. These are records I’ll put out. I’ve got experimental ones I’ll never release, but the ones I put out are for the fans who got me this far. You want to make sure your day-one fans still dig the music because they influence the other generations. If your day ones don’t like it, how can you expect the others to? The day twos might hear the day ones complaining, and that’s how the cycle goes. You’ve got to stay grounded. That West Coast sound, that G-Funk flavor, is right up my alley. It’s what we’ve been doing from day one, so it’s cool to lean into it and get accepted for it.
Which artists, if any, do you feel are dropping gems in their music today?
Kendrick’s definitely doing it. J. Cole’s an artist who does it too. They drop a lot of jewels.
You recently performed at the World Series. That was such a cool moment, especially as someone born and raised in LA. Talk about that experience and what it meant to you.
As a youngster, I grew up watching the Dodgers in the World Series—1977 and 1978. They lost both times, and I was mad. But then in 1981, they won, and we haven’t seen them in the series since. Just to see them play again, I thought, “Yeah, I just want to watch.” Then I got a call, “Do you want to open up the World Series?” I was supposed to do Game 1, but Fernando Valenzuela passed away before it, so they did a tribute. It was everything I dreamed of. What was your reaction when you got the call?
I was happy they called me. It meant a lot that the Dodgers felt I represented LA enough to bring me out. They could’ve called Snoop, Dre, anyone else, but they called me, and I was really honored.
Do you feel like your life is stamped with so many monumental moments like that? Yeah, I feel super blessed. From meeting Dr. Dre when I was 14 to meeting John Singleton at the right time. It’s kind of divine intervention. I never thought I’d be in this position, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that came my way.
Speaking of divine intervention, you had the opportunity to co-produce your own biographical drama with Straight Outta Compton and tell your own story.
It was like this: a thousand ways to get the movie wrong, and only a few to get it right. We had to go through those few ways. You couldn’t compromise. The movie could have gone off the rails and affected the legacy. People are watching to understand what happened, especially for those who weren’t there. This was the story from someone who was part of it.
Most people’s movies get made when they’re dead. So I thought, if we don’t do it, someone else will, and they might mess it all up. I make movies. I know how to make a good one, and I knew this one was going to be good. Refused to let it be trash, especially with our legacy attached to it. I was determined to make sure it came out right.
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 19: Coach Ice Cube of Team Webull celebrates during the Monster Energy BIG3 Celebrity Game at Capital One Arena on August 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Idol Roc Entertainment)
Let’s about the West Coast music scene. You’ve maintained a lot of creative control throughout your career. Moreover, what advice would you give to younger artists navigating today’s corporate-dominated music landscape?
It’s not easy. You’ve got to learn as much about the business before getting into it. There are millions of tutorials online—publishing, mechanicals, royalties, promotion. Young artists should take advantage of that. Learn the business as much as you like making music. Know the business so you understand what they’re talking about when they come at you with different offers. If you don’t, it’s not going to be pretty. You’ll likely get screwed.
How would you describe the current state of West Coast music? I feel like people are saying, “The West Coast is back. We’re on top again.” What’s your perspective?
It’s banging. I don’t want to say, “This one’s on top, that one’s on top.” We’re having our moment. Some great music is coming from the OGs and our biggest artists. We’ve just got to keep it going. Eventually, someone from another region will take over, and the East Coast will have its moment. It’ll swing back around, like it always does. Let’s not get cocky—let’s be happy and keep doing good music. Try to top what we’re doing.
Do you think this has always been the case? Yeah, that’s what I’ve seen throughout my career. When I first started, the East Coast dominated everything. It was like, there was no point in making a record if you weren’t from New York or the East Coast. Then it swung to the West, then the South. Right now, the West is having its run, but it’ll swing back to the East Coast next. And then back to the South. It’s cyclical.
People say the West Coast hits hardest when it comes to diss tracks. Your track “No Vaseline” dropped in 1991 and it’s considered one of the greatest diss tracks ever. Do you agree?
How do you think the world would react if “No Vaseline” dropped today in 2024?
There’d be chaos. Everyone would be going crazy online, analyzing every line. Some people would be upset, just like when we released it in ’91. It caused a lot of s**t then, and it would now too. Hip-hop talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly.
If you could assemble a West Coast cypher with past or present artists, who would you pick?
Oh man, I’d definitely have Ras Kass and Kurupt in there. Ras Kass, Kurupt, Xzibit. I’d throw Xzibit in there too. He’s a beast. Let’s see… I would put the The Game. He’s f*cking ferocious on the mic. That would be a dope a** cypher.
I know you’re gearing up for a tour. What can we expect from that?
I’m working on a big production tour. I’ve done the “grip it and rip it” style for a long time, but now I want to create a story. More of an “Evening with Ice Cube” type of feel. A big production that combines my music and movies in a cohesive way. I want it to be entertaining for the people.
Sounds amazing. What does a day in the life or evening look like for you these days?
I usually get up early, around 5 or 6 a.m. I’m the first one up in my house. I jump on my computer, see what I need to focus on for the day. I’ll drink some coffee, check the news, and get my day started. Sometimes I listen to beats and brainstorm ideas. I’ve got meetings, interviews, and calls—usually a lot going on. Later, I’ve got a meeting about putting a Big3 team in Seattle. I’m always working on business moves.
Before we go, is there anything you want to leave us with? What’s coming up for you?
I’ll keep pushing this record, doing promotion, and sticking with the videos. Next year, I’m presenting the Ice Cube Impact Award at the Basketball Hall of Fame. We’re going to select someone who truly deserves it. Then, the Big3 season will start, and I’m putting together this tour. Big things ahead.
Who knew that one of the most conversation-sparking bars on Kendrick Lamar’s new album GNX would be the one allegedly dissing Andrew Schulz? Well, the comedian took the presumed diss to heart, and there have been a lot of condemning reactions to his jokes about the Compton lyricist in the aftermath. O’Shea Jackson Jr., for example, called Schulz out. “Weird ass n***a,” he shared on Twitter. “Man how people change on some weird s**t. I was a fan.” Jackson Jr. probably got some of this combative energy from his father Ice Cube, who penned one of the best diss tracks of all time in “No Vaseline.”
Furthermore, the Los Angeles icon actually recently responded to O’Shea Jackson Jr’s attacks against Andrew Schulz for his Kendrick Lamar comments. TMZ asked him about the situation at the LAX airport on Thursday (December 12), and he’s fully in support of Jackson Jr. “He can handle that all day, any day. That’s light work,” Ice Cube said of his son’s criticisms of the comedian. As for Schulz himself, Cube had harsher words: “Come with some better jokes, homie.”
A metaphor about getting fucked business wise by your manager
Is not the same homie.
He ain’t call you a bitch. He ain’t say fuck you. Didn’t even say your name. And your response was buck breaking. Shit was just crazy. https://t.co/r0EQFAnQV3
In response to Ice Cube’s son, Andrew Schulz had the following comment to make via a Twitter reply: “Google ‘No Vaseline’ by Ice Cube [shocked face emoji].” “A metaphor about getting f***ed business wise by your manager is not the same homie,” O’Shea Jackson Jr. clapped back. “He ain’t call you a b***h. He ain’t say f**k you. Didn’t even say your name. And your response was buck breaking. S**t was just crazy.” While there’s still some fallout from this whole situation, it’s starting to die down in the media. So maybe there’s another chapter to these back-and-forth responses, or we can nip this in the bud.
Beyond supporting his son against Andrew Schulz, though, Ice Cube has plenty of other, more important endeavors to focus on. For example, he recently released his new album Man Down, which hardcore fans seem quite pleased with given the reception to it overall. We’ll see if he has more takes on some of today’s most divisive or combative hip-hop topics.
Ice Cube is not only one of the most influential rappers of all time, but one of the art form and culture’s most extracurricularly decorated exponents. He’s led basketball leagues and starred in a lot of visual media, one of his most famous being the classic 1995 comedy Friday alongside Chris Tucker. It got two sequels in 2000 and 2002 respectively, but it seems like Hollywood higher-ups felt that the weekend was over. The Los Angeles MC went on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast to reveal that studio executives shut down his script for another installment, although the timeline is unclear.
“Like, I know what it needs to be, and they don’t,” Ice Cube remarked to Cam Newton. “So, they had a guy in there named Toby Emmerich for years, and he wouldn’t make the movie. I was trying to get it made. I wrote a script, they said it was…” Then, Cube explained his idea for the script, and revealed that he wanted to get Chris Tucker back. “They was like, ‘Ah, jail’s not funny. It’s too much time in jail. How can you make jail funny?’ I’m like, ‘Man, y’all don’t know what the f**k y’all talking about.’ Then they come out with Orange Is The New Black, Let’s Go To Prison, all these movies about that. And I’m like, ‘See? More Hollywood execs don’t know what the f**k they’re talking.’”
After that comment, Cam Newton asked why Ice Cube didn’t seek the help of another film company or filmmaker to get this new Friday movie out. “It’s not that simple,” he replied. “We did the movie through New Line, and they attached to all the sequels. Has to come out through New Line. I was trying to take the movie to another studio.” So it looks like the West Coast icon wasn’t able to fulfill his mission, but maybe he gains the public leverage to convince New Line for good.
Meanwhile, Ice Cube just released his new album Man Down, and to hear him return to the rap space is something special. Hopefully, one day, he can get back to this franchise.
After an eight-year hiatus, rap icon and entertainment mogul Ice Cube has released his 11th studio album, Man Down, via Lench Mob Records. The 19-track project, available across all DSPs, solidifies Cube’s legacy with his signature West Coast funk and unflinching storytelling, delving into themes of manhood, authenticity, and resilience.
“This album is about showing up as your best self,” Cube says, highlighting its exploration of ego, authenticity, standing firm in your beliefs, and the bonds of brotherhood. “I’ve always stood by the mantra, ‘you’re now about to witness the strength of street knowledge,’” he reflects, emphasizing his career-long commitment to truth and cultural awareness.
The album’s lead single, “It’s My Ego,” has already made waves, debuting at #7 on Billboard’s “Rap Digital Song Sales” chart and amassing over 5.4 million YouTube views. Its success underscores Cube’s enduring influence across generations.
The cover art of Man Down delivers a poignant visual narrative. The front depicts a young boy walking past fallen figures, symbolizing the consequences of societal collapse when responsibility and purpose falter. The back continues the imagery with a young girl navigating the same scene, underscoring the shared burdens across genders and generations. “If all the real men stop doing what they’re supposed to, the world will stop. Nothing would move,” Cube explains.
Featuring collaborations with B-Real, Xzibit, and Snoop Dogg, and production from Zaytoven, David Banner, and more, Man Down combines nostalgia with cultural critique. Tracks like “She’s Sanctified” and “Talkin’ Bout These Rappers” showcase Cube’s versatility as both a storyteller and a commentator on societal issues, ensuring Man Down resonates as a bold and reflective addition to his legendary discography.
Ice Cube is making a welcome return to hip-hop in solo form with Man Down. The project arrives six years after the release of Everythangs Corrupt, the last time we heard him by his lonesome. In 2022, he did come back but with his fellow West Coast bros Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too $hort under their MOUNT WESTMORE alias. Overall, Cube has been more active in Hollywood, but he’s never really lost much of his aura as a cutthroat MC.
On this 11th studio album, he’s a little more chill and doesn’t have any bones to pick. But he’s still rapping very deliberately (sometimes comically too) over some funky and bouncy West Coast backdrops. The more sensual “She’s Sanctified” with his MOUNT WESTMORE posse and October London is a good example of the blending of tones. Cube said on Instagram recently that this is an album that “my fans have been waiting on,” and we can see why he thinks so. The craftsmanship of the beats to the clever rhymes are still pretty on point despite him being in the more celebratory section of his career. Man Down is a more than worthy addition to the L.A. native’s storied discography.
Legendary rapper and actor O’Shea Jackson Sr., widely known as Ice Cube, has publicly denied allegations of supporting President-elect Donald Trump or his MAGA movement. During his recent appearance on The Baller Alert Show podcast on Tuesday, November 19, Cube addressed the persistent rumors and called them false, adding that they had caused significant damage to his reputation.
According to a report by the Atlanta Black Star, Ice Cube clarified his stance while discussing a range of topics, including basketball star Caitlin Clark and the highly anticipated addition to his Friday film franchise. When asked about his political affiliations, Cube dismissed the notion that he backed Trump or opposed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
The rumors trace back to Cube’s involvement with Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. At the time, the rapper presented both Trump and then-candidate Joe Biden with his “Contract with Black America,” a detailed plan aimed at addressing systemic inequalities faced by Black Americans. While Biden’s team opted to revisit the proposal after the election, Trump’s campaign incorporated some of the ideas into their “Platinum Plan,” sparking speculation about Cube’s political leanings.
Cube emphasized during the podcast that his actions were not partisan. “I didn’t tell anyone who to vote for,” he said, explaining that his only focus was ensuring that voters received tangible benefits for their support. “You should get something for your vote, and nothing is wrong with that,” he added.
The rapper’s comments aim to put an end to the controversy that has followed him for years, affirming that his engagement was strictly about advocating for the Black community, not endorsing a political party or candidate.
As Ice Cube continues to balance his advocacy with his entertainment projects, including the latest installment of Friday, his message remains clear: his commitment is to creating opportunities and better conditions for Black Americans—regardless of political affiliation.
On this day in 1992, gangsta rapper turned actor/filmmaker Ice Cube released his most successful solo album The Predator. Released months after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this album follows the same tone that existed in Ice Cube’s music from his solo beginning; Black power against any form of oppression. Although the album was very graphic, it still had a great reception among the commercial audience, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart (despite his blatant diss of the Billboard editor on the album’s title track) and selling 193,000 copies in its first week.
The mood of this album was set by the era of violence that was going on in Los Angeles, California. Every song has an element of the type of violence that was going on in the hood between and against Black people incorporated through interludes or references. Even his more peaceful tracks have an air of criminal paranoia about them. Regardless, The Predator is still slightly toned down from his prior two releases AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, which you can by the titles more outwardly push the militant mindset that Ice Cube has as a recording artist.
This album also toted two #1 rap singles, “It Was a Good Day” and “Check Yo Self”. “It Was a Good Day” is to date Ice Cube’s most successful single. The track peaked #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1993 and sold 600,000 copies. Outside of commercial success, this album is forever a part of pop culture history voted #8 on VH1‘s Top Rap Songs list. “Check Yo Self” was also ridiculously successful, selling 500,000 copies and peaking at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Predator LP is a masterpiece and has the sales to prove it. This album has so far gone double platinum and with the success of the film Straight Outta Compton, there is no reason why sales figures should not increase over the next few months. As anyone up-to-date in Hip Hop culture should know, with the success of this album, Ice Cube went on to be an entertainment mogul directing, writing and producing successful films, appearing on television, and releasing six more studio LPs that have all done pretty well in their sales all appearing on the Billboard 200 in the top 20%.
Ice Cube has revealed that his Amerikkka’s Most Wanted LP, the first album that he dropped when he split from the groundbreaking N.W.A. collective, was not produced by Dr. Dre because of the late Eazy-E.
In an in depth interview with Idea Generation, the iconic rap pioneer, actor and film director says that he left Ruthless Records and N.W.A. for real reasons, but none of that impacted his personal relationship with Dre and still wanted his to produce his premiere solo effort. AMW was exclusively produced by New York-based production crew The Bomb Squad, who are primarily known for their production for Pub,lic Enemy.
In the interview, Cube admits, “I still tried to be friends with the guys who had nothing to do with the business. Me and Eazy was shaky, and I didn’t care about Jerry Heller at all, so it wasn’t no love lost there”. He added, “But I tried to keep it together with Dre. I even wanted Dre to produce my solo record, and we was talking about it, but Eazy and Jerry vetoed it.”
Dre and Cube eventually patched it up and worked together on the 1994 song “Natural Born Killaz”, which was intended to be a prelude to a collaboration album, but the idea was ultimately shelved.
Cube is set to drop the 11th album of his career, Man Down, which will be the first full length studio project that he’s released in the past eight years. Man Down is slated to be released within the week.
Ice Cube is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated eleventh studio album, Man Down, and the legendary rapper has just shared the official release date and cover art. Taking to Instagram, Cube excitedly announced, “The album my fans have been waiting on. MAN DOWN drops on 11/22. Pre-save the album now!”
The album’s striking cover art features a powerful image of a Black teenager strolling through the streets of Los Angeles. As they walk, the scene is marked by several individuals lying face down on the ground, visually reflecting themes of societal unrest and struggle.
Set to feature 19 tracks, Man Down promises to showcase Ice Cube’s signature style, with a mix of hard-hitting bars and thought-provoking commentary. The tracklist, available on Apple Music, also teases some major collaborations, though details on the featured artists have yet to be fully revealed.
Fans are clearly excited as Cube prepares to make his return to the rap game with this fresh body of work, arriving just in time for the holidays on November 22. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!
In addition to Killer Mike and Busta Rhymes, who appear on Cube’s new single “Ego Maniacs,” Man Down is set to feature a stellar lineup of West Coast legends. Ice Cube has enlisted some of the region’s most iconic figures, ensuring that the album carries a strong, authentic West Coast vibe. With these powerhouse collaborations, Man Down promises to be a major release, blending old-school influence with Cube’s fresh perspective.
The star-studded guest list for Man Down includes Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Kurupt, B-Real, E-40, and Too $hort, alongside soulful contributions from October London. Ice Cube’s first album in six years, Man Down promises to deliver a classic, vintage West Coast feel, with the rapper emphasizing authenticity. Speaking on Bootleg Kev’s podcast, Cube explained his approach, recalling a moment before Laugh Now, Cry Later when he realized he wanted to stay true to his essence. “When fans pick up an Ice Cube album, they want it to be quintessential Cube,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been focused on—doing records that are totally me.”
