Ice Cube

Speaking from the perspective of an intelligent veteran rather than a trend-chaser, Ice Cube proves that he has aged well here. On his eighth solo album, the California O.G. provides biting social commentary without coming off as preachy. With "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It," he sarcastically mocks those that blame hip-hop for society's ills, while "Hood Mentality" finds him wittily addressing the stupidity of glorifying jail, drug dealing and ditching school. Still, even gangsta rappers need to let loose sometimes, as evidenced on the lighter "I Got Locs On," featuring Young Jeezy.

If being a gangsta is a young man's game, then what's an OG like Ice Cube to do? Stay angry,
apparently. Throughout his eighth solo album, Cube augments his blustery flow with
vendettas against politicians and corporations. One minute he's dreaming about becoming
president on "Take Me Away," the next he's shouting "Fuck Viacom!" on the excellent,
Public Enemy-indebted "It Takes a Nation." Eschewing big-name producers in fav... More >