Ice Cube

Ice Cube is one of the most crucial artists in rap history. A razor-sharp lyricist, alternately furious and humorous MC, and accomplished producer, Cube laid the foundation for the legacy of pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A by writing “Boyz-N-the-Hood” for partner Eazy-E and making his first big splash as an MC with the subsequent “Dope Man.” After N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton (1988) infiltrated suburban America and attracted the scrutiny of the FBI with “F*ck tha Police,” Ice Cube launched a solo career that has entailed five platinum albums and one platinum EP, including AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990), Death Certificate (1991), and The Predator (1992). A month before Cube released the first LP in that series, he appeared on Public Enemy’s critical “Burn Hollywood Burn” and within a year aided in the disruption of the track’s target with a co-starring role in John Singleton’s Boyz N the Hood. While Cube added to his filmography with projects such as the Friday franchise, directorial debut The Players Club, and Barbershop, he devoted less time to music. He continued to record occasionally as a solo artist and member of Westside Connection, and extended a streak of RIAA-certified releases that lasted through Laugh Now, Cry Later (2006). The next decade, Cube and Dr. Dre co-produced the acclaimed Straight Outta Compton (2015), a biographical film about N.W.A, whose resurgence culminated with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cube soon returned with his first solo album in eight years, Everythangs Corrupt (2018).