A Threat to the World
By : M Dogg
There's a threat in the world today. A threat to our way of living, a threat to our society, and maybe even a threat to our very existence.
And what is this threat… it's Ice Cube of course.




Like almost everyone, I've only heard the 5 songs that have been released through dubcnn for his new album "Laugh Now, Cry Later", but from that, I can tell that this may well be the most important release of 2006 for the westcoast. Even if Dr. Dre drops "Detox", and The Game releases "The Doctor's Advocate", Ice Cube could possess the most important album of the year in terms of overall effect on the west. In 1999, it was not "2001" that was the most important, it was Snoop Dogg's "Top Dogg", as it was the precursor to "2001". This is the year of Ice Cube, no matter what happens.

It is only fitting, that exactly 20 years after N.W.A. was formed, that it would be Ice Cube, the groups main lyrist, who would bring Hip-Hop back to where it needs to be. Ice Cube originally left Ruthless because he felt he was getting robbed of the money he should have received from Eazy E and Jerry Heller. Now he has taken the independent route after seeing the various offers from labels including Interscope/Aftermath. This is an album that Cube felt was too important, that it couldn't wait, no matter how much a Dre beat is worth, or how much Interscope would, or would not invest in an Ice Cube/Dr. Dre reunion - he needed that freedom and flexibility that the independent angle provides.

A personal favorite Ice Cube album of mine is the "War Disc," as it was hardcore and full of great lyrics and minimal guest appearences - it is one of Ice Cube's most underrated albums. The hardcore vibe I got from the "War Disc" is the same I get from the new album so far, the difference is that it sounds like Cube is upgrading the sound, and actually going back to his AmeriKKKa'z Most days in terms of lyrics. The songs I've heard from Ice Cube are impressing me, and I think that he is truly gearing up for what could be his last run. And if this is his last run, his last album, and this album stays consistent with the tracks that have leaked thus far, then this would be the most important record in recent Hip-Hop history, and could essentially be the Westcoast version of Stillmatic.

I will state why I feel this is the most important album in recent Westcoast history. For many years, people in the West have stated that 2Pac is the greatest rapper of all time, and this maybe true, and at least in the West it's easier to argue. BUT, Ice Cube's career has set more standards, and broken down more barriers so that 2Pac had his opportunity. If Westcoast Hip-Hop was boxing, Ice Cube would be Joe Luis, and 2Pac would be Muhammad Ali, Cube was the first one that you said was the best, 2Pac came out slightly better. But, if Ice Cube's new album is a classic, and it's as good as the leaked tracks, we have to re-think what we know about the top Westcoast artist of all time, and in that case, who is truly the greatest.

Career for career, album for album, 'Pac and Cube match up well, it's only that 2Pac left at his peak, and Cube faded out with more time and fame that seperates them. Some wrote off Cube as not able to put together another classic album, especially after albums like the "Peace Disc." His latest album as the Westside Connection might have been what he needed, as he was able to not be the center piece as he was in 1996, and it was seen as more of a group album now that WC and Mack 10 had more mainstream attention, rather than being known as Ice Cube's homies when Bow Down was released. It seemed to allow Cube to start writing again, being himself and talking about how he felt the rap game is going, without feeling the pressure of being solo. Now I think he is ready, and this time, its an Ice Cube album that could change the game.

The first thing that I noticed was the song "Race Card" albeit not on the album but the theme from the TV Show it is still a recent Ice Cube record. This is a more mature Ice Cube than the one that screamed "F-ck The Police" as he showed how both him, and Martha Steward of all people, can both go to jail. In 1988, he was showing the racism of the world, in 2006 Cube is wondering where his race card went. At the same time, he still has his inner-city roots with the song "Why We Thugs," basically a more mature song from the artist that had very political and conscience topics in the early 90's. Making sure that his songs are meaningful in all topics, he gives the current generation of "Gangsta Rappers" a verbal bashing, as the bastard fathers puts the leather belt to these rappers who don't know when they got it good. With only two guest rappers, Cube shows that he can put songs together, do his own hooks and basically become the legendary rapper that he once was. The total artist is out, and Ice Cube looks to be hitting a late peak to end his career. And if Ice Cube can rekindle that energy, and prove his lyrical skills, he could easily challenge 2Pac for the title G.O.A.T. of the Westcoast.

If there is ever a rapper from the West that has proven to be the dominate force in the "Goldyn Era" of Hip-Hop in the late 80's, and the King of the "Gangsta Rap Era" of the early 90's, it's Ice Cube. And with that, I will say it right here and right now, if Ice Cube can put out a classic album that his leaked tracks have indicated he will, then without question Ice Cube will prove to be the G.O.A.T. of the Westcoast, and quite possibly the G.O.A.T. of all of Hip-Hop/Rap. His storytelling is up there with Slick Rick and I would say his hands down better than Kool G Rap in terms of being a hardcore artist, and he is the trailblazer that 'Pac was able to follow in the Mid 90's, and his contributions to changing the landscape of Hip-Hop was revolutionary. Get use to hearing it, Ice Cube The G.O.A.T.


That was Junkyard 2.5...Until the next time here are some Random Thoughts again

- E-40 with Lil' Jon. Lil' Jon seems to have taken a keen interest in this new movement. This will open doors for more Bay area artists to be heard on the national airwaves. Like everything else, it took a proven name, as E-40 is known in the national level, even if it's Ol' Skool Bay Pimp Rap. That's enough to get people to listen, and now that he is taking the Bay's modern sound, people will begin listening to the Bay artist now. Things are looking up.

- The Game might be the most dangerous artist in Hip-Hop, to others, and himself. He is angry, and this is not good. Rarely are artists this angry for the better. Ja Rule had Blood in My Eyes, and 2Pac
had Makaveli. While better music is the result, the overall effects are not positive. Watching the Westcoast savouir is starting to get painful.

- Last thought, Detox is coming this year, I think it is. But am I the only one who is not truly excited. 2001 was very good, and I was ready for the West to comeback. This time, I want someone other than Dre to release a Detox. We need to stop being depending on Dre.

 

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