It's September 13, 2025, 07:38:05 AM
Gave it a spin around lunch time I think this album has replay value aside from the Ratchet joint but that's just because I smell like Marlboro and So Sinful I like the skits and would love to know what movies they come from Disappointed with the Scarface feature but whoever the kid is that won the competition can rhyme EA-Ski beat was the hardest I wasn't sure I'd have the attention span to listen in entirety because social media has decimated my concentration but with 2 minute tracks I absorbed it nicely You can hear a little maturity on this and Cube's ego shines on Salt & PepperCalifornian Dreamin' beat was sweet I was hyped for Freedumb Not peak Cube but he'll be revered until he kicks over so if this is his last album it's a nice swan song
one listen as kind of background noise I thought it was pretty decent for today's music.I disagree with cube sounding competitive on mount rushmore. him and snoop were dwarfed by short and 40 imo.
Thank you. salute
Listened 3 times since yesterday (as its so short) and can't quite get into the album and beats, its ok nothing great, but Man Down was better. Seems to be leftover tracks from Man Down in all honesty that Cube thought might as well put an album out. Probably should have taken some songs from Man Down and put them on here to even both of them out. My favourite Cube order goesDeath CertificateBootlegs & B SidesWar & Peace War DiscAmerikkkas Most Wanted w/ Kill at Will EPThe PredatorRaw FootageLethal InjectionEverythangs CorruptLaugh Now Cry LaterMan DownWar and Peace Peace DiscMan UpI Am the West
Ice Cube Takes on Risk & Tech on ‘Man Up’West Coast hip-hop is back, but on his new album, Ice Cube is still stuck in the past(Stanisland Magazine)Following a short time away, Compton’s legend Ice Cube is back with another big one, Man Up. But does it land?The West Coast rapper has been working in the shadows for his new album, a surprise announcement few were expecting. His last project, Man Down, was critically panned despite a huge marketing campaign.Review and VerdictHe’s got something to say, but who hasn’t? Cube articulates his thoughts and ideas to a constructive degree — though he falters on many accounts and lacks panache.The former technique he was known for? That’s long gone, in fact, his style hasn’t evolved since his early career, and we’re still getting his early 1990s best. Depending on who you ask, that could be a good thing.However, considering the vast resources and time he has at his disposal, it’s hard to believe we have arrived to — yet again — an average body of work.Man Up isn’t built for a contemporary world — it’s nostalgic, fun — but lacks bite for the modern game. It’s an enjoyable listen, but that’s not enough.⭐⭐1/2Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
Ice Cube – Man Up (Album Review)(ratingsgamemusic) September 12, 2025 Ice Cube is a man’s man, unapologetically embracing his masculinity while delivering raw, classic West Coast rap in “Man Up.”Ice Cube is a man’s man, which some might find offensive and others will find refreshing. On his latest album, the West Coast legend proves he’s unapologetically himself, calling out people who are all talk, those who abuse AI, sharing advice on relationships, and paying homage to the OGs who paved the way. Cube has no interest in trends.Known as one of rap’s clearest voices, Ice Cube sticks to his trademark straightforward delivery. He doesn’t chase melodies or try to sing; instead, he gives listeners pure, raw bars. While some might consider that old-fashioned, it feels refreshing in a time when heavily produced music often overshadows lyricism.The production throughout the album has a distinctly West Coast feel, blending hard-hitting California vibes with laid-back grooves and even some club-ready beats. It’s a throwback to the sounds of early-2000s Cube movie soundtracks, but with enough punch to stay relevant today.There’s a Dave Chappelle quote about not wanting to hear from Ja Rule during a crisis, but Ice Cube’s voice feels like the opposite—timely and needed. He may sound almost conservative at times, but his authenticity and sharp perspective cut through the noise, which I think everyone should appreciate.TOP 5 SONGS5. FreedumbDamn, Ice Cube just bodyslammed ChatGPT.In “Freedumb,” Ice Cube aims at today’s youth, claiming they no longer think for themselves and lean too heavily on ChatGPT, which he says is no more trustworthy than “whoever leaked Young Thug’s phone calls.” He even warns that the app could go full-on iRobot takeover mode. The track itself carries a quirky, almost playful vibe—something you could imagine Gen Z dancing to, even as they catch strays from Cube’s critique.Ice Cube delivers his verses with that classic “y’all are dumb as hell” edge, making sure his frustration cuts through every bar. His trademark authority keeps the message sharp, even when the beat feels lighthearted.Not embracing AI is not the flex old people think it is.4. Guess What?Anytime an Unc says, “Guess what?” I assume they are about to fart.In “Guess What?” Ice Cube’s message revolves around being the kind of dude who whoops feet, especially when people try to say he’s soft. Seriously, who the hell thinks Ice Cube is soft?On first listen, I wasn’t sold on the track—Cube’s rap delivery felt a little flat. But after a second spin, the track started to click. The production carries a smooth, laid-back groove, and the chorus—featuring an unnamed female vocalist—really shines.Surprisingly, Ice Cube even joins in on the singing, holding a surprisingly solid melody and adding a playful twist to the hook. It’s the kind of unexpected move that makes you double-take and think, wait, Cube’s singing?3. Forget Me If You Ain’t With MeI’m pretty sure Ice Cube will also slap the hell out of you in the midst of you trying to forget him.Ice Cube says if you aren’t in his corner, he wants you to completely forget that he exists. The only thing I want to forget about him is that god-awful sequel to War of the Worlds he made.Doesn’t this track have a vintage G-Unit feel? The production carries that dramatic, gangsta vibe that 50 and his crew used to tackle all the time. Though you don’t get to hear Cube sing his heart out like 50 sometimes did, he delivers what I think is the best hook on the album—it’s catchy, aggressive, and really sticks—and he spits with a dynamic flow that caught my attention.2. California Dreamin’Bro, do you know how many times I wanted to say, “galaxy defenders” while listening to this s**t?Ice Cube calls out anyone who tries to get in the way of him and his lady enjoying California’s great weather and weed. Which makes me wonder: how can people in Compton even think about violence when you’re surrounded by mountains, beaches, and sunshine?“California Dreamin’” flips the classic “Forget Me Nots,” a track I honestly feel Will Smith owns now, thanks to “Men in Black.” While I’m not a fan of Cube’s second verse—he repeats the same lines a bit too much—and I wish the chorus had actual vocals from him, hearing Cube over a beat with such lively vibes is a total throwback to his classic era.1. Act My Age (Ft. Scarface)Ice Cube and Scarface are a combined 115 years old.“Act My Age” carries a message I really respect. In it, both Cube and Scarface make it clear they still demand respect even though they could be considered uncs, and they sound ready to throw hands if they don’t get it.I’m not going to lie—I thought Scarface’s verse was phenomenal. His flow is excellent, his annoyed tone works perfectly, and I love how he neatly outlines what he’d do if someone tried to play him because of his age. As for Cube, he’s a great tone-setter for the track, establishing its gritty personality with the hook and sounding like his villainous old self that used to punk Day-Day in those Friday movies.7/10
Ice Cube – “Man Up” review(legendswillneverdie LWND Reviews)September 12, 2025 Los Angeles emcee, songwriter, actor, film producer, CubeVision founder & BIG3 founder Ice Cube not slowing down musically with his 12th album. The cousin of Del the Funky Homosapien & Kam, he started as part of the C.I.A. gained notoriety as a member of N.W.A until departing after their historic debut Straight Outta Compton. Cube later got his own Priority Records deal as a solo artist, teaming with The Bomb Squad for his own debut AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted & later Kill at Will. Death Certificate went on to become another west coast hip hop landmark due to some of its racially & politically charged content, with his Lench Mob Records debut The Predator mainly addressing a lot of the racial tensions in the United States at the time. Lethal Injection was more g-funk heavy and the War & Peace double-disc effort marked the end of the former Westside Connection member’s Priority contract. Laugh Now, Cry Later distributed by Virgin Music & EMI Records was a solid comeback almost 2 decades ago next summer after mainly focusing on acting during the first half of the 2000s & then Raw Footage had it’s highlights although it was decent as a whole. I’m the West became his most negatively received body of work & the Interscope Records-distributed Everythang’s Corrupt showed to be an improvement although still average. Man Down last fall was a pretty great homage to his Day 1s & the sequel Man Up is here 10 months later.“Man Power” produced by E-A-Ski starts by asking if one has masculine abilities from within whereas “What You Gonna Do About It?” disses the kind of people who only speak of doing things instead acting upon it. “Freedumb” consciously discusses how people are getting spied on through their smartphones while “Guess What?” talks about being in the cut figuring out if the targeted suspects are either for or against him.We have Cube making it clear as day that one should “Forget Me If You Ain’t wit Me” leading into the only single “Before Hip Hop” talking about life prior to making music over a Hallway Productionz instrumental. “Act My Age” featuring Scarface dabbles with trap a bit for an ode to MCs over 35 just before “Ratchet Ass Mouth” cautions about the kind of women you shouldn’t date.“Respect My Space” poses the question if anyone wants to battle him while “California Dreamin’” gives off a g-funk vibe for a tribute to the sunshine state. “That Salt & Pepper” shows off his grown man status for 115 seconds over a funky Erick Sermon beat & after “Bring Everybody” charismatically talks about being untouchable, “All Work No Play” finishes with a message to the O.G.s who feel the same way he does.In spite of what others have to say about Ice Cube’s music in past 2 decades or so & don’t get me started with War of the Worlds flopping, I’d say that Man Down is the better of the 2 albums we’ve gotten from him in the past 10 months although Man Up’s very much decent. I appreciate that he only got 1 guest on here in contrast to the amount Man Down had, but the production here is a little weaker as a whole.Score: 3/5
Ice Cube - Man Up (2025)(AOTY)For a man who once took six years-and eight before that-between albums, it’s surprising to see this land barely ten months after 'Man Down'. The lead single, 'Before Hip Hop', is more than solid, feeling like a sequel to 'Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It'.Beyond that, though, the excitement fades. 'Freedumb' is the next highlight, opening with some comedy-"Why is the internet not working?"/"Why are you not working?"-before moving into a likeable beat where Cube critiques our reliance on AI and tech. 'It’s My Ego' returns from his last project, now featuring a fan-submitted verse from a competition Cube ran. (Honestly, mine was better written).I’ve criticised Cube’s increasingly simplistic rhyme schemes on recent projects, and here they’re maybe at their weakest. I respect that he is still trying to bring some content to his music, but there are lots of ABC-rhymes, often sounding like off-the-dome freestyles. The production doesn’t help. The beats are flat, hooks forgettable, and there’s little in the way of strong melodies. While 'Man Down' is a better album, like that, this begins okay, but decreases in quality as it progresses.I can’t help but wonder if these tracks were recorded specifically for this album, perhaps rushed to align with his upcoming tour, or if some were leftovers. His last three albums have shared a samey production style, and this one follows suit. It also sticks to the trend of short tracks. Longer run-times wouldn’t necessarily save what’s here, but two-minute songs rarely have the space to become catchy or memorable. Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like one of the downsides of modern music. It's also a shame that a rare modern verse from Scarface's isn't given a better beat on 'Act My Age'.While nothing here is terrible, most tracks hover around the 2.5–3/5 range, with little that stands out. If Cube is to make another album, he needs to sharpen the pen, and bring in new producers. Maybe do what LL did and get someone like Q-Tip to produce a whole project.Beats: ★★☆☆☆Rapping/Bars: ★★☆☆☆Hooks: ★★☆☆☆Best Tracks: Freedumb, Before Hip Hop, It’s My Ego
Ice Cube Drops 12th Studio Album Man Up and Announces 40th Anniversary Tour(The Source)Entertainment mogul, entrepreneur, and hip hop icon Ice Cube has released his 12th studio album Man Up, available now on all digital streaming platforms via Lench Mob Records and Hitmaker Distribution. The 14-track set, executively produced by Cube and Tony Draper, follows last year’s critically acclaimed Man Down and solidifies Cube’s position as one of rap’s most fearless cultural commentators.Man Up blends Cube’s signature West Coast grit with sharp lyricism to challenge misconceptions and push for accountability from institutions, communities, and individuals. The project arrives at a time of heightened social tension, urging listeners to confront reality rather than retreat from it.Standout tracks include “Before Hip Hop,” a bold statement dismissing the narrative that rap is responsible for systemic issues that existed long before the genre; “Act My Age” featuring Scarface, a generational collaboration between two rap heavyweights; and “California Dreamin,” which reimagines Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots” into a vivid West Coast reflection. Also notable is “It’s My Ego 3Mix,” featuring Canadian rapper Quake Matthews, who earned his feature by winning Cube’s viral fan-verse challenge, giving fans a direct role in shaping the record.
I like the skits and would love to know what movies they come from
CharlieHD123-That’s quite a way to open an album. Times have changed. I won’t be listening unfortunately. rOk_Night_888-for you
Freedumb is FIRE
AdditionalPiccolo527Old man yells at AI
Kam is saying this album is trash and dated
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