Search - Ice Cube :: Death Certificate

Maybe Ice Cube's greatest album

J. McQueen | 06/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is hard to say if DEATH CERTIFICATE or AMERIKKKA'S MOST WANTED is Ice Cube's best album.This album has so many good tracks on it I probably could list them all -- some are: "Wrong N**** to F*** Wit", My Summer Vacation", "Steady Mobbin'", "Man's Best Friend" (one of the 1st tracks to sample George Clinton's "Atomic Dog"), and "Bird in the Hand".
Also, this album has the greatest diss-track ever -- "No Vaseline" which is about Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and the rest of NWA This album has great funk-induced beats (that was popular in 1990's rap), and Ice Cube covers several issues of that time in the album.It is an essential album, but the material may seem dated for the youngin's."

I don't consider this "violent rap", I call it intelligent s

wunderbeast | 09/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reading through some of the 1 or 2 star reviews, I can understand some of the sentiments that are expressed. As an Asian American, the track "Black Korea" was initially offensive but then became intriguing in subsequent listens. So with a little research, I learned that the track was presumably inspired by a shooting of a teenage black girl by a Korean store owner. After reading about it, the track seemed more justified, and by that I don't mean it's okay to bash Asians, I only mean I can feel his raw emotion on the matter and see where he's coming from.. Keep in mind, I'm not establishing my position as saying it's either right or wrong. I can only speak for myself in that I've been in that frame of mind where my stream of consciousness goes beyond what is politically correct, and then did or said things out of angst or frustration. I've lashed out at blacks, whites, even other Asians and Asian Americans in the heat of the moment and reflectively regretted those choices later. And for that to be revealed, it is an artistic choice, in my opinion. These days, it seems like there is a thin line between creating and destroying, but it's hard to ignore how tongue-in-cheek Ice Cube is on various tracks on this album. Why is it OK for us to sing along to Eminem songs from the Marshall Mathers LP (which is a terrific album too in my opinion) where every other song uses the word "f_g" and yet chastise someone else for basically doing the same thing? Also, not many have thought about how much social consciousness one is aware of after listening to this album, especially for people who haven't lived through the turbulent lifestyle of someone who's lived either as a black man that is familiar with poverty-stricken areas. For me to have at least a slightly better understanding of that, at the expense of certain caucasians and authoritative figures, is a plus for me. In other words, it's more interesting to think about what MAKES Ice Cube says the things he says to the people he's lashing out at. Many of his tracks seem to make a blanket statement toward whites but who is he really targeting? Saying Ice Cube hates all white people (or even Korean people) is as naive/ignorant as saying Eminem hates gays. We may not all agree in the way that they express themselves through their music (and yes, it's music), but saying those things is definitely jumping to conclusions. When an album has a track as hilarious as "Man's Best Friend", how can you not laugh or how can you take someone so seriously when he is debating about whether a dog is a better tool than a gun? Other laugh out loud moments that Cube has given me is when he ruthlessly makes fun of aspects of hip hop: "I'm sick of that sh** listen to the hit/Cause yo if I look and see another brother/On the video tryin to out-dance each other/I'm a tell T-Bone to pass the bottle" (that was from AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted). In closing, I think Death Certificate is a product of non-sugar-coated visceral angst that is worth a listen if only for a different perspective and nothing else. What makes it powerful is that all of the rhymes seem so "in-the-moment", meaning he says things AS he feels them without censorship, something we'd all like to do sometimes."

Ice Cube's finest hour...one of hip hop's greatest albums

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 12/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ice Cube's 1991 album "Death Certificate" is arguably the most relevant, controversial, and entertaining hip hop albums ever released. After his solo debut "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" stuck a middle finger to mainstream America and pioneered gangsta rap, "Death Certificate" moved on to more relevant issues, Cube dealing with problems and injustices on every track. Ice Cube was never as angry as he was on this album, and he is a man on a mission to justify the injustices he sees and experiences in the ghetto. Lyrically this album is one of my favorites. He uses metaphors often to explain his views, and emerges as one of hip hop's best storytellers, spinning yarns of violence and struggles in the ghettos of South Central Los Angeles. This album was very controversial for its profanities and the way that Cube sometimes comes across as racist, sexist, and intolerant, but he does his best to justify his views and usually does, because he tends to call `em like he sees `em. Musically this album is phenomenal. Most of the music samples 70s funk recordings, which would become a trend for many years to come. The production is perfect, the funky, heavy beats keep my head nodding from start to finish. A lot of the songs are short and get their point across, so there is never a single dull moment. I could really listen to this album forever, it will always be as great as the day it was released and is a timeless piece of rap music. This is to me among the most effective and enjoyable rap albums ever released and is a must have for any fan of hip hop music.



After the intro "The Funeral," the album begins with "The Wrong N... to F... Wit," a threatening and tough song where Cube introduces his Lench Mob crew and represents his hometown, starting the album on a great note. The funky "My Summer Vacation" explores gang activity and violence in a factual and honest manner. On "Steady Mobbin,'" Cube drops raw philosophy over a dope beat. "Givin' Up the Nappy Dugout" has a perfect, classic beat and is hilarious, Cube has a conversation with a girl's father, telling him she's not as innocent as he seems to believe. "Look Who's Burnin'" deals with STDs and their spread and advocates their prevention, this is just one of those relevant songs with a positive message that is still so entertaining because it is told froma man who sounds so real. The sax loop in the beat makes this song great. "A Bird in the Hand" is another classic, musically and lyrically. Ice Cube metaphorically speaks of drug dealings. "Man's Best Friend" talks about the necessity of packing a gun in the ghetto and has another great beat. "Alive on Arrival" is an amazing song, telling a tale of being shot and the ensuing drama. Its message attacks the way that hospitals and police operate. "I Wanna Kill Sam" attacks the country at large, and "Horny Lil' Devil" pokes fun at white men who come to the hood looking for women and riches. "Black Korea" is a short, very interesting song. Cube talks about how he dislikes the operation of Asian-owned stores in the ghetto, and while it is controversial it's very compelling to hear what he has to say. The ultra-funky "True to the Game" is an exercise in great production and lyricism. "Color Blind" talks about the way that men will kill another based on the gang colors they wear, with more great musical backings. "Doin' Dumb S..." is funny, talking about mistakes he made growing up, and the beat is heavy with horns. "No Vaseline" is a great song where the MC lashes out at the rappers and management of his former group NWA. The album ends with the entertaining and self explanatory "How to Survive in South Central." The skits on this album are all funny and contribute to the feeling of the album, dealing with the same topics as the rest of the disc.



"Death Certificate" is completely amazing from start to finish. Never has a man put so much heart and emotion into a rap album, and this is a true standard that any rap act should hope to match. Every fan of hip hop must have this album, and fans new to Ice Cube should certainly not hesitate to purchase this disc. This record is legendary in every way and deserves all the recognition it has warranted."