Once upon a Time in the Projects, Pt. 2 - Ice Cube, Ice Cube
If I Was Fuckin' You - Ice Cube, Garner, R. "Binky"
X-Bitches - Ice Cube, Hearne, J.
Extradition - Ice Cube, Bud'da
3 Strikes You In - Ice Cube, Hearne, J.
Penitentiary - Ice Cube, Adams, S. "E-A-Ski"
Nearly a decade into his career, Ice Cube remains at the forefront of gangsta rap--but when it comes to manipulating sounds, he sometimes seems one-dimensional, especially when compared with the likes of Snoop Doggy Dogg (... more »who had a lot of help in that department from Cube's old N.W.A. mate Dr. Dre) and sample master Sean "Puffy" Combs. But on War & Peace, Vol. 1, Cube's first album in five years, the hip-hop renaissance man reestablishes himself as a kingpin in the studio as well as on the street. Every song is surrounded by minor-key melodies and moody flourishes that enhance the effect of the intimidating lyrics, and the overall sound of the mix is rich and deep. Cube doesn't stop there, however, adding touches such as a No Doubt sample loop on "War and Peace" and a queasy guitar riff on "Fuck Dying," compliments of neo-metal marauders Korn. Ice Cube plans to follow up The War Disc with The Peace Disc, which he says will be mellower and more ethereal, but for now, Cube remains the hardest in the game. --Jon Wiederhorn« less
Nearly a decade into his career, Ice Cube remains at the forefront of gangsta rap--but when it comes to manipulating sounds, he sometimes seems one-dimensional, especially when compared with the likes of Snoop Doggy Dogg (who had a lot of help in that department from Cube's old N.W.A. mate Dr. Dre) and sample master Sean "Puffy" Combs. But on War & Peace, Vol. 1, Cube's first album in five years, the hip-hop renaissance man reestablishes himself as a kingpin in the studio as well as on the street. Every song is surrounded by minor-key melodies and moody flourishes that enhance the effect of the intimidating lyrics, and the overall sound of the mix is rich and deep. Cube doesn't stop there, however, adding touches such as a No Doubt sample loop on "War and Peace" and a queasy guitar riff on "Fuck Dying," compliments of neo-metal marauders Korn. Ice Cube plans to follow up The War Disc with The Peace Disc, which he says will be mellower and more ethereal, but for now, Cube remains the hardest in the game. --Jon Wiederhorn
"Positives: Most of the songs are pretty good and Ice Cube is tight on this one. This album is a lot better than the second part of War & Peace. Cube is a living legend in the rap game and you can see why with this album sometimes. My favorite track is "Ghetto Vet" cause it's got a really phat piano part in the beat. Cube isn't the best lyricist ever but he does rap about a little bit more than the usual gangsta. Not many other rappers would make a song about being paralyzed and pissing through a tube. Track 15, "X--------" is one of those songs you can dedicate to all your ex-girls and that's something I enjoy to do every now and then.Negatives: You get the feeling that the album could be better. Westside Connection fans are probably let down a little by the War & Piece set cause Cube just isn't quite as hardcore gangsta as he was on Bow Down. Cube talks too much about being a veteran in this game for my taste. In my opinion he should focus on staying in it instead of bragging about lasting so long. In all fairness though he was a member of NWA and he did start "gangsta rap"."
An Underrated Disc From The Father Of Gangsta Rap (4.5)
Nick Mackler | Canada | 09/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ice Cube made a very solid return to the rap game after a 5 year hiatus with his War Disc, where he promptly confronts ghetto difficulties. While doing so, he reaffirms his status as a premier rapper in the game today with hard, angry rap deliveries over some very nice beats. Ice Cube his just returned now with his latest studio album "Laugh Now, Cry Later" too which boasts some great tracks as well.
"Ask About Me" is a powerful opener, with a vibing instrumental beat and Cube spitting his lyrics strongly. "Pushin' Weight" is a good track where Cube explains how he's still holdin' it down in the game with his rhymes. "Dr. Frankenstein" is another tight track featuring Mr. Short Kop for another appearance on the album. "War and Peace" sees Ice Cube suggesting that peace is needed for all and he states "Westside for life but still down with the East". "Ghetto Vet" may be my favourite rap cut on the album where Cube takes a setting of a hospital describing a scene of contemplating suicide while near death. "Greed" is a heavy gangsta cut to follow it up, then Ice Cube moves into lyrics about money with "Cash Over A**" and "The Curse Of Money." The last few songs on this album are some of the best, which include "Extradition", a track laced with a sweet beat, "Penitentiary" and "3 Strikes You In", an aggressive cut.
Overall, this is a fairly strong rap release from Ice Cube who doesn't touch on anything political but rather spits about the hood as usual in a variety of ways. Lyrically he most often on the mark and his voice sounds mature and very strong. Recommended to any Ice Cube fan."
War on the Masses
Nick Mackler | 09/18/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ice Cube is the embodiment of Gansterism. He's OG now and it shows. He has been a player in the game for over 10 yrs now. I don't care if he's Don Mega or Cube, he's the hardest hitter. Ghetto Vet symbolizes the albums meaning...Still in the game no matter what. With first of two CDs, Cube proves he "Pushes Rhymes Like Weight".Peace, Damn Straight"
A great record for a new emcee, but Cube should know better
Nick Mackler | 09/09/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"What happened to Ice Cube's angry style? It has disappeared totally. Cube now sounds like a parody of himself. His lyrics are tight, but nothing like AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted or Death Certificate.I got a lot of respect for Ice Cube. The old Ice Cube that is. If this was his debut album, maybe my opinion on it would've changed but he should know better. The CD is only okay. Cube fans will be disappointed. I hope The Peace Disc will be better."