Note: This is Ice Cube’s first solo album in six years.
Sound: Synth-injected gangsta bounce meets a re-energized dose of insight and entertainment from one of hip hop’s greatest ghetto spokesmen.
Lyrics: Looking beyond Los Angeles, Cube puts a national perspective on the problems still plaguing the hood, while leaving room for some sex rhymes, party jams, macho bravado and attacks on inferior MCs.
Heavy Rotation tracks: none
Medium Rotation tracks: “Why We Thugs“; “The Nigga Trapp“; “Go To Church” (featuring Snoop Dogg & Lil Jon); “Smoke Some Weed“
Recommended: There are quality rhymes and beats on the album, but they rarely match up on the same track. Despite the imbalance, it’s great to hear Ice Cube back on the mic with a greater sense of purpose than he had on his last two solo albums.
Grade: B-