Featuring...Ice Cube
Ice Cube · 1997
50 min · 12 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty exploration of urban life, blending sharp political commentary with infectious G-funk grooves and powerhouse collaborations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bend a Corner Wit Me Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Natural Born Killaz — This track stands out for its intense energy and controversial lyrics, addressing themes of violence and media sensationalism, featuring a powerful collaboration with Dr. Dre.
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Check Yo Self — With its catchy hook and compelling message about accountability, this track effectively blends humor with serious undertones, making it one of the album's highlights.
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Bop Gun (One Nation) — Sampling George Clinton’s classic funk sound, this track celebrates unity while showcasing Ice Cube’s signature style and lyrical prowess in a collaborative format.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid writing and production but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout.
What we noticed
- Several tracks employ G-funk production techniques, characterized by heavy bass lines and melodic synths, creating a laid-back yet assertive atmosphere.
- The sequencing includes multiple tracks that address social issues, with the tone shifting from aggressive to reflective, particularly in the latter half.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- sharp political commentary engagement
- gritty beats for focused listening
- late-night drive with intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat party tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Showcased Ice Cube's commercial success and social commentary, solidifying his reputation.
- Career context
- When 'Featuring...Ice Cube' was released in 1997, Ice Cube was already an established figure in hip-hop, following his successful solo debut 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted' and the acclaimed 'Death Certificate'. This album came after a series of high-profile collaborations and marked a continued evolution in his sound, as he embraced a more polished production style while maintaining his raw lyrical edge.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dr. Dre· Eazy-E· Snoop Dogg
Tracklist
- 1 Bend a Corner Wit Me Start here 4:00
- 2 Natural Born Killaz 4:49
- 3 Bow Down 3:31
- 4 Bop Gun (One Nation) 4:50
- 5 Check Yo Self 3:56
- 6 Endangered Species (Tales From the Darkside) 3:24
- 7 Trespass 2:56
- 8 It’s a Man’s World 5:29
- 9 West Up! 4:47
- 10 Game Over 4:03
- 11 Wicked Wayz 4:07
- 12 Two to the Head 4:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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