In the Movies cover

In the Movies

Ice Cube · 2007

62 min · 16 tracks · gangsta rap

A vibrant blend of G-funk grooves and sharp lyrical commentary reflecting the complexities of urban life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Can Do It Start here — This track stands out for its infectious hook and dance-friendly beat, showcasing Ice Cube's ability to craft radio hits while maintaining his signature lyrical edge.
  • →
    Natural Born Killaz — As a collaboration with Dr. Dre, this track exemplifies the aggressive style of West Coast rap and addresses complex themes of violence with a compelling narrative.
  • →
    Friday — This song references Cube's iconic film and highlights his crossover appeal between music and cinema, blending humor with social commentary on everyday life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic club tracks with reflective lyrics, showcasing Ice Cube's lyrical prowess and adaptability.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with prominent G-funk elements, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • club-ready beats for celebration
  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • vibrant storytelling that engages
  • party atmosphere with friends
  • wave-like energy for movement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking slow, reflective moments
  • prefer standalone track variety

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that explores urban themes but isn't a standout in his catalog.
Career context
By 2007, Ice Cube was an established figure in hip-hop, known for his solo work following the influential N.W.A. era. 'In the Movies' came after his previous album, 'Laugh Now, Cry Later' (2006), showcasing his continued evolution as an artist and his ability to remain relevant in a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Dr. Dre· Eazy-E· Snoop Dogg

Tracklist

  • 1 You Can Do It Start here 4:19
  • 2 We Be Clubbin’ 4:46
  • 3 Natural Born Killaz 4:15
  • 4 Anybody Seen the Popo’s?! 3:55
  • 5 Friday 3:48
  • 6 How to Survive in South Central 3:40
  • 7 $100 Dolla Bill Y’all 3:39
  • 8 You Know I’m a Ho 4:17
  • 9 The World Is Mine 3:09
  • 10 Ghetto Vet 4:38
  • 11 Maniac in the Brainiac 4:34
  • 12 The Wrong Nigga to Fuck Wit 2:48
  • 13 Roll All Day 2:59
  • 14 Higher 4:31
  • 15 Trespass 2:54
  • 16 Right Here, Right Now 4:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata