Raw Footage
Ice Cube · 2008
74 min · 19 tracks · gangsta rap
Rugged beats and sharp lyrics intertwine to deliver Ice Cube's raw reflections on life, society, and personal struggle.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Got My Locs On Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It — This track stands out with its bold assertion of personal responsibility amidst external blame, encapsulating Cube's unapologetic embrace of his roots in gangsta rap.
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Hood Mentality — The song offers a poignant critique of societal expectations and stereotypes surrounding life in the hood, reflecting Cube's deep connection to his community.
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Why Me? — In this introspective track, Cube examines the challenges he faces as a public figure and the scrutiny that comes with it, showcasing his vulnerability and depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical content and production but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and styles.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from classic funk and soul music, adding depth to the rugged beats.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- dynamic exploration of themes
- gritty realism with sharp lyricism
- late-night introspection and discussion
- engaging narratives that provoke thought
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its raw reflections and social commentary, not as accessible for new listeners.
- Career context
- By 2008, Ice Cube was firmly established as a veteran in hip-hop, having released his first album over two decades earlier. 'Raw Footage' marked his ninth studio album and followed his 2006 release, 'Laugh Now, Cry Later', showcasing his continued relevance in the genre while addressing contemporary issues faced by urban communities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dr. Dre· Eazy-E· Snoop Dogg
Tracklist
- 1 What Is a Pyroclastic Flow? 0:54
- 2 I Got My Locs On Start here 3:43
- 3 It Takes a Nation 3:26
- 4 Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It 4:41
- 5 Hood Mentality 5:11
- 6 Why Me? 4:00
- 7 Cold Places 4:12
- 8 Jack n the Box 4:22
- 9 Do Ya Thang 4:04
- 10 Thank God 5:28
- 11 Here He Come 4:32
- 12 Get Money, Spend Money, No Money 4:07
- 13 Get Used to It 4:25
- 14 Tomorrow 3:40
- 15 Stand Tall 3:46
- 16 Take Me Away 4:02
- 17 Don’t Make Me Hurt Ya Feelings 2:46
- 18 Crack Baby? 2:59
- 19 Why We Thugs (live) 3:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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