After leaving the infamous West Coast Hip hop crew of N.W.A Ice Cube released two classic albums back to back. His first being his debut AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted and then my personal favorite of his, Death Certificate. In between those two he released a seven track EP entitled Kill at Will. Following the release of his former clique's own EP 100 Miles and Runnin' where they took shots at Cube, sparking the plot of their feud and the overall downfall of N.W.A. Let's break down this tape piece by piece.
Endangered Species (Tales from the Dark Side) feat. Chuck D Remix
Chuck D dropping the only feature on this short play with a news station opening the track detailing the gang related murders in L.A. at the time. Partially sampling James Brown's Payback, Ice Cube and Public Enemy's most notable tear it up. Flavor Flav even hops in for a "Booooyyyy!" That's either a pro or a con depending on who you are. Ice Cube telling a partial story of gunning down a man in return for killing his friend over a key of cocaine while Chuck describes the survival of a black man stereotyped by the police.
Jackin' For Beats
A classic Ice Cube song for it's content and it's historical value. Ending with the shot that officially started the Cube/NWA beef. But that's not to out shine how good the song is within itself.
And If I jack you and you keep comin', I'll have you marks a 100 Miles and Runnin'!
Get Off My Dick and Tell Yo Bitch to Come Here (Remix)
With a name that excessive how can you argue? Cube basically tells all the people offended at his comments about bitches and hoes on his previous work to, well get off his dick. Then tell their bitches to come to him. It's a shit talking track but at least there's a purpose behind it.
The Product
In some frightening detail Ice Cube describes how he was created, and I mean sexually not as an MC. Like how his parents made him. Then he turns down the creepiness into his upbringing as a child and the trouble he caused. Making this not only solid, but far less uncomfortable.
Dead Homiez
Up Early in the mornin' dressed in black. Don't ask me why. Cause I'm in a suit and tie.
This is an interesting entry. For a guy who's spoken about violence over and over, you'd imagine it wouldn't bother him. But here Cube describes how tired he is of seeing all his childhood friends in the cemetery. This continues his thoughts of growing up from The Product in a darker manner but he doesn't stray from his
overall sound of this extended play.
I Remember we used to paint our names on the wall for fun..now it's rest in peace after every one.
Giving a reality to his over the top violent lyrics with describing the outcome of his decisions and those around him that one day they will have to go to.
They say 'Be strong' and you're trying, but how can you be strong when you see your pops cryin'?
It's an emotional track without overplaying his depressive thoughts.
JD's Gafflin' (Part II)
Back up off my tip for the simple fact you on it like a gnat on a dog's dick
Poetic words of Lench Mob member J Dee. That's literally all it is, J Dee talking shit.
I Gotta Say What Up!!!
Our Host says what up to almost every rapper in existence, I suppose this is a counter to Dead Homiez. Oh except N*ggaz Wit Attitude. He didn't say shit to them. But he certainly does in Death Certificate. Just an outro.
The Highlights:
Jackin' for Beats
Dead Homiez
The Lowlight:
I'll say J Dee's rant.
The Gem:
The Product
Is it Worth Checking Out?
I believe this is usually at the end of AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted re-releases, so you can just find one of those. Otherwise at only 22 minutes, there's worse ways to spend your time. If you love West Coast Hip hop, you need to pick this up or just get the actual five tracks over the last two skits. I can't say it doesn't waste time with J Dee's gnat on dicks skit, the outro I suppose is a olive branch to all of Hip hop (unless you Dr. Dre, MC Ren, DJ Yella, or Eazy-E) so it's an alright ending.
Overall Grade: B+
Here's some Ice Cube art, enjoy it. I'll drop another short EP review, might some need some 'caine to stay awake. Til Next Time, One Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment