Ice Cube is a man’s man, unapologetically embracing his masculinity while delivering raw, classic West Coast rap in “Man Up.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Freedumb
Damn, Ice Cube just bodyslammed ChatGPT.
In “Freedumb,” Ice Cube aims at today’s youth, claiming they no longer think for themselves and lean too heavily on ChatGPT, which he says is no more trustworthy than “whoever leaked Young Thug’s phone calls.” He even warns that the app could go full-on iRobot takeover mode. The track itself carries a quirky, almost playful vibe—something you could imagine Gen Z dancing to, even as they catch strays from Cube’s critique.
Ice Cube delivers his verses with that classic “y’all are dumb as hell” edge, making sure his frustration cuts through every bar. His trademark authority keeps the message sharp, even when the beat feels lighthearted.
Not embracing AI is not the flex old people think it is.
4. Guess What?
Anytime an Unc says, “Guess what?” I assume they are about to fart.
In “Guess What?” Ice Cube’s message revolves around being the kind of dude who whoops feet, especially when people try to say he’s soft. Seriously, who the hell thinks Ice Cube is soft?
On first listen, I wasn’t sold on the track—Cube’s rap delivery felt a little flat. But after a second spin, the track started to click. The production carries a smooth, laid-back groove, and the chorus—featuring an unnamed female vocalist—really shines.
Surprisingly, Ice Cube even joins in on the singing, holding a surprisingly solid melody and adding a playful twist to the hook. It’s the kind of unexpected move that makes you double-take and think, wait, Cube’s singing?
3. Forget Me If You Ain’t With Me
I’m pretty sure Ice Cube will also slap the hell out of you in the midst of you trying to forget him.
Ice Cube says if you aren’t in his corner, he wants you to completely forget that he exists. The only thing I want to forget about him is that god-awful sequel to War of the Worlds he made.
Doesn’t this track have a vintage G-Unit feel? The production carries that dramatic, gangsta vibe that 50 and his crew used to tackle all the time. Though you don’t get to hear Cube sing his heart out like 50 sometimes did, he delivers what I think is the best hook on the album—it’s catchy, aggressive, and really sticks—and he spits with a dynamic flow that caught my attention.
2. California Dreamin’
Bro, do you know how many times I wanted to say, “galaxy defenders” while listening to this s**t?
Ice Cube calls out anyone who tries to get in the way of him and his lady enjoying California’s great weather and weed. Which makes me wonder: how can people in Compton even think about violence when you’re surrounded by mountains, beaches, and sunshine?
“California Dreamin’” flips the classic “Forget Me Nots,” a track I honestly feel Will Smith owns now, thanks to “Men in Black.” While I’m not a fan of Cube’s second verse—he repeats the same lines a bit too much—and I wish the chorus had actual vocals from him, hearing Cube over a beat with such lively vibes is a total throwback to his classic era.
1. Act My Age (Ft. Scarface)
Ice Cube and Scarface are a combined 115 years old.
“Act My Age” carries a message I really respect. In it, both Cube and Scarface make it clear they still demand respect even though they could be considered uncs, and they sound ready to throw hands if they don’t get it.
I’m not going to lie—I thought Scarface’s verse was phenomenal. His flow is excellent, his annoyed tone works perfectly, and I love how he neatly outlines what he’d do if someone tried to play him because of his age. As for Cube, he’s a great tone-setter for the track, establishing its gritty personality with the hook and sounding like his villainous old self that used to punk Day-Day in those Friday movies.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. Man Power (3.5/5)
2. What You Gonna Do About It? (3.5/5)
*3. Freedumb (4/5)
4. Guess What? (4/5)
*5. Forget Me If You Ain’t With Me (4/5)
*6. Before Hip-Hop (4/5)
*7. Act My Age (Ft. Scarface) (4.5/5)
8. Ratchet Ass Mouth (3.5/5)
9. Respect My Space (3/5)
*10. California Dreamin’ (3.5/5)
11. The Salt and Pepper (3.5/5)
12. Bring Everybody (4/5)
*13. It’s My Ego (Ft. Scarface & Quake Matthews) (4.5/5)
14. All Work No Play (3.5/5)
RGM RATING
(70%)
Ice Cube is a man’s man, which some might find offensive and others will find refreshing. On his latest album, the West Coast legend proves he’s unapologetically himself, calling out people who are all talk, those who abuse AI, sharing advice on relationships, and paying homage to the OGs who paved the way. Cube has no interest in trends.
Known as one of rap’s clearest voices, Ice Cube sticks to his trademark straightforward delivery. He doesn’t chase melodies or try to sing; instead, he gives listeners pure, raw bars. While some might consider that old-fashioned, it feels refreshing in a time when heavily produced music often overshadows lyricism.
The production throughout the album has a distinctly West Coast feel, blending hard-hitting California vibes with laid-back grooves and even some club-ready beats. It’s a throwback to the sounds of early-2000s Cube movie soundtracks, but with enough punch to stay relevant today.
There’s a Dave Chappelle quote about not wanting to hear from Ja Rule during a crisis, but Ice Cube’s voice feels like the opposite—timely and needed. He may sound almost conservative at times, but his authenticity and sharp perspective cut through the noise, which I think everyone should appreciate.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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