We review the rapper’s latest West Coast album, as he tackles culture wars and an opinionated hip-hop world
Ever since Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson) dropped the announcement for his new album, the hip-hop community has eagerly anticipated its release.
O’Shea has already revealed three tracks, including the lead single It’s My Ego, So Sensitive and the remix of the debut, Egomaniacs, featuring Busta Rhymes, and Killer Mike.
READ MORE: ‘Man Up’: Ice Cube Excites Fans By Announcing New Album
Today is the day you’ve all waiting for: Man Down has finally arrived boasting a 19 song tracklist packed full of features. The N.W.A. man promised this will be a return to his roots, something that has been coveted by fans and channelled through teaser drops.
What’s The Cover Art About?
The cover art portrays a teenager navigating the streets of Los Angeles, surrounded by people lying face down on the ground.
It serves as a depiction of Black youth circumventing the challenges and difficulties of a rapidly changing world. Many have interpreted it as a symbolic commentary on the community’s resilience in overcoming adversity, with its blue skies signalling hope and the ability to adapt to the trials of modern-day life.
What Does It Sound Like?
The rapper promised a lot. In an Instagram post he said, “…two days out from the Man Down release. This one is for my Day 1s, no bullsh**, hardcore hip-hop.”
So Sensitive sidesteps his traditional approach, taking on modern culture groups, while the debut lays down the gauntlet through a trademark flow.
READ MORE: Ice Cube Calls Out The Masses For Being ‘So Sensitive’
Some are surprised by the absence of Dr. Dre. However, this coalesces with recent projects, so it’s not worth pulling that thread. Besides, Jackson is one of few rappers with, as he puts it, a pyroclastic flow.
As the album opens to the previewed sounds of the past few weeks, it is easy to get swept up in the momentum Jackson has built. It’s definitely for the fans, like on She’s Sanctified featuring his Mount Westmore crew over an 80s style jaunt and it’s a parley between both parties.
His delivery has become archetypal throughout his career. Regardless of what you think about him, his lyrical content is consistent and quotable verbatim.
Unfortunately, some production choices often misalign with his vocal inflexion. On 3 Lil’ Piggies this is apparent, and is unfortunately so for most of the album.
Talkin’ Bout These Rappers is the crown jewel in the project, and this is where his stylistic choices deliver. O’Shea waxes lyrical about keyboard warriors, opinionated personas and larger than life characters, “I’m at home stuck with the litter, I’m on the sh***er plannin’ dinner.”
This time however, his motivation is to satisfy long-term supporters, evident in his press announcement, “All I care about is Ice Cube fans at this point; that’s my clientele. Everybody else gotta get in where they fit in.”
Verdict
While entertaining, he really has produced something for the fans. Man Down is a quintessential depiction of the challenges of modern life in an unregulated internet. Especially social media. But it’s the delivery and lack of the style we know him for that is missing. It’s almost as if he has disappeared from himself.
In a contemporary world, this album will likely appeal to loyal listeners more than it will to the broader hip-hop community. Does it return to his roots? No. But it tries to strike a balance for old school heads and a contemporary audience. It’s not for everyone, but it is for Cube fans. Even so, this record is a far cry from what I believe to be his last great verse on Chin Check.
Where To Buy Signed Copies and Stream?
The music mogul has launched an official store for the release, where you can purchase signed vinyl and CDs. It is streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Stanisland Magazine 
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.