February, 1999

The hip-hop culture is in a state of perpetual motion, with trends and styles changing at break-neck speed. To remain successful, and also thrive on the business side, is hell to say the least. "Ice Cube’s" continued success in the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop music is astounding, and solidifies his talents and savvy business techniques. The movie "Players Club," in which Cube wrote, directed, co-produced and acted, is further proof of the depth of his genius. And now Cube delivers his first solo album in 4 years entitled, "War & Peace Vol.1 (The War Disc)."

Cube has assembled songs that range from the Ghetto commentary of "Ghetto Vet," "Penitentiary" and "3 Strikes You In," to the rock/rap fusion of "Fuck Dying," featuring the heavy metal band Korn. Mack 10, Mr. Short Khop and K-Mac are Cube’s co-executioners on the War disc. With the cutting edge lyrical attitude, and Cube’s fiery delivery, "Ice Cube’s" first two albums, "Amerikkka’s Most Wanted" and "Death Certificate," went on to become classics. This CD, (while not deserving of classic status) serves to confirm the fact that "Ice Cube" is still a talented ghetto poet with relevancy, after nearly a decade. For the most part, there is nothing new here, it’s the same old "Ice Cube," with the exception of "Ghetto Vet," and the braggadocios "Pushin’ Weight."

Fans of "Ice Cube" will no doubt be pleased with this effort, but the hip-hop genre has more fans than those of just "Ice Cube."