Ice Cube/ Raw Footage/ Lench Mob Records 

Once you figure out what a “Pyroclastic flow” is (a common and devastating result of volcanic eruptions per Wikepedia) it’s pretty clear where Ice Cube stands on this, his 9th album. Vengeance is a common theme throughout, as The Don Mega reminds the listening public that gangster rap is a product of the world (“Thank God”), rather than the other way around – hence the lead single “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It.” In so doing, Cube makes good on his promise to launch Lench Mob Records among the “exclusive” industry independents, refusing to bend for the majors. But that’s classic Ice Cube right? When he “caught Jerry Heller and Eazy E’s hand in the cookie jar,” he bolted and did him. For argument sakes, if this is Cube’s second wave and Laugh Now… was the new millennium version of America’s Most…, Raw Footage is easily the militant equivalent to Death Certificate. Equally socially sensitive, Cube provides plenty substance and understanding on stirring selections such as “Cold Places” and “Why Me? (Featuring Musiq Soulchild).” While this is an extremely serious album that regularly discloses Cube’s political observations (he shots out Jenna 6, Obama, Osama and Yo Mama!), The West Coast Don finds time to exercise his comical side on witty installments such as “Hood Mentality,” “Do Yo Thang,” “Get Used To It (featuring WC and The GAME)” and the swank “Jack N The Box.” Twenty five years in the game, Cube makes it a point to remind us he is rap royalty and well… he is. From the beginning to the end, and back again, Raw Footage is gangsta rap renewed. – N. Ali Early

We give it:

“Do Ya Thang”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApSpdTMy5-M&feature=related]

“Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzeZhCt5PVA]

“Fuck The Police” (Live in New Orleans… for old time sakes!)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87hllT_d4hQ&feature=related]