| Artist: Ice Cube |
| Format: | CD |
 "Pin It")
Song Listing
| The decade following 1992's The Predator found Ice Cube releasing a handful of mediocre albums (none of which lived up to the standards of his first three solo releases) and devoting his time to other activities (including writing and directing films). But 2006's Laugh Now, Cry Later reminded the world that Cube is still one of the most forceful voices in hardcore hip-hop, a game he helped create the rules for. The guest roster glitters with all-stars, including Snoop Dogg, Dre, and crunk king Lil Jon. Cube's familiar delivery still crackles with fierce intensity, especially on the politically militant album opener "Why We Thugs," which takes the federal government to task for the condition of America's ghettos. Yet the album isn't strictly polemical: "Smoke Some Weed" has a self-explanatory message, and its slinky, Middle Eastern vibe boasts one of the album's best beats. In all, Laugh Now weighs in as Ice Cube's strongest album since The Predator, and underscores the rapper's status as a hip-hop icon.
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Album Notes and Credits
Notes & Personnel Info |
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Photographer: Eric Williams. |
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The decade following 1992's THE PREDATOR found Ice Cube releasing a handful of mediocre albums (none of which lived up to the standards of his first three solo releases) and devoting his time to other activities (including writing and directing films). But 2006's LAUGH NOW, CRY LATER reminded the world that Cube is still one of the most forceful voices in hardcore hip-hop, a game he helped create the rules for. |
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The guest roster glitters with all-stars, including Snoop Dogg, Dre, and crunk king Lil Jon. Cube's familiar delivery still crackles with fierce intensity, especially on the politically militant album opener "Why We Thugs," which takes the federal government to task for the condition of America's ghettos. Yet the album isn't strictly polemical: "Smoke Some Weed" has a self-explanatory message, and its slinky, Middle Eastern vibe boasts one of the album's best beats. In all, LAUGH NOW weighs in as Ice Cube's strongest album since THE PREDATOR, and underscores the rapper's status as a hip-hop icon. |
Producer: Dee 'Underdue'; L.V.; Lil Jon; Scott Storch; Swizz Beatz |
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Musical Guests | |
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Snoop Dogg |
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Lil Jon |
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Kokane |
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WC |
Compilation Appearances
Technical Info
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Release Date : 06/06/2006 |
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Original Release Date : 2006 |
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Catalog ID : 163 |
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Label : Lench Mob |
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Number of Discs : 1 |
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Studio/Live : Studio |
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Mono/Stereo : Stereo |
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SPAR Code : n/a |
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UPC : 00094636616322 |
Professional Reviews
- 3 stars out of 5 -- "[A] legit return to politicized gangsta rap, while also feeling like he's simply slipping back into his best-known role....It's Cube's lyrics that go for the throat."
(p.136)
- "Dusting off his black Raiders cap, Cube lambastes every wanksta within earshot....Cube's knack for self-reflection also serves him well..."
(p.90)
- 3 stars out of 5 -- "[He] proves he still has sufficient desire to make angry, focused music....The vocals bristle with lip-curled sneers and contemptuous snorts."
