Ice Cube - Raw Footage

Cube Ups The Ante {4 Stars}

Who knew that that chubby, jheri curled kid that debuted on Straight Outta Compton would hang around for another 20 years and still make quality music? I sure didn't. Cube has carved out a pretty stellar resume' for himself. His latest offering, Raw Footage, may not be on par with some of his best work, but it's a solid release that adds to his legacy at a point in his career when most rappers with the same amount of years in the game usually wind up hurting their legacy. (*cough* LL Cool J *cough*) Raw Footage, in short, is pretty much the old Cube over updated production. In some cases, that's a good thing. In other cases, not so much. There are strong cuts that feel like vintage Cube -- like "Stand Tall" and "Why Me", for example. The production can be hit or miss in spots, but it's a worthwhile listen for the most part. The overall vibe is similar to Laugh Now, Cry Later, but the lyrics are a little more hard hitting.

As far as flaws, had this been any other artist, I probably would've ejected the CD halfway through the first track. The Young Jeezy assisted "I Got My Locs On" is terrible on every front from the lyrics to the production. "Jack N The Box" was another track that was done in by forgettable production. As a matter of fact, I think it's the production on some tracks that makes the album stumble when it does -- Cube over southern style beats don't really work that well (though he did sound great on Lil' Jon's album). Another thing that hurts the album are some of the incredibly uninspired hooks -- like the WC & The Game assisted "Get Used To It", for example. We all know Cube can come much better than that.

Raw Footage shows that Cube still has a spark left in him, but the herky jerky production keeps the album from reaching maximum potential. Ice Cube carries this album with lyrics that show that he still has the sharp tongue and wit that made him popular in the first place. The good definitely outweighs the bad in this case, so I'd have to say that Raw Footage is definitely purchase worthy and most certainly a step up from his previous release. I recommend checking this one out.

Standout Tracks: Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It, Here He Come feat. Doughboy, Why Me? feat. Musiq Soulchild, Hood Mentality, Stand Tall (My Favorite), and Thank God September 18, 2008

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