Just twelve months after releasing Man Down, Ice Cube returns with his twelfth and latest album, Man Up. At 56 years old, the emcee, actor, film producer, BIG3 founder, CubeVision founder, and songwriter shows no signs of slowing down since his days with N.W.A.. The timing of this album suggests it could be a follow-up or continuation of Man Down, possibly featuring leftover tracks that didn’t make the final cut. However, upon listening, it’s evident that Man Up is unique in both its production and lyrics. While it may serve as a companion to Man Down, it is not a direct sequel.

Ice Cube takes center stage on this album, with Scarface being the only guest artist appearing on a few tracks. Hip-Hop has often been perceived as a young person’s genre, but Cube and other "old school" rappers have challenged this notion in recent years. Although their messages may have evolved, they continue to resonate. “I’ve always stood for speaking truth to power and making music that reflects reality,” Cube stated. “Man Up is about accountability, resilience, and reminding people of the root causes of real problems. Hip-Hop didn’t create the struggle — it gave us the language to call it out.”

“Man Power” kicks off the album with a hard-hitting West Coast beat. Ice Cube delivers strong, in-your-face lyrics that feel slightly forced at times, but he still impresses. In “What You Gonna Do About It?”, the beat remains powerful, and Cube brings his signature hardcore lyrics that seamlessly flow with the rhythm. His confidence shines through in this track.

"Freedumb" showcases Ice Cube’s classic edge as he critiques our dependency on AI and technology, calling out the youth for relying too heavily on platforms like ChatGPT. The production is solid, and Cube’s emotions are palpable in every line.

With a smooth, chill, and laid-back groove, “Guess What?” may initially feel slightly out of place, but the more you listen, the more the song grows on you. Cube delivers a relaxed vibe as he raps, even surprising listeners with a bit of singing. Featuring a solid melody, the hook adds a nice twist. If Snoop Dogg can do it, why not Cube?

One of the standout tracks, “Forget Me If You Ain’t Wit Me,” features a catchy, dope beat and an aggressive rhythm. This is classic Cube, delivering hard-hitting rhymes with his signature flow. The production has a vibe reminiscent of G-Unit, but it blends seamlessly with Cube’s style, making it work perfectly.

Starting with a sample from Robert Townsend’s Hollywood Shuffle in the "I Can't Do This" scene, “Before Hip Hop” is a bass-heavy jam filled with anecdotes about life prior to the genre’s emergence. The track examines the timelines of various crimes and lifestyles that existed before Hip-Hop’s perceived influence on society.

In a statement, Ice Cube remarked, “It’s easy and lazy to look at what’s going on in many communities and blame Hip-Hop for everything. But the reality is that the violence, pain, and broken systems were already here. Those who opposed Hip-Hop often had racially motivated biases. They didn’t or wouldn’t compare white-led movies to rap artists; they were entrenched in their views and had already made up their minds.”

Cube later added, “‘Before Hip Hop’ calls out the revisionists, showing that crime and injustice existed long before Hip-Hop music. We didn’t cause it — we just called it out.”

Scarface contributes a great flow on his verse in the track “Act My Age,” which features a simple, deep beat. This song emphasizes Cube and Scarface delivering a strong message. Both artists assert that they still deserve respect and are far from being washed up, with Cube displaying a gritty flow reminiscent of his earlier, villainous days.

“Ratchet Ass Mouth” features Ice Cube advising young men to choose smart, intelligent women instead of those who may bring them down. With a deep bass line, Cube delivers the message:
“Hey young punk, listen to your uncle. Keep your mind off junk in the trunk. Focus on the grind, just like a monk. While girls get high and women get drunk, get your money right, and they'll come to you. When you choose someone, don’t be foolish. Don’t just focus on looks; make sure the conversation isn’t dizzying. Ensure that she isn't ditzy.”

“Respect My Space” has a strong beat and bass, making it a head-bobbing tune as Cube makes it clear that he is ready for a battle. He firmly expresses the need for others to acknowledge and respect personal boundaries, both physical and emotional.

“Forget Me Knots” is sampled next in “California Dreamin’.” Although this song doesn’t fit the typical Cube style, he makes it work with a smooth flow and a calmer tone. It allows listeners to let down their guard, relax, and enjoy a bit of G-Funk vibe.

We continue with that funky groove in “That Salt and Pepper,” produced by Eric Sermon. This song discusses adulthood and the freedom from old worries. The lyrics reflect this sentiment:
“They’re all looking at us because they admire that grown man status (I love it). We don’t chase anyone; young bucks are the ones chasing like Jason. Always smelling good, always representing the hood. See, I’m a true provider.”

Cube delivers an upbeat, 70s funk-inspired track with “Bring Everybody,” where he confidently expresses his untouchable status. The funky drumming and some scratching from the turntables keep listeners dancing throughout the song. Cube showcases a quick flow in a style that is quite different from what we’ve seen from him before.

Next, a remix of “It’s My Ego” features Scarface and Quake Matthews, standing out as one of the stronger tracks from Man Down. While Quake Matthews demonstrates his talent, Scarface steals the spotlight once again with his impressive rhymes.

The album closes on a high note with “All Work No Play,” which features a fantastic West Coast beat. Cube’s energy in this track is off the charts, delivering a powerful message to the OGs. This song includes some of Cube’s best lyrics and flow on the album, providing a strong and impactful conclusion.

Ice Cube delivered a solid follow-up to Man Down, showcasing a different style and message. While the production on Man Down may have been slightly stronger, the lyrics and flow in Man Up are sharper and more impactful. Cube recently stated in an interview, “I think they go hand in hand in a way. The first record, ‘Man Down,’ is more of a statement about where we are as men in this society and how we’re perceived, not how we actually are.” He added, “On the other hand, ‘Man Up’ is a call to action, challenging us with the question, ‘Okay, what are you going to do about it?’”

Ice Cube unapologetically embraces his masculinity while delivering a raw, classic West Coast Hip-Hop album. The consistency throughout the album is commendable, as Cube conveys a meaningful message while positioning himself as a contemporary critic. His sharp mind remains his greatest asset as he navigates the Hip-Hop battlefield with confidence.

One Love – Todd M. Judd