Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. 80
    His delivery is crisp and uncomplicated, but razor sharp, like gangster haikus. [Jun 2006, p.159]
  2. By bringing his beats up to date he may not only win back some old fans but convert a few new ones in the process by showing them he's more than just a Hollywood actor.
  3. Unlike his early classics, Laugh Now stumbles occasionally and fails to keep the momentum going through the whole fourth quarter.
  4. A blistering triumph of a record.
  5. Surprisingly, a middle-aged Cube still packs a youthful punch when it comes to the gangsta tales. [3 Jun 2006]
  6. 60
    This record does not return [Ice Cube] to his early 1990s heyday, but proves he still has sufficient desire to make angry, focused music. [Aug 2006, p.90]
  7. Excuse me sir, is this 1993? [26 Aug 2006, p.43]
  8. 50
    For the most part, Laugh Now, Cry Later plays like an unsuccessful attempt to regain hood status. [Sep 2006, p.86]
  9. Surely a man of his talent has more to offer than this? [Sep 2006, p.109]
  10. Everything about Laugh Now, Cry Later feels utterly tapped of inspiration and vitality, and Cube's former greatness only makes this exhausting slog that much more depressing.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. ChrisR
    10
    CUBE is back again, he always comes out with the hardest **** and never shys away
  2. MichaelW
    4
    Ice Cube, in 2006, just sounds so tired... like he took flows that weren't quite good enough for War and Peace Vol. 2, and no amount of guest stars or name producers can cover up for the lack of hunger. Cube at one point could've claimed to be the Best Ever... not after releasing dreck like this. Full Review »
  3. NcoleE
    8
    Ice Cube is Back! And, in a big way. This CD is a breath of fresh air. I am really hoping that the "KRUNK" era is a thing of the past and now we can get back to real music and meaningful lyrics. Let's tell the guys from the South to pick up a book and brush up their vocabulary skills then come back to the plate. Like Busta said, They sound soo Trash! Thank you ICE Cube for holding down the WEST COAST. Full Review »