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Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest album for the rapper/actor/director/producer features guests such as Musiq Soulchild, Nas, Scarface, The Game, and Young Jeezy.

Top Track

Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
Maestro Blame me You n**gaz know my pyroclastic flow You n**gaz know my pyroclastic flow flow You n**gaz know my pyroclastic flow It's R A W, R A... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. RapReviews.com
    85
    This is Cube's strongest performance musically and lyrically in many many years, so he's not only forgiven for using such an absurd word, he's actually given me hope that it might eventually show up in the hip-hop dictionary.
  2. Vibe
    80
    The result is arguably his best work contextually since "Death Certificate" itself.
  3. Billboard
    70
    Occasional clunkers aside, the impassioned delivery and stripped-down G-funk grooves are still more potent than plenty of efforts by rappers half Cube's age.
  4. AllMusic
    70
    The bombastic intro and interludes with Keith David could go too, but otherwise this no-answers, gritty ego trip will satisfy his fans while pushing everyone else away even further.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    Licensed to offend, he's as pumped-up and provocative as ever. [Nov 2008, p.121]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Mojo
    60
    Its highlights peaking above those of its predecessor even if the quality of the often plasticky beats means it's a little more uneven. [Nov 2008, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. NOW Magazine
    40
    Overall, the gangsta bravado and rabble-rousing sound uninspired and too familiar.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. ShamadA.
    Sep 7, 2008
    10
    One of the most refreshing,thought provoking, albums i've heard in this recent era of hip-hop..an album that will challenge even the One of the most refreshing,thought provoking, albums i've heard in this recent era of hip-hop..an album that will challenge even the most tunnel visioned gangsta saturated thinker to revise and refocus their negative energies into a cause for change..and i quote: if U not willing to change the hoodlife mentality how do U expect to change your reality! Profound.… Expand
  2. Eciti
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    Very good album. Cube make it rough as he used to do back in 90's. He hasn't the same beats as it was, but his flow remains the same. Has someVery good album. Cube make it rough as he used to do back in 90's. He hasn't the same beats as it was, but his flow remains the same. Has some social tracks(Why me?), urban (Do ya thang), and political (Gangsta Rap Made me do it)… Expand
  4. AutumnR
    Sep 13, 2008
    10
    Finally...a rap album with some substance. Not all booty's and breast...cash and cars...just a little, but I don't know a man that Finally...a rap album with some substance. Not all booty's and breast...cash and cars...just a little, but I don't know a man that doesn't think of those things a little. Political, and an album that makes you think. This is a must buy. Ice Cube is so on top of his game...Awesome album!!… Expand
  5. FouadM.
    Sep 14, 2008
    10
    Best album in years!
  6. NoelB.
    Sep 15, 2008
    9
    Good Stuff. Besides lyrics, musically refreshing. Nice of Cube to remind us what it is all about !
  7. Urbanlistener
    Oct 6, 2015
    9
    Definitely a return to Ice Cube's roots lyrically, his most politically engaged album since Death certificate in 91. Great album, great beatsDefinitely a return to Ice Cube's roots lyrically, his most politically engaged album since Death certificate in 91. Great album, great beats and impressively strong lyrics. Cube has and will never fall off, always hard, always true to himself.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Shared Album of 2008

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