Ice Cube is (was) one of hip hop's most notable, most entertaining personalities. His delivery, and politically charged lyrics, combined with street knowledge make him one of hip hop's greatest MC's. One of his landmark (and a landmark for hip hop period) albums is AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, a groundbreaking mesh of styles. Linking up with The Bomb Squad, Ice Cube combined the best qualities of what was going on in the east coast and the west coast, and masterfully fused them into this beast of an album.
One thing to know about AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted is that it is heavy, aggressive, and no holds barred. Any topic Ice Cube wants to talk about, from race, to politics, to misogyny, he speaks on it with authority and passion. Ice's delivery commands you to listen to what he is saying, and not only is the delivery strong, the lyrics are as well. Right off the bat, Ice Cube makes his mission statement with "The Nigga Ya Love to Hate", which is the MC letting you know he does not care about what you think of him. Following that, is another standout track, "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted". Another track that fits the vibe of the album, Ice Cube proves why he is indeed "AmeriKKKa's" most wanted. The production on these tracks (handled by The Bomb Squad and Sir Jinx) is hard-hitting, relentless, and more calmed down when necessary. There are absolutely no weak spots on this album, the weakest track is "Only Out For One Thang" but even that is a highly entertaining track.
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted is a masterpiece, and an important piece of west coast (or east coast for that matter) hip hop. Ice Cube and The Bomb Squad work perfectly together, and the album never fails one bit. Ice Cube's powerful delivery and Bomb Squad's high-energy beats work fantastically. Every single song hits, and is straight-forward and to the point. Definitely a classic album.
Ratings:
1. Better Off Dead (Intro)
2. The Nigga Ya Love to Hate: 5/5
3. AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted: 5/5
4. What They Hittin' Foe?: 5/5
5. You Can't Fade Me/JD's Gafflin' (Medley): 5/5
6. Once Upon a Time in the Projects: 5/5
7. Turn Off the Radio 5/5
8. Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside) (feat. Chuck D): 5/5
9. A Gangsta's Fairytale (feat. Lil' Russ): 5/5
10. I'm Only Out for One Thang (feat. Flavor Flav): 4.5/5
11. Get Off My Dick & Tell Yo' Bitch to Come Here: 5/5
12. The Drive-By (Skit)
13. Rollin' wit' the Lench Mob: 5/5
14. Who's the Mack?: 5/5
15. It's a Man's World (feat. Yo-Yo): 5/5
16. The Bomb: 5/5
Best songs:
The Nigga Ya Love to Hate
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Turn Off the Radio
Once Upon a Time in the Projects
Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside)
Weakest song: I'm Only Out for One Thang
Production: 10/10
Lyrics: 10/10
Overall rating: 100/100
Grade: A
