Ice Cube is gearing up to release his new album, Man Up, on September 12, with the lead single “Before Hip Hop” already making waves.
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The project follows 2024’s Man Down, Cube’s first solo effort since 2018’s Everythangs Corrupt. Serving as a sequel, Man Up picks up where its predecessor left off, with “Before Hip Hop” delivering a message about life before rap culture took root. On the track, Cube reflects on the crime, hustling, and chaos that existed long before hip-hop, while challenging the narrative that rap lyrics are to blame for society’s ills.
Lyrically, Cube sounds sharp and steady, continuing the strong form he’s shown in his later solo projects. While it may not reach the intensity of classics like Death Certificate, the track proves that Cube remains a force behind the mic decades into his career.
Beyond his solo work, Ice Cube is still active with Mount Westmore, the West Coast supergroup he shares with Too Short, E-40, and Snoop Dogg. The collective dropped their debut album in December 2022 and recently linked up again on producer ProHoeZak’s single “The Introduction.” Whether that collaboration hints at a new group album or just another cameo on Cube’s upcoming project remains to be seen.
For now, fans can look forward to Man Up and its lead single, “Before Hip Hop”—a reminder that Cube hasn’t lost his voice or his perspective.
