Ice Cube began his career as the founder and lyrical mastermind behind the prolific LA based hip hop empire, NWA. Toted as the world’s most dangerous group, NWA are noted for their revolutionary lyrics and production. Their 1989 album release, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was groundbreaking. The album introduced a heavier, more violent and political sound that paved the way for international hip hop crews around the globe with album sales exceeding 9 million units in America alone. Songs such as ‘Straight Outta Compton’, ‘F*@k Tha Police’ and ‘Gangsta Gangsta’ were featured on the album. These songs became notorious for their highly aggressive and controversial lyrical content which attracted the attention of the FBI and the US Secret Service who later banned the group from performing at several venues around the world.
After an explosive fall out with NWA’s manager, Ice Cube pursued a solo career with his debut release ‘Amerikkka’s Most Wanted’ which was an incredible success both commercially and critically. The release became a landmark hip hop album with the title track debuting at number one on the American Hot Rap Single Charts. The album also confirmed Ice Cube’s extraordinary talent for lyrical scribe exclaiming his views of socio-political destruction in the ghettos of LA. Ice Cube followed this release with the highly acclaimed albums, Death Certificate, The Predator, Lethal Injection, War & Peace and Laugh Now, Cry Later which each achieved massive success, exceeding sales of over 200 million units.
Now dominating the American hip hop circuit, Ice Cube used this as a cornerstone to expand his talents to other avenues such as producing and acting in feature films. Ice Cube’s debut acting role was in 1991, starring as Doughboy in the Oscar nominated feature film, ‘Boyz N The Hood’. Ice Cube then gained starring roles in 24 blockbusters including the Multi-million dollar earning ‘Friday’ movie franchise.
Ice Cube’s unprecedented success in both the music and film industries have gained him global respect and pushed him into the Top Ten Richest People In Hip Hop, having an estimated worth of $145 million.
Ice Cube will tour Australia throughout August and September alongside Westside Connection heavyweight, WILLIAM CALHOUN, aka WC.
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