Ice Cube has consistently exuded confidence about his place in hip-hop history, particularly when it comes to ranking himself among the greatest artists of all time. And he certainly deserves that recognition, having been one of the pioneers who put the West Coast on the map. Although his music may not resonate as strongly as it did in the 90s, he demonstrated last year that he still has much to offer. He released his first solo project since 2018, titled *Man Down*, which received favorable reviews from fans, indicating that Cube still has plenty left in the tank. The album, featuring 19 tracks, includes contributions from Busta Rhymes, Killer Mike, Kurupt, B-Real, E-40, and others.
This project wasn’t all style without substance; it boasts some standout tracks, particularly “It’s My Ego.” The lead single showcases Ice Cube’s signature braggadocio, paired with a brilliant, upbeat G-funk instrumental from E-A-Ski. The track is undeniably catchy, and Ice Cube seems aware of its appeal, as he followed it up with a mellow remix titled “Ego Maniacs,” which serves as the album’s closing track. Busta Rhymes and Killer Mike’s contributions add to its strength, with Cube laying down new verses specifically for these versions. In fact, he’s not finished exploring this track, as he’s now created a trilogy. This “3mix” features frequent collaborator and fellow legend Scarface, whose gravelly voice blends seamlessly with the beat. The chemistry between the two remains as strong as ever.
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