Lethal Injection – Ice Cube

Artist: Ice Cube
Album: Lethal Injection
Label: Lench Mob / Priority Records
Release Date: December 7, 1993
Review Published: N4MR Hip-Hop Magazine Issue #10 Feb ’94

Ice Cube is back with another phat album called Lethal Injection. Throughout this album, Cube talks about the many problems we face in our communities along with some solutions. This is Cube’s 4th album in four years since leaving the group NWA. Produced by Ice Cube, QDIII, and Dj. Muggs, Lethal Injection proves to be one of the phattest albums he has created thus far. 

From “The Shot” to “When I Get To Heaven,” it is full of phat beats and dope lyrics that grab your attention and force you to listen to his message. The first track released off this album is “Really Doe.” This cut is just a small example of the ‘vocal terrorism’ Cube has on the mic. Through various cuts and interludes, Cube touches on his affiliation with the Nation of Islam, Muslim beliefs, and the direction it can bring into one’s life. 

Some of my favorite tracks on this album are “Ghetto Bird”, “What Can I Do?” , “Enemy”, “You Know How We Do It”, “Down For Whatever”, “When I Get To Heaven”, and “Cave Bitch.” Cube also has two songs including special guests. The mellow “Make It Ruff, Make It Smooth” features K-Dee, and a dope remake of the old-school Parliament cut “Bop Gun,” features George Clinton. The concept behind Lethal Injection is that ‘injecting this tape into any deck could be lethal to the listeners and their newfound enemies.’ This project is also another example of why Ice Cube is at the top of this industry and will be there for a long time to come, (no matter what devil’s he casts out). 

I would definitely consider this a must buy album for Hip-Hop fans and anyone interested in ‘the truth from Ice Cube’s point of view.’ I am also awaiting the next project from Ice Cube, which is a collaboration with Dr. Dre called Helter Skelter, due to hit the shelves this spring. With one of the fiercest MC’s in the West, and also one of the phattest producers on the West Coast, it is sure to be a classic project that might even open some doors for many other artists on the West Coast and all over Amerikkka.

-The Dougster