Ice Cube – 'Laugh Now, Cry Later' (Virgin) Released 05/06/06

The original Westcoast baller is back and he’s proving that being Hollywood doesn’t necessarily mean that your street credibility goes out the window. Ice Cube may have been the star of movies such as 'Are We There Yet' and 'XXX 2' but with this his seventh solo release he’s back to claim the crown that has since been passed from artist to artist.

The hardest beats and on-point piercing lyrics make up one of the most anticipated returns to rap since Rakim stepped away from the mic a number of years ago. With lines like, “Ain’t no other Kings in this rap thing they siblings/Nothing but my children/One shot, they disappearing” proving that Cube really does mean business. Playing with a few Lil’ Jon beats on 'Go To Church' and 'You Gotta Lotta That' pulls the project back a few feet, not because Lil’ Jon’s beats don’t do the job, they just don’t sit well with Cube’s Westcoast flow. The album’s title track 'Laugh Now, Cry Later' stands out and makes sure that you know the best flows are the original flows. Ice Cube is an originator not an imitator. 'Growin’ Up' breaks down the Lench Mob Head’s upbringing in the hood, with everything from his early acting roles to his N.W.A. relationships being touched upon.

Other bangers not to be missed include the Teak & Dre produced 'The Game Lord' and WC featured 'Chrome & Paint'. In closing this album proves that true legends never die, physically and lyrically.