j3's TOP 20 HIP HOP ALBUMS OF ALL TIME

#11
ICE CUBE
AMERIKKKA'S MOST WANTED
1990



Along with the many critical accolades one could attach to Amerikkka, the album also marks the union of landmark artists in creative transition--all of which makes this album a tyrannical, low-blowing audio assault. Ice Cube was rolling off the heels off a legendary performance on NWA's Straight Outta Compton and Amerikkka was a angrier, leaner and more focused outing than anything Compton. Amerikkka also finds the legendary Bomb Squad, with the production of three Public Enemy albums under their belt, bringing in their sonic sound treatment giving Cube the musical momentum, the foundation, that would take this album to legendary status.

Amerikkka finds Cube partially abandoning his NWA gangsterisms and turning up his more militant and political side. Every word is a stinging slug into the belly of White America and every Parliament sample, JB drum break and cut and scratche from the nimble fingers of the Shocklees is the soundtrack to a revolution.

And whether or not you choose to hold Cube's latest career mishaps against him, you must realize that before the cute movies and the network television appearances, Cube was the "n**ga ya love to hate" and he was a kid you didn't want to cross. Amerikkka will forever be his landmark record that he will never again make. Also notable, however are Lethal Injection and Death Certificate.

Oh, can't forget to credit Priority for reissuing the old Cube catalog. Amerikkka is now digitally remastered, louder and now comes with the Ill at Will EP bonus including "Jackin' For Beats" all on one disc.

Highlights:
"The N**ga Ya Love to Hate"
"Turn Off the Radio"
"Endangered Species"
"A Gangsta's Fairytale"
"Rollin' Wit The Lench Mob"
"The Bomb"