Ice Cube Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Ice Cube's journey from N.W.A's chief lyricist to a solo powerhouse is a cornerstone of hip-hop history. His departure set the stage for one of the most potent and politically charged discographies in music.

Figuring out the best Ice Cube album is a classic debate among fans. Each record captures a different era, a different fight.

Today, we're exploring the Ice Cube albums ranked by those who know them best—the listeners.

We'll look at the projects that resonate most deeply with the fanbase, and then see how that compares to current popularity data.

Ranking Ice Cube's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (1990)

This is the explosive solo debut Ice Cube released after his acrimonious split from N.W.A. It was a statement of independence and raw, unfiltered commentary.

Primarily produced by Public Enemy's production team, The Bomb Squad, the album was an immediate critical and commercial success.

Today, it is widely regarded as a hip-hop classic and one of the most important albums of the 1990s, cementing Cube's status as a solo force.

Key tracks:

• AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
• Once Upon A Time In The Projects

Holding the top spot, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted is seen by many fans as the definitive Ice Cube album. It captures a singular moment of anger, focus, and creative energy.

The combination of Cube's sharp lyricism and The Bomb Squad's chaotic production is consistently praised as a perfect match.

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2. Death Certificate (1991)

Ice Cube's second studio album, Death Certificate, was released in 1991. The record was conceptually divided into two parts: "The Death Side" and "The Life Side."

Due to its politically charged content and acerbic statements, the album was the source of both immense acclaim and significant controversy.

It was another commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Cube's reputation for unflinching social critique.

Key tracks:

• No Vaseline
• My Summer Vacation

For a large portion of the fanbase, Death Certificate is Cube's magnum opus. Its conceptual framework and fearless commentary make it a landmark release.

The album's narrative ambition and tracks like "No Vaseline" are legendary, securing its high placement in any fan discussion.

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3. The Predator (1992)

Released months after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, The Predator is Ice Cube's third album. Many of its songs directly comment on the racial tensions of the time.

The album was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. It also produced some of Cube's most iconic singles.

Producers on the record included DJ Pooh, Sir Jinx, and DJ Muggs, creating a powerful West Coast sound that defined the era.

Key tracks:

• It Was A Good Day
• Wicked

Fans place The Predator high on the list for its perfect blend of political fury and mainstream accessibility. It's home to arguably his most famous song, "It Was a Good Day."

The album’s ability to capture the tense atmosphere of post-riot L.A. while producing timeless hits is why it remains a fan favorite.

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4. Lethal Injection (1993)

Ice Cube's fourth album, Lethal Injection, saw him leaning further into a G-funk sound. Released in 1993, it continued his streak of commercial success.

The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. It featured the massive hit "You Know How We Do It" and the Funkadelic-sampling "Bop Gun (One Nation)."

While some critics at the time felt he was toning down his political edge, the album's slick production and memorable hooks made it a staple of the era.

Key tracks:

• You Know How We Do It
• Ghetto Bird - Remastered

Lethal Injection is beloved by fans for its smooth, G-funk production and anthemic singles. It represents a pivot in Cube's sound that defined much of 90s West Coast rap.

For many, this album is pure nostalgia, capturing a specific vibe that has aged incredibly well.

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5. Laugh Now, Cry Later (2006)

Released in 2006, Laugh Now, Cry Later marked Ice Cube's return to music after a six-year hiatus focused on his film career.

It was his first album released on his independent label, Lench Mob Records. The record was seen as a comeback, reaffirming his place in the rap landscape.

The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold, proving Cube's enduring appeal.

Key tracks:

• Why We Thugs
• Smoke Some Weed

Fans embraced this album as a welcome return to form. It showed that even after years in Hollywood, Ice Cube hadn't lost his edge.

The project sits comfortably in the middle of the ranking, respected for its strong production and Cube's confident performance.

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6. Everythangs Corrupt (2018)

Everythangs Corrupt is Ice Cube's tenth studio album, released in 2018. It was his first full-length project since 2010's I Am the West.

The album featured a return to the politically-minded themes of his early work, with tracks like "Arrest the President" making his stance clear.

Featuring a guest appearance from Too Short, the album received generally positive reviews from critics who praised Cube's enduring lyrical delivery.

Key tracks:

• Ain't Got No Haters (feat. Too Short)
• Arrest The President

This album is appreciated by longtime fans for its modern production paired with Cube's classic, uncompromising political commentary.

While it didn't make the same cultural splash as his 90s material, it's seen as a solid and relevant entry in his later-career discography.

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7. Raw Footage (2008)

Raw Footage, Ice Cube's eighth studio album, was released in 2008. It was noted as his most political effort in over a decade.

The album featured guest appearances from artists like The Game, Musiq Soulchild, and Young Jeezy. The lead single, "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It," directly addressed the controversy surrounding the genre.

The project continued Cube's independent streak on his Lench Mob Records label and debuted in the top five on the Billboard 200.

Key tracks:

• Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
• Do Ya Thang

Landing in the bottom half of the fan ranking, Raw Footage is still considered a strong project with a powerful message.

Fans respect the album's thematic focus, though it often gets overshadowed by his iconic early work and the excitement of his 2006 comeback.

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8. Man Down (2024)

Man Down is the eleventh studio album from Ice Cube, released in late 2024. It features a host of guests, including Snoop Dogg, E-40, and B-Real.

Production was handled by a diverse group including T-Mix, Lil' Jon, and Ice Cube himself, giving the album a varied sonic palette.

The record debuted in the top 50 on the Billboard 200, continuing Cube's decades-long presence on the charts.

Key tracks:

• It's My Ego
• Rollin' At Twilight

As one of his more recent releases, Man Down is still finding its long-term place among fans. Its current ranking reflects this period of assessment.

While filled with solid tracks and notable features, it faces the challenge of competing with a legendary back catalog.

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9. War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc) (1998)

This is the first part of Ice Cube's ambitious two-album project, released in 1998. It was followed two years later by The Peace Disc.

The album saw Cube experimenting with a heavier, almost rap-metal sound on certain tracks, which was a notable departure from his G-funk roots.

Despite the sonic shifts, it was a commercial success, debuting in the top 10 and eventually earning a gold certification.

Key tracks:

• Fuck Dying
• Ghetto Vet

The War Disc is one of Cube's more divisive albums among fans. Its heavy, aggressive production was a bold move that some listeners loved and others didn't connect with.

Its lower ranking often stems from this sonic experimentation, which sets it apart from the rest of his catalog.

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10. Kill At Will (1990)

Kill At Will is an EP released in late 1990, shortly after the massive success of AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted.

The release was designed to capitalize on Cube's newfound solo momentum and featured standout tracks like "Jackin' For Beats" and "Dead Homiez."

It was a huge success for an EP, becoming the first hip-hop EP to be certified platinum.

Key tracks:

• Jackin' For Beats
• Dead Homiez

This release ranks lower simply because it's an EP, not a full studio album. Fans hold tracks like "Dead Homiez" in very high regard.

It's considered an essential companion piece to his debut, but it doesn't get judged on the same scale as his full-length LPs.

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11. I Am the West (2010)

Released in 2010, I Am the West is Ice Cube's ninth solo album. It was his second independent release on Lench Mob Records.

The album featured production from West Coast mainstays like Sir Jinx and Tha Bizness, along with guest spots from WC and Young Maylay.

Cube stated he wanted the album to have a different direction from his previous work, aiming for a sound that was modern yet distinctly West Coast.

Key tracks:

• I Rep That West
• Your Money Or Your Life

This album lands near the bottom of the fan rankings. Many listeners found the production and sound to be a bit of a departure from what they loved about Cube.

While it has its moments, it is generally seen as one of the less essential entries in his extensive catalog.

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13. War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc) (2000)

Released in 2000, this album served as the second part of his War & Peace project. It was a stylistic counterpoint to the aggressive War Disc.

The Peace Disc featured a more party-oriented and accessible sound, spawning the massive club hit "You Can Do It."

This was Ice Cube's final album released through Priority Records and his last studio effort before his six-year break from music.

Key tracks:

• You Can Do It
• Until We Rich

Similar to its predecessor, The Peace Disc often finds itself at the lower end of fan lists. Its poppier, more commercial sound was a turn-off for fans of his hardcore political material.

While "You Can Do It" is an undeniable hit, the album as a whole is often viewed as less cohesive than his classic work.

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14. Man Up (2025)

Released in 2025, Man Up is Ice Cube's eleventh studio album. It promises to continue the legacy of one of hip-hop's most enduring voices.

The project features a mix of producers and guest artists, aiming to bridge Cube's classic sound with contemporary production.

This represents the next chapter in the artist's long and storied career in music.

Key tracks:

• Act My Age
• Man Power

As an recently released album, Man Up naturally falls to the bottom of the current fan rankings. There's anticipation, but no established sentiment yet.

Its final place in the Ice Cube pantheon will only be determined after fans have had time to live with the music.

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Picked your top Ice Cube classic? Check out Ice Cube's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

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Ice Cube albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Ice Cube's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity Rank	Album Title	Release Year
1	The Predator	1992
2	Lethal Injection	1993
3	Death Certificate	1991
4	Laugh Now, Cry Later	2006
5	Everythangs Corrupt	2018
6	Raw Footage	2008
7	Man Up	2025
8	Man Down	2024
9	AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted	1990
10	War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc)	1998
11	SNOOP CUBE 40 $HORT	2022
12	Kill At Will	1990
13	I Am the West	2010
14	War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)	2000
15	Raw Footage	2008

Quick FAQs about Ice Cube's albums

Q: Who produced Ice Cube's debut album, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted?

A: His debut album was primarily produced by Public Enemy's acclaimed production team, The Bomb Squad. This collaboration was essential to the album's iconic, aggressive sound.

Q: Did Dr. Dre work on AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted?

A: No, he did not. Ice Cube has said he originally wanted Dr. Dre to produce the album, but the collaboration was vetoed by N.W.A.'s management after Cube left the group.

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So, there you have it—a deep look at the Ice Cube albums ranked by fans and by the numbers.

The fan ranking makes one thing clear: his first three solo albums created an untouchable legacy that still defines his musical identity.

Ultimately, the best Ice Cube album is a personal choice. It's about which record's energy and message connect with you the most.

What does your ranking look like?