June 14, 2006

Ice Cube B+ Laugh Now, Cry Later (Lench Mob Records)

WHO'S THE MACK? Ice Cube kicked his movie career to the curb for a moment to focus on music again. It worked. His first solo album in six years shows he's still a ferocious MC, and he brings Snoop Dogg, Lil Jon and comic buddy Mike Epps along for the ride.

YOU CAN'T FADE ME: Cube explores grimy street life with skilled intensity on "Why We Thugs" and the title track. He can write a thought-provoking rhyme ("They ain't lookin' for Osama/Ask Biggie's mama"). But he lightens the mood considerably with the nostalgic "Growin' Up," which details his gangsta upbringing in N.W.A.

BOTTOM LINE: Cube can get almost cuddly on the big screen. Laugh Now, Cry Later reminds us that he can still whup most rappers. And you, too.

Rob Clark