Ice Cube Announces First Solo Album in 5 Years, ‘Man Down’
Legendary rapper and actor Ice Cube is preparing to make a return to the music scene with his upcoming solo album titled “Man Down.” This album marks his first solo release since 2018’s “Everythang’s Corrupt.”
During a recent conversation with Chuck D’s RAPstation, the California native shared insights about the new album’s progress and imminent release.
“I’m working on an album that hopefully I can finish in the next couple of weeks and schedule to put it out,” he disclosed. “I’m digging what I’m doing. The name of the record is called Man Down, and, you know, it’s a pretty good record. I like it. It’s dope.”
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Ice Cube emphasized his commitment to staying true to himself throughout the journey. He expressed a strong belief in remaining authentic, regardless of the challenges and changes that fame and success may bring.
“It’s a blessing, really. For one, I made a promise to myself when I got in this business that I wouldn’t let it change who I am as a person, so I was always willing to let the chips fall where they may and not worry about ‘I can’t do this or my career will be over’ or ‘if I do this, will this happen?'” Ice Cube said.
He continued by highlighting the perspective that came from starting with little and having the freedom to pursue his artistic vision without fear of returning to a state of financial struggle.
“When you’re broke when you’re starting off, going back to being broke is not an issue. That’s not motivation, like ‘I’m going to be broke again, let me bow down to this bullshit.’ No,” Ice Cube emphasized.
Ice Cube’s career has seen its share of controversies and disputes over the years, but as he has transitioned into his veteran years, he has taken on a more reflective and measured tone. In recent times, he publicly acknowledged his past conflicts with fellow rapper Common, revealing how Common had once come to his aid, creating a bond of respect between them.
In a late-August interview discussing his first show in Chicago, Ice Cube recounted an incident in which he had forgotten one of his records for a performance. Common, who was opening for Ice Cube at the time, came to the rescue by accompanying him to a record store to purchase the missing record.
“Love Chicago. My first show — my first big show outside of L.A. was at the Regal Theater in Chicago. We forgot our record. We forgot one of our records that we were performing,” Ice Cube recounted. “Guess who took me to the record store to buy the record? I had to go buy our own record. It was Common.”
This gesture of camaraderie and support from Common left a lasting impression on Ice Cube, illustrating the unity and welcoming spirit of the Chicago music scene.
