Customer Reviews

Death Certificate

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Reading through some of the 1 or 2 star reviews, I can understand some of the sentiments that are expressed. As an Asian American, the track "Black Korea" was initially offensive but then became intriguing in subsequent listens. So with a little research, I learned that the track was presumably inspired by a shooting of a teenage black girl by a Korean store owner. After reading about it, the track seemed more justified, and by that I don't mean it's okay to bash Asians, I only mean I can feel his raw emotion on the matter and see where he's coming from.. Keep in mind, I'm not establishing my position as saying it's either right or wrong. I can only speak for myself in that I've been in that frame of mind where my stream of consciousness goes beyond what is politically correct, and then did or said things out of angst or frustration. I've lashed out at blacks, whites, even other Asians and Asian Americans in the heat of the moment and reflectively regretted those choices later. And for that to be revealed, it is an artistic choice, in my opinion. These days, it seems like there is a thin line between creating and destroying, but it's hard to ignore how tongue-in-cheek Ice Cube is on various tracks on this album. Why is it OK for us to sing along to Eminem songs from the Marshall Mathers LP (which is a terrific album too in my opinion) where every other song uses the word "f_g" and yet chastise someone else for basically doing the same thing? Also, not many have thought about how much social consciousness one is aware of after listening to this album, especially for people who haven't lived through the turbulent lifestyle of someone who's lived either as a black man that is familiar with poverty-stricken areas. For me to have at least a slightly better understanding of that, at the expense of certain caucasians and authoritative figures, is a plus for me. In other words, it's more interesting to think about what MAKES Ice Cube says the things he says to the people he's lashing out at. Many of his tracks seem to make a blanket statement toward whites but who is he really targeting? Saying Ice Cube hates all white people (or even Korean people) is as naive/ignorant as saying Eminem hates gays. We may not all agree in the way that they express themselves through their music (and yes, it's music), but saying those things is definitely jumping to conclusions. When an album has a track as hilarious as "Man's Best Friend", how can you not laugh or how can you take someone so seriously when he is debating about whether a dog is a better tool than a gun? Other laugh out loud moments that Cube has given me is when he ruthlessly makes fun of aspects of hip hop: "I'm sick of that sh** listen to the hit/Cause yo if I look and see another brother/On the video tryin to out-dance each other/I'm a tell T-Bone to pass the bottle" (that was from AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted). In closing, I think Death Certificate is a product of non-sugar-coated visceral angst that is worth a listen if only for a different perspective and nothing else. What makes it powerful is that all of the rhymes seem so "in-the-moment", meaning he says things AS he feels them without censorship, something we'd all like to do sometimes.

It is hard to say if DEATH CERTIFICATE or AMERIKKKA'S MOST WANTED is Ice Cube's best album.

This album has so many good tracks on it I probably could list them all -- some are: "Wrong N**** to F*** Wit", My Summer Vacation", "Steady Mobbin'", "Man's Best Friend" (one of the 1st tracks to sample George Clinton's "Atomic Dog"), and "Bird in the Hand".
Also, this album has the greatest diss-track ever -- "No Vaseline" which is about Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and the rest of NWA

This album has great funk-induced beats (that was popular in 1990's rap), and Ice Cube covers several issues of that time in the album.

It is an essential album, but the material may seem dated for the youngin's.

Ice Cube's 1991 album "Death Certificate" is arguably the most relevant, controversial, and entertaining hip hop albums ever released. After his solo debut "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" stuck a middle finger to mainstream America and pioneered gangsta rap, "Death Certificate" moved on to more relevant issues, Cube dealing with problems and injustices on every track. Ice Cube was never as angry as he was on this album, and he is a man on a mission to justify the injustices he sees and experiences in the ghetto. Lyrically this album is one of my favorites. He uses metaphors often to explain his views, and emerges as one of hip hop's best storytellers, spinning yarns of violence and struggles in the ghettos of South Central Los Angeles. This album was very controversial for its profanities and the way that Cube sometimes comes across as racist, sexist, and intolerant, but he does his best to justify his views and usually does, because he tends to call `em like he sees `em. Musically this album is phenomenal. Most of the music samples 70s funk recordings, which would become a trend for many years to come. The production is perfect, the funky, heavy beats keep my head nodding from start to finish. A lot of the songs are short and get their point across, so there is never a single dull moment. I could really listen to this album forever, it will always be as great as the day it was released and is a timeless piece of rap music. This is to me among the most effective and enjoyable rap albums ever released and is a must have for any fan of hip hop music.

After the intro "The Funeral," the album begins with "The Wrong N... to F... Wit," a threatening and tough song where Cube introduces his Lench Mob crew and represents his hometown, starting the album on a great note. The funky "My Summer Vacation" explores gang activity and violence in a factual and honest manner. On "Steady Mobbin,'" Cube drops raw philosophy over a dope beat. "Givin' Up the Nappy Dugout" has a perfect, classic beat and is hilarious, Cube has a conversation with a girl's father, telling him she's not as innocent as he seems to believe. "Look Who's Burnin'" deals with STDs and their spread and advocates their prevention, this is just one of those relevant songs with a positive message that is still so entertaining because it is told froma man who sounds so real. The sax loop in the beat makes this song great. "A Bird in the Hand" is another classic, musically and lyrically. Ice Cube metaphorically speaks of drug dealings. "Man's Best Friend" talks about the necessity of packing a gun in the ghetto and has another great beat. "Alive on Arrival" is an amazing song, telling a tale of being shot and the ensuing drama. Its message attacks the way that hospitals and police operate. "I Wanna Kill Sam" attacks the country at large, and "Horny Lil' Devil" pokes fun at white men who come to the hood looking for women and riches. "Black Korea" is a short, very interesting song. Cube talks about how he dislikes the operation of Asian-owned stores in the ghetto, and while it is controversial it's very compelling to hear what he has to say. The ultra-funky "True to the Game" is an exercise in great production and lyricism. "Color Blind" talks about the way that men will kill another based on the gang colors they wear, with more great musical backings. "Doin' Dumb S..." is funny, talking about mistakes he made growing up, and the beat is heavy with horns. "No Vaseline" is a great song where the MC lashes out at the rappers and management of his former group NWA. The album ends with the entertaining and self explanatory "How to Survive in South Central." The skits on this album are all funny and contribute to the feeling of the album, dealing with the same topics as the rest of the disc.

"Death Certificate" is completely amazing from start to finish. Never has a man put so much heart and emotion into a rap album, and this is a true standard that any rap act should hope to match. Every fan of hip hop must have this album, and fans new to Ice Cube should certainly not hesitate to purchase this disc. This record is legendary in every way and deserves all the recognition it has warranted.

Has to be one of the top ten lps of all time in hip hop along with "Amerikkka's Most Wanted".

"NO VASELINE" pretty much ended N.W.A. as a group and is probably one of the most vicious comeback/rap battle songs of all time. If you listen closely to the lyrics of that song, he individually took each member of N.W.A. and basically cut them down to size by basically telling the truth. With the exception of M.C. REN, lyrically N.W.A. was finished after CUBE rolled out. DR. DRE'S production kept them afloat on EFIL4ZAGGIN but that's about it.

When Ice Cube came out with Amerikkkaz Most Wanted he showed he was already ahead of NWA mentally. Even though the album had more gangsta joints than conscious ones it was still a good album. Death Certificate is better than the first one in everyway. Good prouction+great thought provoking lyrics = great album. Standout Tracks: THE WRONG N***A TO F*** WIT, MY SUMMER VACATION, STEADY MOBBIN, GIVIN UP THE NAPPY DUGOUT(Funny plus the condom skit is side-splitting hilarious), MAN'S BEST FRIEND, ALIVE ON ARRIVAL, I WANNA KILL SAM, HORNY LIL DEVIL, TRUE TO THE GAME, COLOR BLIND, US, and NO VASELINE(Ice Cube shuts down NWA with one of the best diss records ever). Filler: Black Korea(if it was longer it might have been good). Bottom Line: Death Certificate is Ice Cube's best album period. The lyrics are sharp and the gems are plentiful. Plus you have to admit that not too many rappers can literally shut down a crew with one diss record like Cube did with No Vaseline. Yes this album is a worthwhile purchase.

I love this album! This was a classic in the early nineties and it's even more of a classic now. My favorite song is "A Bird In A Hand". I also believe it was his best rhyme. His style started to change after Predator but from Predator back CLASSIC albums.

First off everyone throw away your Nelly and Jay-Z albums because this is a true classic here. Amerikkas Most Wanted show'd everyone that Cube could survive as a solo artist and Death Certificate has Ice Cube become more Raw and not afraid to say what's on his mind. My Summer Vacation tells the story of the spreading of gangs in Middle America. While No Vaseline has Cube doing one of the most vicious dis to his former crew NWA. Racism is another key to Death Certificate. Songs that cover it is Color Blind, True To The Game, and Horny LIL' Devil.The bounus track How To Survive in South Central is one of my favorite Ice Cube tracks of all time. It reveals the truth of the Souh Central Streets and what you see on TV isn't all they show you. You want to call Cube a racist for what he's saying you have to think about what he's talking about. He just isn't going after white people because he hates them their is a reason like the police getting away with so much or the presidents and government not doing anything to help the ghettos. And I understand that because I live in Long Beach and it isn't easy living here. I'm glad I got music to hear like Ice Cube because it's something to enjoy or relate to. I hear mostly rock now but Cube and other West Coast rappers I still hear today.

"bird in the hand"
"mans best friend"
"alive on arrival"

- them 3 songs, rollin one behind the other, might be the best sequence of songs on any other rap album EVER!

and actually, the entire first half of this album is pure classic... cube was always at his best when describing the social/urban conditions existing in america... (for his best social/political commentary, i'd hafta go with his work on the lench mob's album).

but the three songs i mentioned above have continued to sound fresh and relevent over time...
i have no problem comparing his commentary on this album with the likes of gil scott-heron or the last poets.

libations for the loss
of artists 'with somethin to say',
conveying messages...

Ice Cube is a top 10 MC of all time. The greatest west coast rapper ever (yes, better than 2Pac). I would say Death Certificate is the best album of his great discogrophy (Straight Outta Compton is a bit better, though). This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and if you don't have this, your rap collection is not complete.

Produced by Sir Jinx, Ice Cube himself, and The Boogiemen (DJ Pooh, Bobcat & Rashad), Death Certificate has the usual DOPE Ice Cube production. His first album (AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted), laced by Public Enemy producers The Bomb Squad, Sir Jinx & Cube, had unique East meets West production, which was pretty much continued on this one, but with only West Coast producers this time.

As usual Cube rips the album with tons of storytelling, and just the overall great lyricism that makes Ice Cube an elite MC.

Top 5 Songs (In Order):

1. No Vaseline - Diss to N.W.A., and my favorite diss track of all time. Dope beat, and just hard hitting lyrics.

2. Steady Mobbin' - Maybe the best beat on the CD, and one of Cube's best lyrically.

3. My Summer Vacation - Another NICE storytelling song, with another just FUNKY beat

4. Alive On Arrival - Great storytelling song, and produced extremely well

5. I Wanna Kill Sam - Most creative song on the album, nice concept and it was done extremely well

Lyrics/Substance/Subject Matter - 10/10
Flow/Delivery - 10/10
Production - 10/10
Overall Feel - 10/10

Party Rating - 6/10 - Ice Cube isnt a party MC at all, but some of these beats definately get you out your chair.
Overall Rating - 10/10 - Classic. Essential album.
Guest Apperances - 9/10 - Threat, KAM, WC, Coolio, King Tee & Jay Dee - All on one song, 'Color Blind', and all of them come correct

It didn't take long for Ice Cube to follow up to AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (and Kill at Will). "Death Certificate" shows some slight changes and actually follows a loose concept on both sides of the album. Ice Cube explains it as: "The Death Side [tracks 1-11]: a mirror image of where we are today; The Life Side [12-20]: a vision of where we need to go." The Death Side takes on the gangster style, focusing on topics such as violence and drugs, while The Life Side laces the gangster style with a conscious style. Nonetheless, Ice Cube's lyrics tell stories about situations that are rampant on both sides. For example, "A Bird in the Hand" deals with the situations of making it on your own by selling drugs, because a criminal record that limits job opportunities makes it impossible to find a job that makes an affordable wage. Another example is "Look Who's Burnin", which tells about the spread of STD's in low income neighborhoods. I'm not going to spoil the whole record, but Ice Cube does prove a point with his lyrical content, despite accusations of racism with the track "Black Korea".

The production is quite different as well. No more East Coast styles of the Bomb Squad here. Instead, Sir Jinx, Boogiemen and Ice Cube produce the album with samples from soul and p-funk groups/artists such as James Brown and Parliament, thus you can safely said that it has the West Coast vibe of the early 90's. G-Funk? Not even close, wait another two years for that.

I believe that it's safe to say that "Death Certificate" is yet another classic for Ice Cube that still sounds pleasant even after over 15 years later. This shows that even a change in production can still make a classic album as long as it's done right, and it's definitely done right.

Before I end this review, the track "No Vaseline" is THE track that brought down N.W.A. Just listen to it and you'll see.