One of the most striking things about The Predator is its political message. Ice Cube was known for his socially-conscious lyrics, and this album features some of his most powerful political statements to date. Tracks like “We Had to Tear This Mothafucka Up” and “When Will They Shoot?” address police brutality and racial profiling, while “Who Got the Camera?” and “Gangsta’s Fairytale 2” explore the effects of poverty and violence in inner-city communities.
However, not all of the album’s lyrics are overtly political. There are also plenty of tracks that showcase Ice Cube’s skill as a rapper and storyteller. “It Was a Good Day” is one of the most beloved songs on the album, and for good reason. The track tells the story of a day in the life of Ice Cube, where everything seems to go right. The laid-back, jazz-infused beat sets the perfect tone for the song, and Ice Cube’s flow is impeccable.
Another standout track on The Predator is “Check Yo Self.” The song features a sample of The Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine,” and an infectious hook that has become one of Ice Cube’s signatures. The lyrics are a warning to people who try to front or act like they’re something they’re not. It’s a classic Ice Cube track, full of clever wordplay and braggadocious rhymes.
Despite its controversial subject matter, The Predator was a commercial success. It debuted at