: While asserting his dominance, he pays homage to his own influences, including Melle Mel , Ice-T, KRS-One, and Chuck D.
Ice Cube released "Only One Me" in 2017 as part of the 25th-anniversary reissue of his landmark album, Death Certificate . The track serves as both a history lesson and a defense of his legacy against younger generations who might view him only as a film star. Ice Cube - Only One Me (Explicit)
: Cube refers to himself as the "original" and the "prototype," dismissing others as mere "copies". : While asserting his dominance, he pays homage
: He credits himself with "inventing" Eazy-E and solidifying the hard-hitting West Coast sound alongside Dr. Dre and Too $hort. Thematic Core: Originality vs. Imitation : Cube refers to himself as the "original"
By placing this track on the Death Certificate reissue, Cube highlights that the social and political issues he addressed in 1991—such as police brutality and racial oppression—remain unchanged. He expresses hope that young people in the "hood" can channel their frustration through his music rather than self-destruction. Ice Cube – Only One Me Lyrics - Genius