Laugh Now, Cry Later
Encyclopedia
Laugh Now, Cry Later is the seventh studio album
by rapper Ice Cube
, released on June 6, 2006. It is Ice Cube's first album to be released on his independently owned record label
Lench Mob Records
and his first studio album in six years. After spending the previous six years mainly doing movie projects, it could be considered a comeback album. The album debuted in the top five selling 144,000 copies in the first week.
rappers Snoop Dogg
, and WC
, as well as Southern rapper Lil Jon
. Laugh Now, Cry Later was preceded by the street single and accompanying video "Chrome & Paint". The first official single was the Scott Storch
produced "Why We Thugs
." The follow-up single, released in late June 2006, is the song "Go to Church
", featuring Snoop Dogg
and Lil Jon
. The third single released from the album was the promo-only Steal the Show.
In the song "Growin' Up" he talks about and honours his deceased friend and co-rapper Eazy-E
who along with Ice Cube were members of rap group N.W.A. "Never thought I'd see Eazy in a casket, thanks for everything, that's on everything. I learnt a lot of game from you, I like your son, he's got his name from you".
In an interview taken during its release, Ice Cube said: "I want to make a record that was like a history book. I wanted to make a record that does what all good hip-hop does: it makes you feel good; it kind of pumps you up, but it also shows you a part of life that you might not have been paying attention to or might not even know exists".
Ice Cube re-released the album on October 31, 2006 under the name Laugh Now, Cry Later: O.G. Limited Edition. The DualDisc contains concert and backstage footage as well as a playable music video for each song. The artwork for this album contains a picture of Ice Cube holding a custom gold Colt Anaconda
. A clean version of the album was also made. It replaces most of the profanities by repeating or using a sound effect. Released independently on his Lench Mob Records
the album has been certified Gold
by the RIAA, which is generally unprecedented for an album released on an independent label.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by rapper Ice Cube
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
, released on June 6, 2006. It is Ice Cube's first album to be released on his independently owned record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
Lench Mob Records
Lench Mob Records
Lench Mob Records is an independently owned record label owned by Los Angeles rapper and actor Ice Cube. It was once home to many of Cube's former allies such as DJ Pooh, and Lench Mob's own Chilly Chill, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Kam, female rapper Yo Yo and the group Da Lench Mob...
and his first studio album in six years. After spending the previous six years mainly doing movie projects, it could be considered a comeback album. The album debuted in the top five selling 144,000 copies in the first week.
Overview
Unlike Cube's previous album War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc), Laugh Now Cry Later features only a handful of collaborations. These include songs with West CoastWest Coast hip hop
West Coast hip hop is a hip hop music subgenre that encompasses any artists or music that originates in the westernmost region of the United States, as opposed to East Coast hip hop, based originally in New York alone...
rappers Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, and WC
WC (rapper)
William L. Calhoun Jr. , better known by his stage name WC , is an American rapper. He was born in Texas, but moved to South Central Los Angeles at an early age. He originally was a rapper in the group Low Profile, and later formed his group WC and the Maad Circle, which also included fellow rapper...
, as well as Southern rapper Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
. Laugh Now, Cry Later was preceded by the street single and accompanying video "Chrome & Paint". The first official single was the Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
produced "Why We Thugs
Why We Thugs
"Why We Thugs" is the first official single on Ice Cube's seventh album Laugh Now, Cry Later. It was released in 2006 and the music video has a cameo appearance by comedian Mike Epps. The song makes references to George W...
." The follow-up single, released in late June 2006, is the song "Go to Church
Go to Church
"Go to Church" is the second official single from Ice Cube's album Laugh Now, Cry Later. The song features Snoop Dogg and Lil Jon. The song is also produced by Lil Jon and a music video was released for the song...
", featuring Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
and Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
. The third single released from the album was the promo-only Steal the Show.
In the song "Growin' Up" he talks about and honours his deceased friend and co-rapper Eazy-E
Eazy-E
Eric Lynn Wright , better known by his stage name Eazy-E, was an American rapper who performed solo and in the hip hop group N.W.A. Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright in Compton, California...
who along with Ice Cube were members of rap group N.W.A. "Never thought I'd see Eazy in a casket, thanks for everything, that's on everything. I learnt a lot of game from you, I like your son, he's got his name from you".
In an interview taken during its release, Ice Cube said: "I want to make a record that was like a history book. I wanted to make a record that does what all good hip-hop does: it makes you feel good; it kind of pumps you up, but it also shows you a part of life that you might not have been paying attention to or might not even know exists".
Ice Cube re-released the album on October 31, 2006 under the name Laugh Now, Cry Later: O.G. Limited Edition. The DualDisc contains concert and backstage footage as well as a playable music video for each song. The artwork for this album contains a picture of Ice Cube holding a custom gold Colt Anaconda
Colt Anaconda
Introduced in 1990, the Colt Anaconda is a large frame double-action revolver featuring a full length under-barrel ejection-rod lug and six round cylinder, designed and produced by the Colt's Manufacturing Company...
. A clean version of the album was also made. It replaces most of the profanities by repeating or using a sound effect. Released independently on his Lench Mob Records
Lench Mob Records
Lench Mob Records is an independently owned record label owned by Los Angeles rapper and actor Ice Cube. It was once home to many of Cube's former allies such as DJ Pooh, and Lench Mob's own Chilly Chill, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Kam, female rapper Yo Yo and the group Da Lench Mob...
the album has been certified Gold
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
by the RIAA, which is generally unprecedented for an album released on an independent label.
Track listing
| # | Title | Producer | Featured performers | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Definition of a West Coast G' (Intro)" | 0:14 | ||
| 2 | "Why We Thugs Why We Thugs "Why We Thugs" is the first official single on Ice Cube's seventh album Laugh Now, Cry Later. It was released in 2006 and the music video has a cameo appearance by comedian Mike Epps. The song makes references to George W... " |
Scott Storch Scott Storch Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox... |
3:45 | |
| 3 | "Smoke Some Weed" | Bud'da Bud'da Bud'da is an American West Coast hip hop producer for artists such as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Xzibit and Aaliyah... |
3:46 | |
| 4 | "Dimes & Nicks (A Call from Mike Epps Mike Epps Michael Elliot "Mike" Epps is an American stand-up comedian, actor, film producer, writer, singer, and rapper. He is best known for playing Day-Day Jones in Next Friday and the sequel-to-the-sequel, Friday After Next, and also starring alongside Ice Cube in All About the Benjamins... )" |
1:06 | ||
| 5 | "Child Support" | Hallway Productionz Hallway Productionz Hallway Productionz is a 2x Grammy Award Nominated, Dove Award winning production duo made up of Teak "Tha Beatsmith" and Dee Underdue. The pair reside in Stockton, California. Teak and Dee's production is most notably featured on Ice Cube, WC & T-Bone records.... |
4:01 | |
| 6 | "2 Decades Ago (Insert)" | Sketch | 0:14 | |
| 7 | "Doin' What It 'Pose 2Do" | Emile | 4:07 | |
| 8 | "Laugh Now, Cry Later" | Diddy Sean Combs Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally... , The Hitmen The Hitmen (production team) The Hitmen is a production team formed by Sean "Diddy" Combs to produce hip hop and R&B records for his Bad Boy label's recording artists. Because of its great success, the group has also been hired for projects outside of Bad Boy-Production:... |
3:36 | |
| 9 | "Stop Snitchin'" | Swizz Beatz Swizz Beatz Kasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records... |
3:15 | |
| 10 | "Go to Church Go to Church "Go to Church" is the second official single from Ice Cube's album Laugh Now, Cry Later. The song features Snoop Dogg and Lil Jon. The song is also produced by Lil Jon and a music video was released for the song... " |
Lil Jon Lil Jon Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004... |
Snoop Dogg Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school... , Lil Jon Lil Jon Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004... |
4:00 |
| 11 | "The Nigga Trapp" | DJ Green Lantern DJ Green Lantern James D'Agostino , better known by his stage name DJ Green Lantern, is an American-Italian-Puerto Rican DJ and hip hop music producer from Rochester, New York. In 2002, D'Agostino was signed by Eminem to become the official DJ for Shady Records after DJ Head stepped down for undisclosed reasons... |
3:48 | |
| 12 | "A History of Violence (Insert)" | 1:09 | ||
| 13 | "Growin' Up" | Ice Cube Ice Cube O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,... |
3:53 | |
| 14 | "Click, Clack - Get Back!" | Emile | 3:09 | |
| 15 | "The Game Lord" | Hallway Productionz Hallway Productionz Hallway Productionz is a 2x Grammy Award Nominated, Dove Award winning production duo made up of Teak "Tha Beatsmith" and Dee Underdue. The pair reside in Stockton, California. Teak and Dee's production is most notably featured on Ice Cube, WC & T-Bone records.... |
4:09 | |
| 16 | "Chrome & Paint" | Bud'da | WC WC (rapper) William L. Calhoun Jr. , better known by his stage name WC , is an American rapper. He was born in Texas, but moved to South Central Los Angeles at an early age. He originally was a rapper in the group Low Profile, and later formed his group WC and the Maad Circle, which also included fellow rapper... |
3:27 |
| 17 | "Steal the Show" | Scott Storch | 4:12 | |
| 18 | "You Gotta Lotta That" | Lil Jon Lil Jon Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004... |
Snoop Dogg Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school... |
4:06 |
| 19 | "Spittin' Pollaseeds" | Laylaw & D-Mac | WC, Kokane Kokane Kokane, also known as Jerry B. Long, Jr. , is a rapper from Pomona, California best known for his co-appearances on Dr. Dre's album 2001 and the work on G-funk album Funk Upon A Rhyme and his backup work with Snoop Dogg in Tha Last Meal album, who signed him to Dogghouse Records, bringing a renewed... |
5:04 |
| 20 | "Holla @ Cha Boy" | Lil Jon Lil Jon Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004... |
3:30 | |
| * | "Pockets Stay Fat" (iTunes ITunes iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.... bonus track) |
DJ Green Lantern | Lil Scrappy Lil Scrappy Darryl Kevin Richardson II , better known by his stage name Lil Scrappy, is an American rapper.Richards was discovered by producer and performer Lil Jon while performing at a bar, when a fight broke out during his set in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia... |
3:55 |
| * | "Run" (Best Buy Best Buy Best Buy Co., Inc. is an American specialty retailer of consumer electronics in the United States, accounting for 19% of the market. It also operates in Mexico, Canada & China. The company's subsidiaries include Geek Squad, CinemaNow, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and, in Canada operates... bonus track) |
3:53 | ||
| * | "Dick Tease" (Japanese bonus track) | Hallway Productionz Hallway Productionz Hallway Productionz is a 2x Grammy Award Nominated, Dove Award winning production duo made up of Teak "Tha Beatsmith" and Dee Underdue. The pair reside in Stockton, California. Teak and Dee's production is most notably featured on Ice Cube, WC & T-Bone records.... |
Fatman Scoop Fatman Scoop Isaac Freeman III, better known by his stage name Fatman Scoop is a hip hop promoter and radio personality famed for his on-stage rough, raw, loud voice.... |
4:02 |
| * | "Race Card" (Best Buy bonus track) | Warren G Warren G Warren G , is an American West Coast rapper and hip hop producer. He is also Dr. Dre's half-brother.His biggest hit is the song "Regulate" with Nate Dogg released in 1994... |
3:27 |
Charts
| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
#4 |
| Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
#2 |
| Top Rap Albums | #2 |
| UK R&B Albums Chart | #11 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
#152 |