4. Ice Cube- “Wicked”
Ice Cube’s The Predator was an intense listen, informed by the racial tensions in L.A. at the time of the ’92 riots. While the album’s other singles “It Was A Good Day” and “Check Yo Self” were more chill, its aggression peaked on “Wicked,” with apocalyptic air sirens, rapid-fire drums and faux hardcore dancehall deejaying. The uncredited deejay who hypes di ting up (and dedicates the song to the “one called Macgyver”) was one Don Jagwarr, who had previously been known as Earle The Poet. The raggamuffin style on “Wicked” was a new development, it seems—his 1990 single “High Noon” was on a whole ‘nother trip.