Ice Cube AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted 1990 Original Vinyl Record US First Pressing SL57120

Ice Cube AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted 1990 Original Vinyl Record US First Pressing SL57120

Cover: VG (has a spine tear as shown in pic)
Inner Sleeve: VG (has a small seam split)
Record: VG+ (scuff mark plays well, no issues)
SL57120
We grade our records conservatively.

Own this original 1990 pressing of Ice Cube’s groundbreaking debut album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted! Featuring hard-hitting tracks like “The Nigga Ya Love to Hate” and “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” this politically charged album fuses West Coast rap with East Coast production from The Bomb Squad. Known for its raw, socially conscious lyrics and innovative sound, this is a must-have for hip-hop collectors and fans of Ice Cube's powerful debut. A true classic that defined a generation of rap music!

Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted Vinyl Record is the debut solo album by the former N.W.A. member, released on May 16, 1990. The album is a landmark in hip-hop history, known for its hard-hitting lyrics, politically charged content, and its blending of West Coast and East Coast production styles. After parting ways with N.W.A., Ice Cube teamed up with Public Enemy's production team, The Bomb Squad, to craft this album.

Overview:

• Artist: Ice Cube
• Album Title: AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted
• Release Date: May 16, 1990
• Label: Priority Records
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Hip-Hop, Political Rap, Gangsta Rap

Notable Tracks:

1. “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” – The title track and lead single, it encapsulates the album’s themes of systemic oppression, racial inequality, and street life.
2. “The Nigga Ya Love to Hate” – A defiant anthem where Ice Cube expresses his frustration with the media and critics who vilified him after his split from N.W.A.
3. “Who’s the Mack?” – A smooth, storytelling track that explores various stereotypes and social dynamics in the African American community.
4. “Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside)” – Featuring Chuck D of Public Enemy, this politically charged track focuses on the issue of police brutality and racial profiling.

Musical Style:

AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted features a groundbreaking fusion of West Coast gangsta rap and East Coast production. The Bomb Squad’s chaotic, layered production—marked by dense beats, funky samples, and aggressive soundscapes—complements Ice Cube’s sharp, confrontational lyricism. The album addresses heavy themes such as racial inequality, police brutality, systemic oppression, and poverty, reflecting Ice Cube’s frustrations with America’s social and political landscape.

Album Artwork:

The cover art shows Ice Cube standing on a street corner under a sign reading “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” symbolizing his status as a rebel against mainstream American society. The bold use of “KKK” in the album title is a direct criticism of systemic racism and injustice, one of the key themes of the record.

Reception & Legacy:

AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted was a commercial success, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and achieving platinum status. It was widely praised for its unapologetic political content, aggressive production, and Ice Cube’s fiery delivery. The album is considered one of the most important and influential in hip-hop history, not only for its sonic innovation but also for its fearless engagement with controversial social issues.

For vinyl collectors, the original 1990 pressing of AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted is a valuable piece, representing a pivotal moment in Ice Cube’s career and a defining album in the evolution of politically charged hip-hop.

Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading:

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.