Ice Cube Returns To Rap’s Top 10 With ‘Man Down’ After 14 Years

Ice Cube’s latest album, Man Down, represents a significant achievement in the esteemed rapper’s career, debuting at No. 8 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart for the week of December 7.

This accomplishment follows a 14-year interval since his last solo album entered the top 10. Released on November 22 under Lench Mob/Hitmaker Music Group, the album secured 20,000 equivalent album units in its opening week, according to Luminate. Of this total, 15,000 were derived from pure album sales, positioning it as the second-best-selling rap album of the week, only behind Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, which achieved 32,000 units.

Streaming also played a crucial role, with Man Down amassing 13.9 million official on-demand U.S. audio and video streams. This resulted in 5,000 streaming units, while track-equivalent activity was comparatively low. On the Top Album Sales chart, the album debuted at No. 9 in the all-genre rankings.

Man Down contributes yet another top-10 entry to Ice Cube’s remarkable record, marking his fourth solo appearance in the upper tiers of the Top Rap Albums chart. His previous top 10s include 2006’s Laugh Now, Cry Later (No. 2), 2008’s chart-topping Raw Footage, and 2010’s I Am the West (No. 6). Additionally, Ice Cube’s legacy with N.W.A. remains prominent, with The Best of N.W.A.: The Strength of Street Knowledge reaching No. 25 on the chart in 2007.

On the broader Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, Man Down makes its debut at No. 12, signifying Ice Cube’s strongest entry since I Am the West peaked at No. 7 in 2010. This latest release marks his 17th solo showing on the list, which includes five No. 1 albums. N.W.A., his iconic group, has also left a lasting impression with six charted titles, led by the 1991 classic Efil4zaggin, which peaked at No. 2.

The album includes the current single “It’s My Ego,” which remains at No. 28 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart. Although its ranking remains stable, the track experienced a 39% increase in plays during the most recent tracking week, indicating a surge in momentum.

With Man Down, Ice Cube reestablishes his lasting influence in the hip-hop industry, demonstrating that even after decades, his voice continues to resonate powerfully.