From L.A. To San Diego: Ice Cube & Mr. Shadow's ‘Certified G’z’ Celebrates Unity & Resilience

It's giving West Coast music history in the making! 

Legendary rapper Ice Cube is back with a bang, dropping “Certified G’z” alongside San Diego’s Mr. Shadow and west coast staple Kokane. The track isn’t just an epic collab, it’s also Ice Cube’s first new music partnership in over a decade and his first-ever with a Chicano rap artist.

Blending old school with new school, Black and Brown, Los Angeles and San Diego, “Certified G’z” sets the tone for Ice Cube’s highly anticipated sequel album “Man Up.” It’s all about unity, truth, and cultural power, proving the West Coast is stronger than ever.

The timing of the new release lines up closely with Ice Cube going on his U.S. tour for the first time in over a decade. 

“Certified G’z” celebrates unity between the Latin and hip-hop communities and bridges LA and San Diego together. 

Mr. Shadow has been a powerhouse in the Chicano rap scene for nearly two decades, earning respect for his gritty lyrics and undeniable street cred. A true San Diego icon, he’s teamed up with West Coast greats like Kokane, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Suga Free, and more.

With more than 20 albums in both English and Spanish and more than 100 features under his belt, Mr. Shadow remains one of the most prolific and influential Mexican American rappers to date. And with his 26thalbum around the bend, Mr. Shadow is far from slowing down.

“This project is a statement of unity,” Mr. Shadow said, according to a press release sent to The Blast. “It’s San Diego and LA. It’s respect for the culture and for the streets that raised us.” 

Ice Cube added, “See you at the top.” 

Kokane, hailed as the most featured recording artist in the world, is a true pioneer of the G-Funk sound. Like Ice Cube, he got his start at the iconic Ruthless Records in the ’80s, making their new collab on “Certified G’z” a full-circle moment that unites generations of hip-hop.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see the music video.

The video directed by Jeff Reyes and produced by Oscar Arias, will be released on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and will give the song a cinematic visual narrative to amplify the important message of respect and unity. 

Mr. Shadow posted some teaser video clips on his TikTok page to get fans hyped for the release. The videos have grabbed tons of attention.

"Making history long overdue Good Job Mr. Shadow & Cube," one viewer shared in the comment section. Another added, "West Coast Legends Shadow Cube n Kokane." One other wrote, "Westside all day baby. Best of the best all day west coast ice cube you G for this one Mr. shadow LA Raza been waiting for this for a long time. Gracias."

Ice Cube's U.S. tour kicked off earlier this month on the east coast, with his next show in Denver, Colorado on September 16. It's been more than a decade since the iconic rapper has been on tour.

According to a statement released by Ice Cube before the tour began, this tour is a "40-year celebration."

“Truth to Power is more than a tour — it’s a 40-year celebration,” he said in a statement, according to NJ.com. “The world needs truth. The people need power. And that’s what my music brings. It’s gonna be next level to go from city to city with a major production unlike anything I’ve ever done before.”

Not only is Ice Cube entertaining fans on tour, but his new album, "Man Up," releases on Friday, Sept. 12, and fans are more than ready for the new music. This album is the sequel to last year's "Man Down."

The lead single on "Man Up" is "Before Hip Hop," which talks about things people used to get into before rap music and how some blamed that on hip-hop's content.

Fans are excited about the new music and took to Ice Cube's Instagram post to share their thoughts.

"Yessss. Cube with MORE music! Cannot wait," one person shared. Another said, "Back to back with albums!!!" And many others just left fire emojis.