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Raw Footage

(2008, Rap, by Ice Cube, Label: Lench Mob Records)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Social commentary underneath violence, swearing.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Although there's a clear intention to comment on social problems, the writing isn't strong enough to do so effectively. Racist, sexist, and elitist ranting weakens the cause.
  • Violence:

    Quite a few violent references: "My boy got a knife that turned a boy into a girl" being one of the more imaginative.
  • Sex:

    Some innuendo, more sexist than sexy.
  • Language:

    Loaded with four-letter words, the "N" word, and sexist language.
  • Consumerism:

    Clear Channel, Radio One, cars.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Many references to drugs. "I'm raw as a dirty needle" and "If I sell a little crack ain't nothing to it/gangsta rap made me do it."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Raw Footage

Parents need to know that although Ice Cube has starred in some movies that are fine for tweens and teens, his new CD is best for older teens. The album is filled with expletives, the "N" word, and some references to violence and drugs, along with simplistic rhymes and brief expressions of social consciousness.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about "Thank God," a song in which Ice Cube claims that rap music is blamed for all the world's problems, from world hunger to the war in Iraq. Do you agree with his point of view? Why do you think rap gets, well, a bad rap? Why do some artists rap about violent or mature things?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 4.0

    Too many swear words but in the end a good album.

    My favs are "Gangsta Rap Made Me do it" and "Why Me?" because that show's the Cube in ACTION! Way too much swearing, though!

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