Defsounds

Rapper/actor Ice Cube is preparing to release his new album, Raw Footage, this week. The Compton, California representative said in a recent interview that this album is geared more towards the mature hip-hop heads.

"My record is catering towards the mature hip-hop fan...The kids might be able to get with it, but it ain't just playing, it ain't just partying — it's reality. To me, this album, Raw Footage, is a real spiritual record. I don't know if I've ever mentioned God on as many records as I do on Raw Footage. But it's a lot that needs to be said. It's an instructional record too. Hopefully some of these people can sidestep some of these pitfalls out there once they hear Raw Footage."

The rapper said he is open to putting together a tour with the likes of Young Jeezy, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne. He also say that going the independent route has helped rejuvenate his musical desire.

"Going independent in 2006 really re-energized me. It rejuvenated me [and] my feelings for the game...Being on [major] record labels is for the birds. It sucks all your energy out. Because the good ideas you come up with, a lot of times they don't wanna do it. Especially on the promotional tip. They follow these same ancient formulas to sell a record. You gotta be creative in 2008 to sell a record. That's the first thing. When I started doing it independent, it gave me my swagger back and made me feel like I was doing hip-hop and not just doing records for somebody. I just went back to the essence and stopped worrying about the hip-hop fans and started worrying about Ice Cube fans."