It has been six years since Ice Cube's last solo album, so it might be more accurate to call him an actor now.

Yet, as it is boldly asserted in the opening moments of his new album, he is still "the definition of a West Coast G."

Laugh Now, Cry Later, the title a reference to certain retribution, is a hard-edged serving of profane rhymes about hard drama on the streets, blood and guns and deadbeat daddies, along with verbal shots at President Bush.

The president turns up in the cannabis roll call on "Smoke Some Weed," along with "George Clinton, Bill Clinton, Chris Farley, Chris Rock, Bob Marley."

Like the rest of Laugh Now, that track is lean and beat-driven. Even in moments when a 50 Cent influence creeps into the mix, such as in the Scott Storch-produced "Why We Thugs," the combination of bass drum, hand claps and strings doesn't overwhelm Ice Cube's rhyme spitting.

His words aren't as incendiary as on The Predator, but the delivery is blunt, especially the bragging on "Child Support'': "Ain't no kings in this rap thing, just siblings,'' he tells his rivals. "I brought you in this world, I'll take you out. Do you ugly so mama can't make you out.''

On "Go to Church,'' Ice Cube teams with Snoop Dogg and Lil' Jon to offer advice to "a whole lotta rappers'' who "make a whole lotta noise.'' Snoop's verse, with its slinky, almost whispered lines, makes the song.

Perhaps the best example of the album's range is the segue from "Growin' Up,'' a nostalgic song that samples Minnie Riperton, to the swaggering horn-driven anger of "Click, Clack -- Get Back!''

"Ice Cube, understand, is real,'' he says, a statement that Laugh Now proves is true.

jabbott@orlandosentinel.com

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