No matter how many slapstick, family films O’Shea Jackson seems to work into his schedule, he’ll always be known as the militant rapper who spelled America with the ‘triple K’ and refused to have dinner with the president. Ice Cube may be an actor by trade, but Rap is in his blood — Gangsta Rap to be exact. Brutally honest and solemn in his approach, the West Coast vet instills these attributes and more in his 8th solo LP, Raw Footage.

As an elder statesman, Cube reprises the parental role exhibited on “Child Support,” a track off 2006′s Laugh Now, Cry Later which found the forefather scolding the younger generation with lectures whether you wanted to hear it or not. Backed by producers with a knack for creating those scowl-inducing sound beds such as Tha Bizness, Maestro, and Emile, Ice Cube paces himself to create his most well-rounded offering this decade. The earth-shattering piano tones of “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” finds a unyielding Cube returning shots on all critics of the subgenre he holds so dear to his heart. The celebratory “Thank God” may appear in the middle of the album, but its trumpeting bass lines and unified chorus acts as a befitting welcome wagon for the West Coast pioneer. And the pulsating thump of “It Takes A Nation” finds an energized Cube “feeling like a vet, ballin’ on the rookies.”

Elsewhere, Cube proves he still has good days without the preaching on the graceful “Do Ya Thang” and then alongside Young Jeezy for some good old-fashioned stuntin’ on the chopped-and-screwed “I Got My Locs On.” And Raw Footage wraps up in prominent fashion on “Take Me Away” which features a Butch Cassidy hook and an euphoric bounce supplied by newcomers Dj Cas & Yung Fokus.

Raw Footage’s biggest drawback, however, is Cube’s “pyroclastic flow.” His content, albeit occasionally littered with nonsensical rhymes, may have some healthy morsels of food for thought, but the packaging they’re delivered is nowhere near as alluring. See “Get Used To It,” which connects W.C. and The Game, where the Doctor’s Advocate easily blows by his mentors. Longtime disciples of Cube may grant pardons, but the satirical “Hood Mentality” and “Cold Places” – with its serene message, yet rigid delivery – will probably miss the youth whom the messages were directed to.

As an O.G. however, Cube’s conscious of his boundaries and doesn’t stretch himself thin to appease fickle consumers. Take it or leave it, Raw Footage is a sturdy fixture in Cube’s storied empire. Signs of wear and tear aside, Cube reminds the world that he’ll always remain hood even in Hollywood.

3.5 CIGARETTES