WEST COAST
ICE CUBE, MR. SHADOW, AND KOKANE DROP “CERTIFIED G’z” – A CROSS-CITY ANTHEM UNITING LOS ANGELES AND SAN DIEGO
LOS ANGELES, CA (Friday, September 12, 2025) – Legendary rapper and cultural icon Ice Cube makes a thunderous return to music with the release of “Certified G’z,” a cross-city collaboration with San Diego’s own Mr. Shadow and west coast artist Kokane. Dropping alongside Ice Cube’s anticipated sequel album “Man Up,” the track celebrates unity between the Latin and hip-hop communities.
“Certified G’z” arrives as Ice Cube’s first music collaboration in over a decade — and his first-ever with a Chicano rap artist — marking a historic moment in west coast music. The track bridges Los Angeles and San Diego, Black and Brown, and old school and new school, reinforcing the themes of truth, power, and cultural resilience.
Mr. Shadow, known for his gritty lyrics and street credibility, has been a defining voice in the Chicano rap scene for nearly two decades. A hometown icon in San Diego, he’s collaborated with West Coast heavyweights such as Kokane, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Suga Free, and many more. With over 20 albums released in both English and Spanish, and more than 100 features to his name, Mr. Shadow stands as one of the most prolific Mexican American rappers in music, to date.
Widely recognized as the most featured recording artist in the world, Kokane is the pioneering architect of the G-Funk sound. Alongside Ice Cube, both artists trace their roots to the legendary Ruthless Records of the 1980s—making their collaboration on “Certified Gz” a full-circle reunion that bridges generations of hip-hop.
“This project is a statement of unity. It’s San Diego and LA. It’s respect for the culture and for the streets that raised us,” states Mr. Shadow.
“See you at the top,” states Ice Cube.
Dropping Wednesday, September 17th, the music video — directed by Jeff Reyes (Echosworld) and produced by Oscar Arias — delivers a cinematic visual narrative that amplifies the song’s message of unity and respect. It’s a striking celebration of two cities, two cultures, and two legends converging at a pivotal moment.
With his 26th album on the horizon, Mr. Shadow shows no signs of slowing down — continuing to push boundaries for his city and culture.
| ABOUT ICE CUBE: Ice Cube is a legendary rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur whose influence spans over four decades. As a founding member of N.W.A., Ice Cube helped pioneer and redefine West Coast hip-hop. Cube’s accolades include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognition from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, where he also launched the Ice Cube Impact Award In 2024, Cube released his critically acclaimed album ‘Man Down,’ which debuted in the Top 10 on multiple Billboard charts and hit #2 on iTunes’ Hip-Hop/Rap Chart. In 2025, Ice Cube launched his first headlining tour in over a decade — the Truth to Power: 4 Decades of Attitude tour — celebrating his 40-year career with a coast-to-coast arena run across North America. ABOUT MR. SHADOW:With over 20 albums under his belt and appearances on 100+ releases, Mr. Shadow has sold more than 200,000 albums while collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights including Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Kokane, Baby Bash, 40 Glocc, and Suga Free. As a core member of San Diego’s Woptown Krazies and The Mistahs, he’s helped shape the sound that defines West Coast Chicano culture. His signature G-funk influenced production—featuring funky basslines, synths, and the unmistakable West Coast vibe—provides the perfect backdrop for his street narratives exploring street life, car culture, and Latino pride. Now, the legend returns with his highly anticipated album I’m Done, Bring It Back, featuring guest appearances from Ice Cube, B-Real, and Kokane. ABOUT KOKANE:Kokane is a West Coast rap legend and the most featured artist in hip-hop history. Known for his signature G-funk vocal style — a fusion of soulful singing and fluid rapping — Kokane began his career at Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records, co-writing for N.W.A and collaborating with Above the Law. He rose to prominence through standout features on Dr. Dre’s 2001 and Snoop Dogg’s Tha Last Meal, helping define the sound of West Coast hip-hop.With over 20 solo albums and collaborations spanning icons like George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Ice Cube, and Tupac, Kokane continues to shape the culture. His recent work includes the album It’s Kokane Not Lemonhead under his independent label Bud E Boy Entertainment, and high-profile placements in film, TV, and video game soundtracks including Training Day, Grand Theft Auto, and Menace II Society. In a bold creative move, Kokane released a three-part album trilogy Da Funkin Adventures of Dr. Kokanstine in 2024, further cementing his legacy as a G-Funk innovator. |