Hip-hop artist Ice Cube with special guest Ginuwine take center stage at the Washington State Fair on Sunday, Sept. 6, part of the Columbia Bank Concert Series.
Widely regarded as one of the most important figures in rap history, Ice Cube began his career two decades ago with NWA – aka the World’s Most Dangerous Group. After penning some of the most memorable lyrics on NWA’s groundbreaking tracks like “Straight Outta Compton,” Ice Cube broke away at the height of the group’s success.
As he moved on to launch his solo career, his debut studio album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (Priority, 1990) sold more than a million copies. A concept album about the fall and rise of the black man, Ice Cube’s solo sophomore effort Death Certificate (Priority, 1991) debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, eventually selling over two million copies.
His impressive musical career also includes the multi-platinum success of his two-part album War & Peace, as well as the hit albums Lethal Injection, Bootlegs & B-Sides, The Predator, the gold-certified and independently released Laugh Now, Cry Later, Raw Footage, and I Am The West (a 2010 release that debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and proved to be one of the most successful independent releases in hip-hop that year).
In 2015, Cube’s film production company Cube Vision released the Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton via Universal Pictures. The film broke box-office records, emerging as the No. 1 film release for three consecutive weeks and grossing over $201 million worldwide.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of NWA in 2016, Ice Cube was honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. To date, he’s sold over 10 million solo albums.
Born in Washington, D.C., Ginuwine fell under the spells of Prince and Michael Jackson as a child. By the time he was 12, the aspiring musician had started performing with a local hip-hop group, the Finesse Five. As time went on, he sang with another D.C. group, Physical Wonder, and even entertained folks as a nimble MJ imitator. In 1996, Ginuwine was discovered by Jodeci and, after traveling to New York City, met Timbaland, a then up-and-coming producer. Together they cut the edgy track “Pony,” which lead to a deal with Sony Music.
His debut CD, Ginuwine … The Bachelor hit the streets in late ‘96 and “Pony” quickly became a No. 1 R&B and No. 6 pop chart/radio sensation. The LP would go on to double-platinum status, driven by popular cuts like “Pony,” “Tell Me Do U Wanna,” “I’ll Do Anything/I’m Sorry,” “Holler” and “Only When Ur Lonely”. With his stylized dancing and creamy vocals, Ginuwine emerged as one of contemporary R&B’s biggest rookies and also a major sex symbol. In 1998, he released “Same Ol’ G” (from the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack), which resulted in yet another chart hit.
In 1999, Ginuwine proved that lightning sometimes strikes twice with his second double-platinum LP, 100% Ginuwine, which entered the pop charts at #5. The first single “So Anxious,” became a massive crossover hit, while “What’s So Different?” and “None of Ur Friend’s Business” scored on the R&B charts. In 2001, Ginuwine dropped The Life, which, as he’d done previously, entered the charts in the Top 5 and went platinum-plus (to date, all four Ginuwine albums have achieved that prestigious mark). The set’s second single, “Differences,” triumphed as Ginuwine’s biggest pop hit yet, hitting No. 4 on the Hot 100.
Back II Da Basics, Ginuwine’s fifth Epic Records/Sony Urban Music CD, is fueled by the expansive artistry and vitality that Ginuwine’s fans have come to expect while the man’s new music raises the bar on his already high standards. Featuring production by Jazze Pha (Ciara/Monica), Troy Oliver (2001’s “Differences”), The Underdogs and TrackMasters, the album is chockfull of songs that make you wanna hit the club and the sheets. Back II Da Basics is the sound of Ginuwine reconnecting, reaffirming and reigniting the passion that makes his music so real, memorable and, well, genuine.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11. Visit thefair.com/subscribe and join the free E-Club for access to the best seats and ticket offers. E-Club members get the opportunity to buy tickets to all shows in the Columbia Bank Concert Series lineup, before the general public.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14. Prices include fair gate admission. Tickets will be available on the fair website, thefair.com/activities/ice-cube or by phone (888) 559-FAIR (3247) daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Washington State Fair’s Box Office, 9th Avenue SW and Meridian Street on most Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Check website for more info. Online and phone purchases are subject to standard processing fees. Tickets purchased on-site will be charged a $5 per ticket service fee.
Tickets will go on sale for other artists in Columbia Bank Concert series, in the coming months. Visit thefair.com/concerts for updated information.
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