Album: Kill at Will

Introduction
"Kill at Will" is a seven-song extended play (EP) by the American rapper Ice Cube. Released in 1990, it was Ice Cube's very first solo EP following his departure from the iconic hip-hop group N.W.A. Primarily produced by the rap artist himself, along with Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill, "Kill at Will" features a harder, grittier noise than N.W.A's records, and is considered an influential work in the early advancement of gangsta rap. The EP showcases Ice Cube's distinct lyrical design and material, resolving styles such as violence, poverty, bigotry, and police brutality in urban neighborhoods.

Background and Production
After leaving N.W.A due to financial and innovative differences in 1989, Ice Cube started a solo career, releasing his debut album "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" in 1990. Following the success of the album, he returned to the studio with collaborators Sir Jinx and Chilly Chill to produce new material that would ultimately make up "Kill at Will".

In contrast to the more jazzy and cool production found on "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted", the beats on "Kill at Will" are characterized by heavy drum loops, dark samples, and sinister synth lines that show the EP's bleak topic. This production design would go on to have an enduring influence on future West Coast gangsta rap artists, such as Dr. Dre and his development solo album, "The Chronic".

Content and Themes
"Kill at Will" sees Ice Cube delve even deeper into the harsh truth of life in the central city. Opening track "Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside)" features a collaboration with fellow rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy, attending to the various aspects that add to the high death rates amongst young black males in America.

"Jackin' for Beats" acts as a lively display screen of Ice Cube's lyrical expertise, as he raps over instrumentals from pop music of the time, such as Public Enemy's "Welcome to the Terrordome" and LL Cool J's "The Boomin' System". The track also features an amusing outro in which Ice Cube and his team talk about and dispute the quality of the EP.

Another standout track is "Dead Homiez", a wholehearted ode to the good friends Ice Cube has actually lost to gang violence. The somber track showcases his ability to humanize the harsh realities of street life while commemorating those who have actually come down with it.

Reception and Legacy
"Kill at Will" got positive reviews upon its release, with lots of critics praising Ice Cube's lyricism and the EP's compelling production. The EP also achieved business success, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart and being accredited gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The EP's long-lasting impact on gangsta rap and the hip-hop genre in general can not be overemphasized. "Kill at Will" is seen as a substantial turning point in the development of West Coast hip-hop, with its dark beats and brilliant storytelling continuing to shape the noise and material of the category for years to come.

In conclusion, Ice Cube's "Kill at Will" is not only a critical release in his own career however also a landmark release in the evolution of gangsta rap. Its powerful lyrics, stark themes, and raw production have left an indelible mark on hip-hop, motivating numerous artists and specifying the sound of a generation.