Gangsta-rap godfather Ice Cube [ tickets ]--who in recent years has become best known as an actor--has lined up a 22-date tour to promote his seventh solo album, "Laugh Now, Cry Later."

The tour kicks off April 20 in Anaheim, CA, and makes a complete circle around the US before winding up June 3 in Hollywood. "Laugh Now, Cry Later" hits stores June 6 on Cube's own label, Lench Mob Records.

Following the release of his greatest hits album in 2001, Ice Cube (born O'Shea Jackson 36 years ago), began working on the new set with top-level producers ranging from Scott Storch to Swizz Beatz to Lil' Jon. Snoop Dogg serves as a special guest.

Buzz has been surrounding the album track "Chrome and Paint," the video for which, according to a press release, blends low-riders and the West Coast lifestyle. The album's first official single will be Storch-produced "Why We Thugs," which "delves into social commentary about weapons, narcotics, politics and the ghettos of America," according to a press release.

Ice Cube spent a year away from film studios to create "Laugh Now, Cry Later." His lengthy list of films includes "Are We There Yet?" "Barbershop," "Friday," "Three Kings" and "Boyz in the Hood." He is reportedly set to star in a big-screen version of "Welcome Back Kotter" as the title character.

The rapper began his career more than 15 years ago with the West Coast gangsta rap group N.W.A. At the height of the group's success, Ice Cube left to start his own solo career. His initial release, 1990's "Amerikkka's Most Wanted" is certified platinum.

His sophomore solo effort, 1991's "Death Certificate," a concept album about the fall and rise of the black man, debuted at No. 1 on the R&B Album chart, No. 2 on the Top 200 album chart and went on to sell more than two million copies. Ice Cube has sold more than 10 million albums.