Ice Cube, a rap icon turned business mogul, views celebrity support for Donald Trump or Joe Biden as a deeply personal choice, irrespective of any influence from rappers or entertainers.
Speaking to FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo, he emphasized, “I think it’s a personal decision. I don’t know if they care if any rappers or entertainers get up there and say anything. It’s really a personal decision.”
Highlighting the electorate’s familiarity with Trump and Biden, Ice Cube stressed that voters will ultimately decide based on their assessments, regardless of external endorsements. Jeff Kwatinetz, the president of Ice Cube’s league, echoed this sentiment, noting, “I think that people have realized that neither party speaks for minorities, maybe for the Black audience, and it comes down to who they think will really help them on the issues that they care about.”
Ice Cube further elaborated on the nuanced perspectives within minority communities, challenging the notion of monolithic thinking. He stated, “I think it’s underestimated how much people care about the economy… They don’t realize that people have a lot of different opinions.”
Transitioning to the topic of the economy, Ice Cube underscored the vital role of small businesses in American society, using his own venture, the BIG3 league, as a testament to the resilience of such enterprises. “It’s a league that we kind of started from scratch in 2017… We had to go through COVID,” he remarked.
Advocating for government support for small businesses, Ice Cube emphasized, “A lot of small businesses need a little helping hand to get over the hump… the small businesses are really what makes up the American lifestyle.”
On this day in Hip Hop history, 34 years ago, Ice Cube released his debut solo album Amerikkka’s Most Wanted. Following the tragic breakup of N.W.A., this album’s unexpected commercial and critical success set the tone for Ice Cube’s solo career and was also a launching pad toward success.
Being able to peak at #19 on the Billboard 200 and be certified platinum in the year if it’s released, all while staying true to the hardcore gangsta sound that is prevalent in all of his other work shows, since the beginning, Ice Cube has been a force to be reckoned with. His lyrical style and choice of subject matter force the commercial music world to be comfortable with a narrative uncommon to most of those who would consider themselves fans of the work. With this album, Ice Cube can paint a vivid and accurate picture of his particular experiences as an artist in making it out of Compton yet still thriving as a product of the said environment.
Unlike his previous NWA cuts, Ice Cube can get a little more theatrical with the delivery of his message while remaining just as straightforward. From the project’s title to the outro, it is prominent that Ice Cube had no intention of sugar-coating what he had to say. The violently righteous theme of this album shook the rap world showing a more militant side to the consciousness movement going on in the early 1990s. Cube even worked with Public Enemy’s production team, The Bomb Squad, to harness the high-energy sound paired perfectly with his flow.
Critically, this album is held on a pedestal with some of the best-selling and most respected projects in Hip Hop. It has been ranked on a plethora of “Best of All Time” and “Best of the 1990s” lists by publications in the US, Canada, and Europe. The album has been awarded 5 out of 5 ratings from The Source, Rolling Stone, Allmusic, and The Austin Chronicle.
Following this album, Ice Cube grew to be the mega-star he is today. He released eight solo studio albums and has no plans on stopping anytime soon. He also took his talent to the screen as an actor, writer, and director.
Ice Cube has shared his opinions about celebrities supporting Donald Trump and his pursuit of presidential reelection in the midst of many ongoing legal proceedings. The legendary West Coast hip-hop artist and businessman said as much in a recent interview with Fox Business. Cube not only called the choice “private,” but it also questioned the legitimacy of celebrity endorsements in general. Cube said, “I think it’s a personal decision. I don’t know if they care if any rappers or entertainers get up there and say anything. It’s really a personal decision.”
Ice Cube further asserted that the public, despite the influence of political leaders and their supporters, retains the power to make independent decisions during elections. He stated, “People know who Trump is,” he said in part. “People know who Biden is. They’re going to make their decision no matter who gets up there and pushes whatever agenda they want.” This emphasis on the public’s autonomy in decision-making is a powerful reminder of their role in shaping the political landscape.
“I think that people have realized that neither party really speaks for minorities, maybe for the Black audience, and it comes down to who they think will really help them on the issues that they care about,” said Big Three League President Jeff Kwatinetz, who also voiced his opinion alongside Ice Cube. As Trump seeks a second term in power, a number of rappers have recently been connected to him.
In addition to earlier support for Trump from musicians like Wocka Flocka and Kodak Black, Lil Pump confirmed his support for the president back in January by getting a tattoo. Additionally, Ice Cube discussed the most recent changes to his professional sports league, having secured a $10 million contract with the sale of its first franchise. He said of THe Big 3, “It’s a league that we kind of started from scratch in 2017. We’ve been, for eight years, growing this league, and it’s not been easy. We had to go through COVID.” Overall, ice Cube is a man about his business.
The Big3 basketball league, co-founded by iconic rapper and actor Ice Cube in 2017, continues to expand its footprint by adding a Los Angeles-based team for the upcoming season.
On Friday, the 3-on-3 basketball league announced the sale of the rights to the L.A. team to a consortium of investors led by DCB Sports for a staggering $10 million. This move marks a significant milestone for the league as it solidifies its presence in one of the world’s basketball hotbeds.
Co-founder Ice Cube expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, “We can plant our roots in these cities. It is great to come through with, like, a rolling All-Star event. But if you want to really unlock the fan-base potential, connecting to cities does that.”
The Big3, known for its unique 3-on-3 format featuring former NBA stars and other basketball veterans, has garnered a loyal following since its inception. With games broadcast on CBS and half of non-CBS games domestically streamed on X, the league has leveraged its media partnerships to reach a wider audience. They are growing, and that’s a good thing for the spirit of competition within the already crowded sports media landscape.
Co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz emphasized the league’s commitment to community engagement, stating, “We do things in the cities when we go there… The truth is that you can only do so much, you know, dropping in a city for four days than you can if you have a team rooted in the city.”
Adding an L.A. team is just the beginning of the Big3’s expansion plans. With the 2024 season set to kick off on June 15 in Oakland, the league anticipates announcing three more ownership groups, with Toronto and the U.K. emerging as leading contenders. That would be interesting – the United Kingdom. Not even the NBA or NFL have fully expanded into the UK with actual teams based in that foreign market.
As the Big3 continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of delivering thrilling basketball action while fostering connections with communities worldwide. Good for you, Cube!
All eyes are on women’s sports—more specifically basketball from the collegiate level to the pros. But the WNBA isn’t the only sports league inking major deals, Ice Cube’s BIG3 is also getting in on the action.
Yesterday (May 10), Bloomberg revealed that the newest league on the block inked an eight-figure deal.
According to the report, investment firm DCB Sports has acquired the forthcoming Los Angeles franchise for $10 million.
“This is a historic day for the BIG3,” said Ice Cube. “We could not be happier to entrust part of our league to Gary [LaDrido, managing partner of DCB Sports] and this seasoned group of sports investors ahead of our most important season yet. We have all-star basketball talent, millions of loyal fans around the world, and we are one of the most viewed sports programs of the summer on CBS.”
Back when the BIG3 was founded in 2017, the league was a touring strong hold. Since rising in popularity, it has model has shifted to the industry standard “city-centric” with Los Angeles being one of its 12 teams.
In a statement, Ice Cube spoke about the transition. “Basing our teams in home cities allows BIG3 to engage local communities and fanbases,” he said. “Bringing in ownership groups each with their own sports expertise, business, and capabilities beginning in 2025 will allow BIG3 to grow exponentially. I know that DCB Sports will do right by the people of Los Angeles and together, we’ll continue to change the game.”
Although Caitlin Clark ultimately decided turn away the BIG3’s offer, given its latest expansion other stars are considering signing on the dotted line.
Ice Cube, a rap legend who successfully ventured into acting, faced a unique challenge while filming Boys N The Hood-connecting with his emotions. In a surprising twist, he sought guidance from his co-star, Cuba Gooding Jr., who was known for his emotional performances. During a recent episode of Patrick Bet-David’s PBD Podcast, Gooding Jr. shared an anecdote from the set of Boyz N The Hood, where Cube openly admitted his struggle to shed tears for a scene.
Boys N The Hood was an extremely influential film. It was directed by John Singelton and starred Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut, and Nia Long, among others. Cube was at the heights of his rap career and transitioned to acting seamlessly in his role as Doughboy. Ice Cube apparently sought help from his co-stars to learn how to act. When it was time for Cube to get emotional and tear up on screen, he turned to Cuba Gooding Jr.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Ice Cube and Harvey Mason jr., CEO, the Recording Academy attend the Special Merit Awards Ceremony & 66th Annual GRAMMY Nominees Reception during the 66th GRAMMY Awards on February 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
“He knocked on my trailer. He sat in there and said, ‘I can’t do this crying shit. I’m not built like that,’” said Cuba Gooding Jr., who played Ice Cube’s childhood friend. “I said, ‘What do you mean?’ Now I’m his acting coach. I got Ice Cube asking me for help ’cause he’s gotta cry in this scene where I say to him, ‘You only got one brother left.’ He continued saying, “I said, ‘Cube, the only advice I can give you is, if you’re trying to cry, you’re gonna look stupid. Just say whatever you feel when you think about the homies you lost.’ He looked at me and walked out.”
Cuba also shared a tidbit about shooting the actual scene with Ice Cube. He said, “We did the scene and you seen him. I don’t remember any tears, but I’m not supposed to cry during that scene and I’m trying to hold it back.” Gooding Jr. concluded, “It was magic for these two kids who connected because now he wasn’t scared. It doesn’t matter if he cries ’cause he’s not supposed to cry. The grief is in his face.” Overall, Cuba and Ice Cube shared one of the most memorable scenes ever together.
Ice Cube was shouting, “I keep bellin’,” all the way back in 1988. The Los Angeles rapper (born June 15, 1969) rose to fame in the late ‘80s with his notorious Compton rap crew N.W.A. The gangsta rap pioneers formed after Ice Cube linked up with Dr. Dre for his first group, C.I.A.’s, only release. Dre was simultaneously plotting N.W.A. with Eazy-E and brought Ice Cube into the fold, ultimately leading to C.I.A.’s disbandment. Since then, Ice Cube’s influence has been all over hip-hop. Why?
Ice Cube was the lyrical mastermind of N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton, the group’s best-selling album. After an ongoing argument over royalties, he decided to call it quits and left the group. He later stated that the group’s manager, Jerry Heller, offered a questionable contract, which he refused to sign. But after Cube left it all behind, he went on to make continual waves across a lengthy solo career.
The effect his work has had on hip-hop–both with N.W.A. and his solo albums–cannot be overstated. His lyrical style and approach to delivery are sprinkled throughout the efforts of many contemporary hip-hop artists. Let’s highlight some big names who have cited Ice Cube as an enduring influence.
INDIO, CA – APRIL 23: Rappers Kendrick Lamar (L) and Ice Cube perform onstage during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2 at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2016 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)
Fellow Compton native Kendrick Lamar is known for eclectic influences that include old-school stars like Sly & the Family Stone and John Coltrane. The rapper’s music is a kaleidoscope of sounds and styles, but there is an undeniable Ice Cube flare running through a lot of it. For Lamar, this was likely somewhat impossible to escape.
The 17-time Grammy winner notes that Dr. Dre’s continued mentorship has had an undeniably West Coast effect on his sound. In his interview with N.W.A. back in 2015, Lamar told the legendary rap group that, simply put, “Anything that I’ve done…has come from what y’all done.” While this is more or less true of most rappers, it seems especially true of Lamar. And when you factor in Ice Cube’s influence as the lyrical brains of Straight Outta Compton, relevant comparisons become more noticeable.
His general content isn’t so far off from Ice Cube’s. Throughout much of Ice Cube’s career, his lyrical content has focused on the raw realities of Los Angeles street life. Lamar’s own song content and political appraisals take a similar approach. They both have attempted to discuss the basic situation of their lives without necessarily trying to glorify or promote it.
The Game Studied Ice Cube’s Death Certificate
INDIO, CA – APRIL 23: Recording artists Ice Cube (L) and The Game perform onstage during day 2 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 2 at the Empire Polo Club on April 23, 2016 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)
Another Compton native, The Game (born Jayceon Terrell Taylor), has specifically referenced Ice Cube’s solo work in his music. For him, Ice Cube’s delivery on record is one of the greatest ever. His major-label debut, The Documentary, gives nods to Ice Cube’s sophomore album, Death Certificate. He studied this album, along with other hip-hop classics, during his time in recovery from gunshot wounds in 2001. He once cited the Death Certificate diss track “No Vaseline” as a monumental track that fueled him in his own beef with 50 Cent. It’s worth noting that The Game also has Ice Cube’s old group N.W.A. tattooed on his chest. This is an obvious nod to the group’s lasting impact on his life. The combination of N.W.A. and Ice Cube’s influence left an indelible mark on The Game’s approach to hip-hop.
El-P Connects With Killer Mike Over AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted
LEEDS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) El-P of Run he Jewels performs on the Main Stage East on Day 1 of Leeds Festival on August 26, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Matthew Baker/Getty Images)
One half of the rap duo Run the Jewels, producer El-P’s background is well-known. After all, he produced the likes of Aesop Rock, Murs, and Del the Funky Homosapien. What many fans aren’t aware of are his artistic debts to Ice Cube. El-P cites Ice Cube’s influential solo debut, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, as one of the things he and Killer Mike connected over. While he was originally hesitant about the possible link-up with Killer Mike, that album proved to be common ground for bonding. Another bridge between the duo was talking about Ice Cube’s departure from N.W.A.
Logic Covers “It Was a Good Day”
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Logic performs at Alexandra Palace on September 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)
The Maryland rapper Logic has released a string of eight albums since 2014. He broke through with his third mixtape in the Young Sinatra series in 2013, leading to a Def Jam contact. A little over a year ago, Logic dropped an alternative cover of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day” off The Predator album. For him, it was an attempt to showcase his debt to the Los Angeles rapper.
Logic’s work has consistently divided hip-hop fans, and this homage to his influence was no exception. Some listeners bobbed their heads along in approval, while others flooded social media with insults. It turns out, however, that Logic did his due diligence before recording the cover. He cites direct approval from Ice Cube via text to transform the 1992 single.
Quavo Inspired by Ice Cube to Become an Actor
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 04:(L – R) Takeoff, Offset, Quavo, and Ice Cube visit 106 & Park at BET studio on June 4, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images)
Quavo hails from Georgia, where he founded the acclaimed group Migos with his nephew Takeoff and their friend Offset in 2008. The trio would ride a high level of success over the 2010s with four commercially successful albums. In 2016, Migos acted in an episode of Donald Glover’s rap drama Atlanta. They portrayed fictional versions of themselves as a gang named “Migos.”
This would prove to be the beginning of Quavo’s larger acting ambitions. In the year leading up to Migos’ break-up, Quavo worked on multiple feature film roles. One of the major reasons for Quavo to pursue a rapper-actor career path comes from Ice Cube’s influence. He sees Ice Cube as a trailblazer in this respect, someone who successfully navigated both worlds. Quavo has remained dedicated to acting, playing roles in three films thus far: Savage Salvation, Praise This, and Cash Out with John Travolta. He’s currently working on his fourth, Takeover, where he is stepping into a leading role as the character Guy Miller.
This 1991 classic is widely viewed as one of the quintessential diss records and it shows why the competitive nature of the genre is so important to its success. Of course, previous generations who were old enough to understand the magnitude of “No Vaseline” do not need the backstory. But for the modern hip-hop fan who is growing to understand the importance of a Drake versus Kendrick, for example, here are the essential facts to know. According to Genius, Ice Cube, who was one of the 90’s big-ticket rappers, was also known for his time with N.W.A.
In 1989, Cube was having financial disagreements with the legendary West Coast group’s manager Jerry Heller. Because of that he parted ways, but members of the rap posse were not happy about it. So much so that they went on to diss Cube on two separate occasions. Those were “Real N****z” and “Message to B.A.” Sir Jinx, the producer of “No Vaseline,” went onto explain Ice’s decision to clap back at his former crewmates. “We never wanted to beef with [Dr.] Dre and them. It wasn’t like that. The crowd saw it like that, but it was not like that. It was only [Ice Cube standing up for himself],” Jinx said. The group would never go on to respond after the song dropped. After Dr. Dre left N.W.A. for almost identical reasons, the group disbanded. So, in a way, Cube bouncing was seemingly a sign that the group was headed downhill. Essentially, “No Vaseline” was a way of saying “I told you so,” which is why it is so great.
What are your thoughts on “No Vaseline” by Ice Cube? Where does this diss track rank amongst the rest of the best of the best? Who do you think won this beef and why? Was N.W.A. wrong to start to this back in 1989? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ice Cube and N.W.A. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
Broke as a motherf***ing joke Let you on the scene to back up the first team It ain’t my fault, one n**** got smart And they ripping your a**hole apart By taking your green Oh, yeah, The Villain does get f***ed with no Vaseline
Ice Cube’s venomous pen is legendary. He took on N.W.A. and beat them single-handedly with the diss classic “No Vaseline.” He took it to Common and conscious hip-hop with “Westside Slaughterhouse.”He even wrote the definitive police diss with N.W.A.’s “F**k tha Police.” If any rapper seems like they’d be all for the current battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, it would be Ice Cube. This is what makes his stance on the matter so surprising. Not only did Cube refuse to pick sides in the battle, but he claimed that he hasn’t enjoyed watching it.
Ice Cube appeared on Canada’s E-Talk to discuss the battle. He was forthright with the host, admitting that he wasn’t really a fan of watching rappers go back-and-forth when he isn’t involved. His reasoning? The global reach of hip-hop music. In Cube’s estimation, battles have become so big that rappers risk being humiliated in front of the whole world. That’s not something he wants to champion. “All walks of life know what’s going on,” he asserted. “And some people can’t really take that kind of humiliation. I don’t really like seeing rappers beef.”
Cube was also quick to reference the violence that rap battles could spark. He was it firsthand during the 1990s, which is partially why he agreed to make peace with Common in 1997. “Beefs are volatile,” he told the host. “You always have to be careful that a beef doesn’t turn into a murder. Back in the day, you’d do a diss record, but it would stay somewhat in the Hip Hop community.” Despite taking a mature angle to the current battle, Cube said he understood why Drake and Lamar were hashing their problems out on record. “It happens,” he added. “Hey, it’s part of the game.”
Ice Cube has voiced appreciation for Drake in the past, but he holds Lamar in much higher regard. He claimed that K. Dot has been “carrying” the West Coast since the 2010s. During a 2012 interview with HipHopDX, Cube praised the Compton rapper for quoting him on the album good kid, m.A.A.d City. “You can respect an artist like that,”Cube stated. “When true talent steps on the scene, it should be rewarded, whether it’s deep music that grips your soul or it’s just booty-shaking music.”
A lot happened on May 3. The battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar had been pretty evenly played up to that point, but the latter snatched the lead. He dropped 3 diss tracks against Drake in the span of 36 hours, and all of them hit. Hard. Drake’s own diss, “Family Matters,” got lost in the shuffle, and when he was able to muster a response, “The Heart Part 6,” fans had already made up their minds. Lamar is the frontrunner to win, now, if he hasn’t already.
Drake and Lamar have been invested in this battle, but something has changed with the former. The 6 God seems gun shy, and O’Shea Jackson, Jr. has noticed. The actor and son of Ice Cube hopped on X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on the latest Drake diss. His conclusion? The rapper might have called it a day in the song’s lyrics. “Wait,” Jackson tweeted. “Did he just lowkey say he done with this? ….” The actor didn’t provide evidence, but a glance at the lyrics for “The Heart Part 6” definitely supports the theory.
The outro to the song sees Drake reflect on the battle in the past tense. He repeatedly talks about losing interest in the battle and moving on. “You could drop a hundred more records, I’ll see you later,” he raps. “Yeah, maybe when you meet your maker. I don’t wanna fight with a woman beater, it feeds your nature.” Drake also drops bars about not wanting to get into things unless Lamar plans on being “truthful” with his accusations. “Just let me know when we’re gettin’ to the facts,” he adds.
Jackson’s theory is further supported by Drake’s previous diss. “Family Matters” is a six-minute epic, but the second verse has the rapper claiming that he’s going on vacation. “I’m goin’ on vacation now, hope next time y’all plan it right,” he spits. “‘Cause you gotta pay for sayin’ my name, guess now n**gas understand the price.” Drake sounded like he wanted to be done on “Family Matters,” but taken in conjunction with the latest diss, and we may very well be looking at the end.
Drake is also in the difficult decision of having to wait on Lamar again. He’s technically the last person to respond, so if Lamar doesn’t drop again then he will effectively be declared the winner. Do you think he will come back? Or do you share O’Shea Jackson, Jr.’s concern?
