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?
Caitlin Clark is currently one of the biggest stars in sports, and Ice Cube is very aware of that. The WNBA’s No. 1 overall draft pick is making major moves with numerous endorsement offers on the table. ice Cube had offered Clark a contract to play in his three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. The offer was worth around $10 million, with other details like team ownership and merchandising also a part of the package. Clark and her team never responded. In her NCAA Final Four Presser, Clark revealed she had heard about the deal when. the public found out about it.
Ice Cube has been on an offensive front against Clarks Agency. Cube and his business partner have alleged that Clarks’ Agents never presented the deal to the athlete. They saw it as disrespectful and accused Clark and her team of working with the “NBA Mob.” Wen Cube posted the op-ed from his business partner on Twitter, and a fan chimed in, saying it was never a good idea in the first place. The legendary rapper didn’t hesitate to respond.
A random fan decided to share their opinion on the matter. They said they didn’t think bringing Caitlin Clark to The Big 3 was a good idea to begin with. Ice Cube did not let the mild criticism slide, firing back a pretty negative response. He is obviously very invested in his league and goes to great lengths to protect it. Cube was looking to grow the league by capitalizing on one of the biggest sports stars of the moment. It didn’t work out, and now Ice Cube and The Big 3 are on the offensive.
Caitlin Clark is preparing for her WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever. She is also set to sign a massive endorsement deal with Nike worth $28 million. The deal will give her a signature show and will give her the record for the richest endorsement deal for a woman in sports. The Big 3 is a success story in and of itself. Ice Cube is always looking to expand his league. He has a beef with the NBA since it’s the biggest basketball league in the world. Overall, Caitlin Clark to The Big 3 was never meant to be.
Ice Cube’s Big 3 Offer to Caitlin Clark is still a hot topic. Clark was drafted no. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft. Clark is gearing up to sign a massive deal with Nike. The deal would earn her a record endorsement contract for a woman. The agreement with Nike is reportedly worth around $28 million. Clark is the hottest name in women’s sports, and people want to capitalize on her popularity. Before she was drafted, Ice Cube sent an offer to Clark to join the Big 3, his three-on-three basketball league. Now, Cube is apparently furious with Clark’s agents.
Ice Cube and his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz have raised serious allegations, claiming that Clark’s management team deliberately undermined the Big 3 deal. Additionally, Cube asserts that the offer he sent was not even presented to Clark, a deal that reportedly included a $10 million contract and additional perks. Moreover, Cube and Kwatinetz feel slighted, believing that their offer was not given the proper consideration it deserved.
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 19: Coach Ice Cube of Team Webull looks on during the Monster Energy BIG3 Celebrity Game at Capital One Arena on August 19, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Idol Roc Entertainment)
“We have reason to believe these male agents and executives controlling the sport never even shared our trailblazing offer with Caitlin let alone facilitated Caitlins meeting with the BIG3 to discuss the opportunity,” Kwatinetz said in a statement. He continued implying that Clark and her Agents work for the NBA Mob. He added, “Do we expect them to prioritize Caitlin over the NBA – the top employer of their most highly paid clients?” Ice Cube and his business partner are levying some pretty bold accusations.
When the news of the Big 3 deal broke, Caitlin Clark said she found out about it when everyone else did. Maybe the deal never reached Clark. Maybe they just weren’t into it and had other more lucrative opportunities on deck. Cube has been fighting a one-sided battle with the NBA since The Big 3’s inception. This is just another attempt to ride for his basketball league. Caitlin Clark is preparing for her debut in the WNBA. The season kicks off on May 14.
Ice Cube became a trending topic on X after Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary was leaked during the draft. Clark, who is one of the biggest names in sports right now, was drafted no. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever. She has brought an elevated level of popularity to women’s basketball this past collegiate season. Ice Cube had previously offered Clark a contract for his three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. The deal Cube offered was apparently worth around $5 Million dollars. Many fans thought Clark should jump on the deal, seeing that it was only for a handful of games to earn millions.
When Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary was revealed on social media, many new fans were shocked. They didn’t know the WNBA pay standards, and it caused quite a stir. Many looked at the deal from Ice Cube that Clark did not accept and thought it was interesting. Fans are looking back and saying maybe she should have taken the deal or hit up Ice Cube because the salary in the WNBA pales in comparison. He made a bid to try and make history and capitalize on one of the most hyped women players ever. Everyone is wondering if the Big 3 deal could still happen.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 13: Founder of the Big3, Ice Cube is seen during the Big3: Summer Of Fire at Little Caesars Arena on August 13, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Morgan/Getty Images)
Ice Cube’s offer to Caitlin Clark looks pretty good now that we know her starting salary in the WNBA. The deal was worth up to $5 million and would allow Clark to still play in the WNBA. Additionally, she would be able to profit from merchandising as a form of additional compensation. Ice Cube said of signing Clark when news of the offer came out, “Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3.”
Caitlin Clark will likely be okay. She has a lucrative deal with State Farm, among other endorsements. Clark has also recently signed a massive deal with Nike worth over $10 million, which includes a signature shoe line. Clark is fine and is going to work hard to grow the women’s game even more. Ice Cube was very smart in trying to snatch up Clark for The Big 3. It was a good business move, so you can’t blame him for trying.
