In the heart of West Coast hip-hop’s golden era emerged Mack 10, a rapper whose gritty lyrics and undeniable charisma carved a permanent niche in the genre’s expansive history. With a flow as smooth as the California breeze and a bite as sharp as the thorns of the City of Angels, he has navigated the tumultuous waters of the music industry with aplomb. A founding member of the rap supergroup Westside Connection, Mack 10’s solo endeavors have solidified his status as a stalwart of the rap scene, amassing a fortune of $15 million in 2024, as reported by CAknowledge.
A Legacy Etched In Platinum: Career & Accolades
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–NOVEMBER 28: Rappers Mack 10, Ice Cube (aka O’Shea Jackson) and WC of Westside Connection visit “Yo! MTV Raps” on November 28, 1996 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Mack 10’s discography reads like a roadmap through the evolution of West Coast rap. His debut album Mack 10 solidified his place in the rap pantheon. His tracks have become anthems synonymous with the era that birthed them. Further, his collaborations with hip-hop legends have yielded a catalog of timeless classics. The critical acclaim and commercial success that followed are testaments to his influence. It proves his staying power in an industry known for its fleeting tastes and ever-changing landscapes.
Beyond The Beats: Life & Humanitarian Notes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 18: Rapper Mack 10 of Westside Connection performs onstage. During Once Upon a Time in LA Music Festival at Banc of California Stadium. On December 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Mack 10’s narrative stretches beyond the confines of the recording studio and the stage. His personal life, though guarded from the public eye, hints at the multidimensionality of a man. Outside of music, his endeavors in philanthropy demonstrate a commitment to uplifting communities and supporting causes close to his heart. This adds a layer of depth to his persona that transcends his musical contributions.
The Inglewood Icon: Reflecting On A Rich Tapestry
Hip-hop supergroup Westside Connection photographed at Irwindale Speedway on November 16, 2003 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
The saga of Mack 10 is one of relentless ambition, artistic innovation, and an unwavering connection to his roots. As the sun sets on the West Coast, his legacy casts long shadows, with a net worth that speaks volumes of his success but only whispers of his impact on the genre and the artists who have walked in his footsteps.
Westside Connection stands as one of rap’s most successful supergroups, with their two albums becoming RIAA-certified platinum and gold, respectively. The group, which consists of Ice Cube, Mack 10, and WC, disbanded in 2005, though rumors of a reunion have circulated periodically ever since. Despite their natural chemistry on the mic, the three West Coast rappers haven’t released new music as a group since 2003. With over two decades since the trio have performed together, many fans have wondered what the members have been up to since the group disbanded.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 05: Ice Cube performs on stage at The OVO Hydro on December 05, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns)
Even before linking up with his Westside Connection compatriots, Ice Cube was a certified iconoclast in the hip-hop world. Since the group disbanded in 2005 the former NWA rapper has released 4 solo albums and 1 under a new group, Mount Westmore. True to its name, Mount Westmore serves as a veritable Mount Rushmore of West Coast rappers, with Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too $hort joining Cube on the mic.
Ice Cube has also maintained an incredible career in film and television, maintaining nearly 100 credits on IMDb, including half a dozen projects in various stages of active production. Since parting ways with his Westside Connection peers, Ice Cube has appeared in First Sunday, Lottery Ticket, and the 21 Jump Street films. He has also starred alongside Kevin Hart in several films including the two Ride Along movies. Additionally, he’s also embarked into the worlds of sports as the as the CEO and co-founder of the Big3. While both Mack 10 and WC have solidified their place in music, neither have become world-renowned household names like Ice Cube.
Mack 10
LONG BEACH, CA – JULY 07: Rapper Mack 10 performs onstage during the Summertime in the LBC music festival on July 7, 2018 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Mack 10 has released 2 solo albums and 1 album in collaboration with Glasses Malone since Westside Connection ended their run. While the rapper hasn’t had the same success in front of the camera as Ice Cube, he has appeared in a handful of feature films, including 2006’s It Ain’t Easy and 2011’s Budz House. Mack was also largely responsible for the rift which split the famed rap group apart.
According to interviews, Westside Connection’s downfall was due to a disagreement of some sort between Mack 10 and Ice Cube’s brother-in-law. It seems as though Ice Cube’s unnamed family member had a business disagreement with Mack 10 which resulted in a physical altercation of some sort. In a 2020 interview with VladTV, Mack 10 explained “There was conflict but I went to Cube about 4 or 5 times before the conflict jumped off.” Unfortunately, the conflict sparked an argument between Mack 10 and Ice Cube that still to this day has never been resolved.
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Rapper WC of Westside Connection performs onstage during the High Hopes Concert Series produced by Bobby Dee Presents at Toyota Arena on November 19, 2022 in Ontario, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Of the three rappers responsible for bringing the group to life, none have been more vocal about constructing a Westside Connection reunion than WC. Like the other members, WC has continued to release music as a solo artist since the group split, resulting in 2 solo albums, and 1 in collaboration with West Coast legendDaz Dillinger. Outside of music, he also served as a dialect coach for Damson Idris in preparation for his role as Franklin Saint in Snowfall.
By all accounts, WC had nothing to do with the feud between Ice Cube and Mack 10 and has served as something of a neutral party between the two ever since. The rapper has continued to play Westside Connection tracks at his solo concerts, resulting in massive fanfare from the crowds in attendance.
Reports circulated that WC had considered relaunching the Westside Connection group back in 2008, with Ice Cube and The Game in place of Mack 10, though those rumors were never confirmed. Ultimately, Ice Cube has expressed as recently as 2023 that he has no interest in a Westside Connection reunion.
In the heart of West Coast hip-hop’s golden era emerged Mack 10, a rapper whose gritty lyrics and undeniable charisma carved a permanent niche in the genre’s expansive history. With a flow as smooth as the California breeze and a bite as sharp as the thorns of the City of Angels, he has navigated the tumultuous waters of the music industry with aplomb. A founding member of the rap supergroup Westside Connection, Mack 10’s solo endeavors have solidified his status as a stalwart of the rap scene, amassing a fortune of $15 million in 2023, as reported by CAknowledge.
A Legacy Etched In Platinum: Career & Accolades
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–NOVEMBER 28: Rappers Mack 10, Ice Cube (aka O’Shea Jackson) and WC of Westside Connection visit “Yo! MTV Raps” on November 28, 1996 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Mack 10’s discography reads like a roadmap through the evolution of West Coast rap. His debut album Mack 10 solidified his place in the rap pantheon. His tracks have become anthems synonymous with the era that birthed them. Further, his collaborations with hip-hop legends have yielded a catalog of timeless classics. The critical acclaim and commercial success that followed are testaments to his influence. It proves his staying power in an industry known for its fleeting tastes and ever-changing landscapes.
Beyond The Beats: Life & Humanitarian Notes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 18: Rapper Mack 10 of Westside Connection performs onstage. During Once Upon a Time in LA Music Festival at Banc of California Stadium. On December 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Mack 10’s narrative stretches beyond the confines of the recording studio and the stage. His personal life, though guarded from the public eye, hints at the multidimensionality of a man. Outside of music, his endeavors in philanthropy demonstrate a commitment to uplifting communities and supporting causes close to his heart. This adds a layer of depth to his persona that transcends his musical contributions.
The Inglewood Icon: Reflecting On A Rich Tapestry
Hip-hop supergroup Westside Connection photographed at Irwindale Speedway on November 16, 2003 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
The saga of Mack 10 is one of relentless ambition, artistic innovation, and an unwavering connection to his roots. As the sun sets on the West Coast, his legacy casts long shadows, with a net worth that speaks volumes of his success but only whispers of his impact on the genre and the artists who have walked in his footsteps.
According to Michael Jai White, there was a confrontation between Snoop Dogg’s and Mack 10’s crews in a recording studio. However, the physical altercation didn’t showcase any exceptional fighting skills. At the very least, they certainly weren’t skills worthy of a professional fighting contract. White, known for his role in Black Dynamite, shared this incident during an interview with VladTV. He mentioned that despite his interest in fighting, he found the situation amusing rather than impressive. White described the scene, saying that there were bulky bodyguard-like individuals posturing. They were making aggressive statements like, “What do you want to do?”
However, White found it comical when Snoop’s crew, instead of returning with weapons as expected, brought two pit bulls and commanded them to attack, exclaiming, “‘Get em, Sparky!’” The actor elaborated on his amusement, explaining that he finds it funny because many people assume others, especially in bodyguard roles, possess fighting skills. However, he believes that a lot of these individuals don’t train in a gym. Nor do they have real experience in street fights. Witnessing such incidents makes him chuckle due to this disparity between perception and reality.
Snoop And Mack 10’s History
Snoop Dogg performs at the 2022 LA3C Festival at Los Angeles State Historic Park on December 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sarah Morris/Getty Images)
Snoop Dogg and Mack 10 were not personally involved in the altercation described by Michael Jai White. The focus of his comments was primarily on the security teams and entourages associated with the two rappers. Snoop and Mack 10 have collaborated before. Most notably, they appeared alongside Ice Cube in the song “Only In California.” In a previous interview with Bootleg Kev, Mack 10 mentioned that he almost signed Snoop to his Hoo-Bangin Records before Snoop joined No Limit Records.
Mack 10 went on to explain that the paperwork was completed and the deal was nearly finalized. He expressed that if Snoop were a free agent and he was in the music industry, it would be a missed opportunity not to pursue signing the biggest free agent available. Mack 10 likened it to Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, aiming to recruit the best talent in the field. Although circumstances changed, the paperwork had already been completed at the time. What do you think about Michael Jai White’s story? Let us know in the comments below!
Former Westside Connection rapper, Mack 10 is known for his more popular songs such as “Foe Life” as well as a feature track with his former group member Ice Cube called ” You Can Do It. critically, the late rapper Tupac Shakur believed Mack 10′ pulled inspiration from his song “Hit Em Up”. In a now resurfacing interview, Mack 10 confidently shut down those claims of the over-the-20-year-old rumor.
Just under a month ago, Mack 10 appeared on No Jumper, a popular hip-hop-themed podcast on Youtube. Midway through the podcast, host Adam22 asked him about Tupac saying the Westside Connection song “Bow Down” was inspired by his infamous diss record “Hit Em Up”.“That’s totally false. We was too into what we was doing to even care about what “Hit ‘Em Up” or any other record sounded like. Nah, that’s false,” he said. additionally, Adam22 pointed out the similar braggadocious tone of each record. He continued to confidently deny those claims made by the late rapper, Tupac.
Mack 10 Speaks on “No Jumper”
Furthermore, he also addressed the status of his falling out with former group member, Ice Cube He revealed they have not spoken in over two decades.“I ain’t seen him or talked to him in damn near 20 years, so there it is.” The group Westside Connection consists of Ice Cube, Mack 10, and WC. The trio has produced numerous projects. In the past, he has also spoken about being open to reuniting with his Westside Connection groupmates. In a 2020 appearance on Murder Master Music Show, he confirmed his interest. “I’m down, I’m sure Dub is down. That’s the question of the year bro! Somebody probably gotta ask Cube what it is gonna take because I really don’t know,” he said. In 2003, the group released its last album Terrorist Threats. After the release, Mack and Ice Cube had their falling out.
Furthermore, Mack and Ice Cube have still yet to make amends. There has not been a word of a Westside Connection reunion. Do you want to see the two legends make amends? Let us know what you think in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from the hip-hop world.
Rapper Mack 10 recently had an interview with Bootleg Kev, and revealed that he has neither seen nor spoken to Ice Cube, in almost 20 years.
When asked whether there is a possibility for a future reunion, he said, “I f*** with who f***with me, you dig? That’s where I’m at with it. If you f*** with me, I f*** with you. But if it’s f*** me, it’s f*** you. I ain’t seen him or talked to him in damn near 20 years, so there it is.”
Kev then brought up the classic Westside Connection collaboration to which Mack said he chooses not to “rock with” anyone who picks issues with him.
“It ain’t never been me, you know, with the hold-up,” he added. “It ain’t never been my personality or who I am with the hold-up of us doing something. … But I f*** with who f*** with me; it is what it is.”
When asked if he listened to Cube’s new supergroup Mount Westmore featuring Snoop Dogg, E-40 and Too Short. His response was, “Not really,” Mack replied. “I mean, I’ve heard bits and pieces of it, but not really. Westside Connection was a movement; it was a little different.”
Westside Connection broke up around 2005 following the fallout between Ice Cube and Mack 10. The two have never openly spoken about the cause of their fallout. However, in a VladTV interview in 2020, Mack seemed to suggest that it had something with Cube’s brother-in-law “f***[ing] my money up.”
He said, “It was just an unfortunate situation as far as what came out of all that. It ain’t like that just happened. … I went to Cube about four or five times before the conflict jumped off and told him to correct the situation. That’s the part that everybody leaves out.” He clarified that he and Cube only verbally argued over the ordeal.
Mad close to the Deegan, the records were spinning. Hip-Hop was only a few seconds old. They weren’t quite rapping yet, but they were “EQin’’ it. However, since every time the beat drops … the party is still poppin’, and every party for the last five decades has introduced new dance styles and moves. If […]
They were once tearing up with charts together in Westside Connection, but a falling out caused a divide between Mack 10 and Ice Cube. The California rappers are respected icons in their own rights, but when they came together with WC to create their supergroup, Hip Hop fans ate it up. Their classics “Bow Down,” “Gangstas Make the World Go Round,” and “Hoo-Bangin’” remain favorites, but don’t look forward to a reunion anytime soon.
The trio did reunite for their sophomore effort Terrorist Threats, but that was short-lived. There were rumors of infighting, and Mack later revealed why he got into with Cube. It apparently stemmed from interactions with Cube’s brother-in-law, who Mack said wasn’t handling his money appropriately. Unfortunately, he further shared in a recent interview with Bootleg Kev that they haven’t mended their disagreement.
Hip-hop supergroup Westside Connection photographed at Irwindale Speedway on November 16, 2003 in Irwindale, California. (Photo by Gregory Bojorquez/Getty Images)
“I f*ck with who f*ck with me, you dig? That’s where I’m at with it,” said Mack. If you f*ck with me, I f*ck with you. But if it’s f*ck me, it’s f*ck you.” He added that he hasn’t “seen [Cube] or talked to him in damn near 20 years, so there it is.” He also dropped off a few thoughts about Mount Westmore, Cube’s latest supergroup that includes Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too $hort. He admitted to hearing “bits and pieces of it,” but hasn’t thoroughly checked them out. “Westside Connection was a movement. It was a little different.”
Meanwhile, in 2020, Mack 10 seemed open to a Westside Connection reunion. While speaking with the Murder Master Music Show, he was questioned about its potential. “That’s the question of the year bro!” he answered. “I don’t know man! I’m down, I’m sure Dub is down. “That’s the question of the year bro! Somebody probably gotta ask Cube what it is gonna take because I really don’t know.”
A Previous Attempt At A Reunion
He added that fans consistently questioned him about it. “They ask me in traffic and everywhere,” said Mack. “And my answer is the same every day, I don’t know. I really don’t know.” Would you be down to hear another record from Westside Connection?
