In a recent appearance on Talib Kweli’s People’s Party podcast, Ice Cube, a founding member of the iconic rap group N.W.A., reminisced about the moments shared with 2Pac and recalled the instance when the late rapper expressed his desire to create music akin to the groundbreaking sound of N.W.A.

During the podcast episode featuring members of Mount Westmore, Ice Cube delved into the friendship he shared with 2Pac and recounted a significant moment when the aspiring rapper revealed his ambitions to craft music reminiscent of N.W.A. At the time, 2Pac was still a member of Digital Underground, and he confided in Cube, saying, “Digital’s music is good, but I want to create something like you guys. Because where I come from, everything is real messed up. So, I want to rap about it in a way that does it justice.”

This encounter marked the beginning of a notable friendship between Cube and Pac. Witnessing 2Pac’s career ascend from his Digital Underground days to becoming one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time, Cube shared additional insights, stating, “Pac did his own thing and kept rising, even though he started as a background figure in Digital.”

The aspiration expressed by 2Pac underscores the profound impact that N.W.A. had on shaping the landscape of hip-hop. Ice Cube’s recollection highlights not only the musical influence but also the social consciousness embedded in the group’s work. N.W.A.’s raw and unapologetic approach to addressing societal issues left an indelible mark on aspiring artists like 2Pac, inspiring them to use their platform for authentic storytelling.

As 2Pac’s career continued to soar independently after parting ways with Digital Underground, Cube acknowledged the resilience and determination that defined his fellow rapper’s journey. The reflection on 2Pac’s evolution from a background artist to a solo sensation serves as a testament to the transformative power of the hip-hop genre.

Ice Cube’s recollection of the moment when 2Pac expressed his desire to create music akin to N.W.A. provides a glimpse into the enduring influence of the iconic rap group. The exchange between Cube and 2Pac reflects not only the musical inspiration but also the commitment to addressing societal realities through their art. As the legacies of N.W.A. and 2Pac continue to reverberate through the world of hip-hop, these reflections serve as a reminder of the genre’s ability to catalyze change and inspire artists to push boundaries in pursuit of authentic expression.