Ice Cube: “I Share Street Knowledge, Not Gangsta Rap”

In anticipation of his London show, Ice Cube engages in a discussion with journalist Thomas Hobbs about his illustrious career.

Recalling the aftermath of the release of the anti-police anthem “Fuck Tha Police,” Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson Sr., reflects on the cautious steps he took in the years following. The song, a controversial 1988 release by N.W.A., the pioneering group that included Cube, boldly addressed police brutality. Cube recounts, “The police in Los Angeles will kill you; they will set you up and murder you right there on the spot. After ‘Fuck Tha Police’ dropped, we felt like we had to be extra cautious in how we moved.”

Now a multifaceted figure—CEO of the 3-v-3 basketball franchise The Big 3, a mainstream political pundit, and the voice actor in animated hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtle Mayhem—Ice Cube has transitioned from the hungry teenage emcee challenging authority with N.W.A. This candid anecdote serves as a stark reminder of his anti-establishment roots and the risks he took in confronting crooked LAPD officers through his music.

Often referred to as “CNN for the ghetto” by Chuck D, Cube agrees that N.W.A. functioned as journalists, shedding light on America’s crack epidemic and the rise of inner-city gangs. Despite the label of “gangsta rap,” Cube sees his work, especially on songs like “Dope Man,” as sharing street knowledge rather than glorifying a criminal lifestyle.

While Cube’s recent headlines are more focused on political controversies, collaborations with the Trump administration, and vaccine-related decisions than his music, he remains proud of his influential contributions to hip-hop’s golden era. Reflecting on his solo career and classic albums like Amerikkka’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, Cube emphasizes the importance of using a microphone for good and not squandering the opportunity to address societal issues.

When questioned about current rappers he admires, Cube cites J Cole and Kendrick Lamar as artists with something to say, lamenting the lack of distinctive voices in today’s rap landscape.

While Cube has ventured into various film genres and family-friendly projects, he acknowledges that his politically charged lyrics from hip-hop’s golden era remain the core of his legacy. Despite controversies and changing values, Cube stands by his historical art, cautioning against judging it by today’s social standards.

Looking ahead, Cube expresses optimism about the dominance of women in rap and the diminishing impact of ageism in the industry. When asked about the potential reformation of N.W.A., Cube expresses interest but places the decision in the hands of Dr. Dre, emphasizing that he wouldn’t want late member Eazy-E recreated through AI technology.

In conclusion, Cube envisions heaven in 2023 as a state of universal health, emphasizing that wealth means nothing without well-being. As long as he remains healthy and inspired, he envisions continuing his contributions to rap for the foreseeable future, ensuring that his “street knowledge” keeps resonating.