Rapper Ice Cube is set to receive the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fаme during a visit to Springfield this weekend. The award, designed to honor individuals contributing to both basketball and socio-political arenas, will be unveiled at the Hall of Fаme’s Hoophall Classic, a showcase event for high school athletes.

Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson, expressed his deep love for basketball and gratitude for the award being named after him. The award recognizes his significant contributions on and off the court. Six years ago, Ice Cube co-founded BIG3, a 3-on-3 basketball league featuring former NBA and international players. Notably, BIG3 became the first major professional sports league to allow fans to buy ownership stakes in teams using a digital, non-fungible token (NFT) model in 2022.

Ice Cube’s impact extends beyond sports, with efforts to address racial and social injustices through his music and collaborations. His partnership with the NFL aims to enhance economic equity in Black communities, and he has initiated conversations about racial disparities through his “A Contract for Black America,” penned during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

The Hall of Fаme chose to nаme the award after Ice Cube to align with its mission of promoting basketball’s positive influence. John Doleva, the Hall of Fаme’s president and CEO, stated that the award would annually recognize community leaders who embody James Naismith’s ideals, contributing significantly to society.

Despite Ice Cube’s willingness to embrace this recognition, some friends are skeptical about his relationship with Offset, given his history of infidelity. Despite ongoing uncertainties, Cardi and Offset prioritize their children, aiming to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship. Time will reveаl whether this chapter marks the conclusion of their tumultuous journey or introduces another twist in their ongoing saga.