Ice Cube Doesn’t Want To See Anymore Rap Beefs
As a veteran of hip-hop with more than 30 years in the game, West Coast legend Ice Cube, who has been in his share of rap battles, says that he doesn’t like seeing rappers beef.
During an appearance on Etalk CTV, the hip-hop icon gave his take on rap beef and how rappers should manage their war of words now that rap music is the most popular genre.
"Beefs are, you know, they're volatile. So you, you always have to be careful that a beef doesn't turn into a murder," Cube said. "Back in the day, you do a diss record, but it would stay kinda somewhat in the hip-hop community. Now, it's all over the world, all walks of life know what's going on and you know, some people can't really take that kind of humiliation."
While he doesn't want to see rap feuds, if a rapper happens to be involved, Cube would advise them to not hold back.
"I don't really like seeing rappers beef. I don't think it's necessary to have a great career, but it happens. Hey, it's part of the game, and I think when you're in a beef, you can't really hold back. It's like being in a fight; you can't really half punch, you gotta go all the way,” he added.
Speaking from experience, Cube had been in the middle of some of the most vicious rap battles. After leaving NWA over a royalties dispute, Cube was the subject of several diss tracks including "100 Miles and Runnin'" and "Real N***az." Cube responded with some shots of his own on "Jackin' for Beats" and the brutal knockout blow "No Vaseline” which is hailed as one best diss tracks of all time.
Several years later, Cube went toe-to-toe with Common after taking exception to the Chicago native's song "I Used To Love H.E.R.” believing the track was dissing West Coast rap. Cube along with Mack 10 and W.C. formed Westside Connection and released "Westside Slaughterhouse."
After the dust settled, Cube reunited with members of NWA on several songs and together they were instrumental in the release of the group’s biopic Straight Outta Compton.
In the third installment of his Barbershop film series, Common was enlisted as one of Cube’s co-stars.