Ice Cube Explains Why Leaving N.W.A. Was "A Big Risk" For His Career

BY Erika Marie 2.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Tim Nwachukwu / Staff / Getty Images
Ice Cube, N.W.A.
The Rap icon reflected on parting ways with the group and trusting himself and his vision in the process.

In life, we all take risks in order to reach our next milestones, and while they can prove to be difficult, many believe those risks are worthwhile. When Ice Cube decided it was time to part ways with N.W.A. in the late 1980s-early 1990s, he was frustrated with his experiences with the group but also determined to continue his career as a solo artist. We've heard stories about N.W.A. manager Jerry Heller being accused of not paying Cube all he was owed, and in a recent interview, the Rap legend explained taking the biggest chance in his career.

“I think leaving N.W.A., that was a big risk,” Cube told HipHopDX. “It could have went all bad from there after reaching the mountain top and you just kind of throw yourself off."

Raymond Boyd / Contributor / Getty Images

"So that could have went bad, but it taught me how to trust myself, trust what I see and what I believe. And I was dedicated to not letting this business change who I am," he continued. "I feel nothing is worth saving. Do what you feel or don’t do it. Don’t worry about the past or the future, just do what you feel. And you’ll be able to live with yourself at the end of the day, whether anybody like it or not. As long as you can live with yourself, that’s all that matters."

Cube's N.W.A. exit would spell contention between him and his former collaborators, and Hip Hop received diss tracks that turned into classics. Cube and Eazy-E were able to reconcile before the latter passed away from complications with HIV/AIDS in 1995.

[via]


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

Comments 0
Page was generated in 0.241779088974