Ice Cube has chimed in on the heated feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that has taken the hip-hop world by storm. The legendary rapper and actor, known for his own iconic diss tracks, shared his thoughts on the beef during an appearance on The Big Podcast with Shaq on June 12.
Discussing the rivalry with host Shaquille O’Neal, Ice Cube, 55, voiced his approval of the ongoing rap battle. “I always approve of rap battles,” he said. “That’s the essence of the game.” He noted that rap feuds are deeply rooted in the genre’s history, tracing back to battles between pioneering artists like Busy Bee and Kool Moe D.
Ice Cube, who famously dissed Ruthless Records with his 1991 track “No Vaseline,” emphasized that beef between artists is a natural part of hip-hop, provided it stays within the realm of music. “As long as it doesn’t get physical, ‘cause that’s not rap. When it gets physical, that’s just street crime,” he explained. “So as long as it stays on wax, it’s a beautiful thing.”
When asked about the lyrical exchanges between Drake and Lamar, Ice Cube opined that Lamar, 37, has had the upper hand in their war of words. “I think Kendrick is up; I think he’s landed the more hard and effective punches,” he said, though he added that Drake, also 37, isn’t out of the fight yet. “If I was Kendrick, I’d stay cocked and loaded, you know, ready for whatever’s coming.”
Reflecting on the nature of rap beefs, Ice Cube concluded, “It’s interesting. To me, it always pumps energy into the music, ‘cause it takes it back to the essence. As long as it doesn’t get violent, it’s fun. The minute it gets violent, it ain’t rap no more.”
Ice Cube’s comments align with recent remarks from Snoop Dogg, who praised both artists for elevating their craft through their feud. Snoop noted that the confrontation has “upped” the standard for lyricism and song-making, underscoring the positive impact of the rivalry on the music itself.
As fans eagerly watch to see how this battle unfolds, the sentiment among hip-hop legends is clear: rap beefs, when kept lyrical, fuel creativity and keep the genre’s competitive spirit alive.
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