Ice Cube recently joined Scoop B Radio to discuss a range of topics, from the growth of the BIG3 basketball league to his thoughts on Bronny James, the Friday franchise, and his iconic career in music and film. With his trademark confidence and insight, he delved into what’s next for his projects and the ever-evolving world of sports and entertainment.
Ice Cube On the BIG3 Official Schedule Release and Excitement for the Season
As the BIG3 continues to grow, anticipation for the upcoming season is at an all-time high. Ice Cube expressed his excitement about the league’s development and how it continues to expand its footprint in key cities.
“Extremely excited! The league is growing and people have anticipated this season coming back around; the fact that it’s summer in the city meaning we’re planting our flag in 8 cities this year, hopefully it’ll grow from there, but we’re starting out with eight great areas and so, this is just what the doctor ordered, you know? We knew in success this is where we want to be.”
On the BIG3 Expanding Overseas
With professional basketball gaining international popularity, the question of BIG3’s global expansion naturally came up. Ice Cube confirmed that taking the league beyond the U.S. has always been part of the long-term vision.
“Of course! That’s been a part of the overall long play. We’re going to Australia this year. We’re being hosted by the NBL (National Basketball League) which is a great Pro League in Australia; probably the second best league in the world. And so, to be able to play some exhibition games, we feel like we can hopefully start a BIG3 League in Australia one day — BIG3: Asia… and continue to add all these leagues all over the world and play in a giant tournament at the end. So you know, we got the long game as they say.”
On Bronny James, LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith
The ongoing debate surrounding Bronny James, his NBA potential, and the public discussion involving LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith caught Ice Cube’s attention. He weighed in on the situation, offering a balanced perspective on both sides.
“Yeah! As a father it’s your job to protect your family. But it’s also Stephen A’s job to critique college and professional basketball players. Even high school [players]. So everybody’s doing what they’re supposed to do. You know sometimes you need to be heard, sometimes you need to listen and sometimes you need to answer back. And that’s fine, you know? Two people don’t have to agree all the time, you know? This come to blows thing? That wouldn’t have been cool in no way shape or form and nobody would’ve been in the right.”
On Watching His Son O’Shea Jackson Jr. Portray Him in Straight Outta Compton
Seeing his son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., portray him in Straight Outta Compton was a unique and emotional experience for Ice Cube. He likened the moment to a generational accomplishment.
“Aw man! It’s like… You know, it’s hard to explain because it’s nothing that I can really equate it to but maybe a guy playing on a team that won the Super Bowl and then you see your son playing on the same team and win the Super Bowl. So, by him…. I got famous through N.W.A. and he got famous through N.W.A. so, it’s like we came through the same pathway to stardom.”
On the Friday Franchise and If Another Film Is Coming
Fans have long speculated about whether another Friday film will be made. Ice Cube acknowledged the continued love for the franchise and confirmed that a fourth installment is in the works.
“I hear stories like that EVERY week. Every week somebody is coming at me and telling me a story about Friday or just a quote or just something that reminds me of the movie; and it’s a blessing, you know? … And we’re working on doing a fourth one right now. So we’re just working on the boring paperwork stuff [laughs], but after we’re done with that, we’re going to be shooting a VERY funny movie.”
On Missing Late Friday Cast Members and Continuing the Franchise
With the unfortunate passing of several beloved cast members, Ice Cube reflected on how their absence will be addressed in the next Friday film while maintaining the heart of the franchise.
“John Witherspoon, Tom “Tiny” Lister Jr., Bernie Mac, AJ Johnson, Yvette Wilson… it’s a lot of people that are no longer here. Well it is in some ways but it’s life, you know? You like Friday because it’s a hyper funny way to look at real life, you know? … So, you know the Jones Family is gonna deal with it the same way anybody’s family would deal with it with death and people not being here.”
On What Makes Him Laugh and His Favorite Comedian
When it comes to comedy, Ice Cube is surrounded by humor daily. He explained that he enjoys spending time with naturally funny people who keep him entertained.
“Aw man! Funny people. I hang around a lot of funny people that make me laugh, you know? I got a pretty good sense of humor. I’m laughing all day, you know? Especially stuff on this stupid internet.”
When asked about his all-time favorite comedian, he quickly named Mike Epps.
“[laughing] Mike Epps. Mike Epps is just EXTREMELY funny to me. His style of comedy just never gets old to me, you know? He’s just… funny! Like if you were to hang around him — I was like that with John Witherspoon too, but Mike Epps is more in my generational class so his comedy always hits a bullseye with me.”
On If the Dodgers Are the “New” Yankees
As a die-hard Dodgers fan, Ice Cube dismissed any comparisons between the Dodgers and the Yankees, making it clear that each franchise has its own legacy.
“The Dodgers are the Dodgers and the Yankees are the Yankees,” he said.
“The Dodgers have 8 championships and I think the Yankees have like… 26? So the Dodgers got a ways to go but we’re proud of ‘em here in L.A. and hopefully we’ll see y’all again in October.”
On BIG3’s Future
Looking ahead, Ice Cube remains committed to expanding the BIG3 and taking it to new heights, emphasizing the importance of its partnership with the NBL and its ongoing evolution.
“It’s big, man. And the cooperation with the NBL is different than of course what’s happening here and it makes all the difference in the world… Season 8: Summer in the City, come hang with the BIG3!”
Ice Cube Discussed tons. You can watch the full episode of Ice Cube on Scoop B Radio by clicking HERE.
