Ice Cube Explains How Kobe Bryant Is Similar To Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee and Kobe Bryant are two people who meant a lot to Ice Cube.

BYAlexander Cole
Link Copied to Clipboard!
2.4K Views
Ron Jenkins/BIG3 via Getty Images

Kobe Bryant was a big fan of Bruce Lee and when it came to their mentalities, they were quite similar. Legendary rapper Ice Cube was also a big fan of Bruce Lee and he just so happened to be a good friend of Kobe Bryant. With this in mind, you can just imagine what kind of impact their deaths had on Cube. During an episode of the Getcha Popcorn Ready podcast with Terrell Owens and Matthew Hachette, Ice Cube explained what made Kobe and Lee so similar and why they were special to him.

“It’s like losing a superhero. I remember having a superhero like Bruce Lee and finding out he… you know. I put Kobe in that category in a way,” Cube said. “So it’s a great loss to our courage in a way. People like Kobe help all of us, summons the spirit in us, you know what I mean? To be the best.”

Ice Cube Explains How Kobe Bryant Is Similar To Bruce Lee
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

In his own life, Cube admitted that he likes to try and replicate that Mamba Mentality in a bid to always make sure that he is putting maximum effort into whatever he does. Cube even complimented Owens for being the exact same way.

“It takes courage to go there and challenge yourself because that’s the fight nobody knows but you” Cube said. “To challenge yourself, to go further, get better, and be better in that, you’re good but not good enough, keep going. This is what I love about athletes like, with that spirit that Kobe, I give T.O. that spirit too.”

This weekend, Kobe will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and it will be a truly emotional time for all of his fans. We're sure Cube will be watching and reminiscing about Kobe's incredible career as a Laker.


  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. During this time, he has shown an expertise in Air Jordans, Yeezys, and all things that have to do with Nike. His favorite kicks are the Air Jordan 1 High OG, the Air Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 6, and the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in the "Beluga 2.0" colorway. Although his collection might not be the biggest, he is always looking to add new styles to it. When it comes to sports, Alex has a particular interest in the NBA and the NFL. His favorite teams are anywhere LeBron goes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a Montrealer, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in his heart, even if they haven't won the Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Alex also works for the Concordia Stingers, where he provides play-by-play and color commentary for the football, hockey, and basketball teams His favorite hip-hop artists are Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.