Ice Cube Says Developing Big3 League Was Harder Than Rap & Acting Careers

He mentioned living down the street from Dr. Dre and being discovered by John Singleton.

BYErika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
3.1K Views
Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images

He has had his hand in all facets of the entertainment industry, but Ice Cube's basketball league Big3 has given him the most difficulty. The Rap mogul has dabbled in just a bit of everything from producing to directing to starring in blockbuster films to nabbing the No. 1 spot on the charts to touring the world. Yet, when Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz announced in 2017 that they were launching a 3-on-3 league featuring former NBA and international basketball players, some people gave them a side-eye.

The Big3 league has been gaining traction in its first few years, and Bossip recently caught up with Cube and asked him where the league ranked in the list of his career accomplishments. "This the biggest thing ever...and the hardest," he said.

Kevin Winter / Staff / Getty Images

"Doing music, I grew up with Dr. Dre living down the street from me, so, you know. Not saying that was easy but I was in a position to really be right there," he continued. Then, he mentioned why acting wasn't as tough, either.

"In movies, John Singleton saw me one day and said, 'Hey, I wanna put you in a movie.' So, that career took off, you know, with being discovered like that. This is something we had to conceive from scratch with all kind of people telling us that we was crazy, what are y'all doing, you rap what are you doin' in sports, you do movies and now you doin' basketball."

"So, we had to push this rock uphill. This has been the hardest thing I've ever done in my life." He added that the challenge is what makes it all worthwhile and "fun," and said it will feel "satisfying" once he "gets this league where it's supposed to be." Check out the clip below.

[via]


  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.