Ice Cube, the legendary West Coast icon, has recently expressed his reservations regarding the ranking of 2Pac’s scathing single “Hit Em Up” as the greatest diss track of all time, especially when it surpasses his classic N.W.A. diss, “No Vaseline.”
In a captivating appearance on DJ Whoo Kid’s Whoo’s House podcast, Cube delved into a recent ranking by The Root that highlighted the “Most Unforgettable Diss Tracks in Hip-Hop History.” Surprisingly, “No Vaseline” was listed at a respectable third position, trailing behind Nas’ fierce track “Ether,” which claimed the second spot.
Naturally, Cube questioned the credibility of “Hit Em Up” being crowned as the ultimate diss track, especially since it featured additional guest verses from his group Outlawz. On the other hand, “No Vaseline” stands as a testament to Cube’s unparalleled skill as it was a mesmerizing solo performance. With a hint of humor in his tone, he humorously asked, “How’s 2Pac number one when he needed help on that record?” he asked. “Me, ‘No Vaseline,’ one MC.”
During the intriguing podcast conversation, when Whoo Kid brought up “Ether” being ranked ahead of “No Vaseline,” Cube respectfully disagreed with its placement. His love for Nas was apparent, but he stood firm in his belief that “No Vaseline” deserved to be ahead of it. The passion in Cube’s voice was evident, and he continued to articulate his case, pointing out that he single-handedly dismantled an entire group, earning little credit for this extraordinary feat compared to his peers.
“[I] took out four ni**as and the manager,” he said, referencing his former N.W.A. groupmates Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, DJ Yella, and Ruthless cofounder Jerry Heller. “I mean, damn! Got to give me credit for that,” he added. “[The] group was over. I don’t know if they made another record after that. So, nah man. Sorry!”
It’s not just about rankings and diss tracks for Ice Cube. Lately, he has been vocal about the perceived lack of appreciation for his vast rap artist resume. His Whoo’s House interview also touched upon recent comments made by Tony Yayo, who dared to compare Cube’s storytelling skills to those of the legendary Notorious B.I.G. However, Cube remained level-headed and pragmatic, acknowledging that artistry is subjective, and everyone has their personal favorites.
“Everybody got their favorites. I put my stories up against anybody. And I have a bigger sample size. But at the end of the day, everybody’s gonna have their different opinion.”
Cube confidently stated during the interview, emphasizing that his storytelling prowess stands tall with a significant sample size of work. His humility was evident, and he understood that opinions would differ, but he couldn’t resist pointing out the depth of his storytelling craft.
Ice Cube’s interview with DJ Whoo Kid on Whoo’s House podcast provided a captivating glimpse into the mind of a rap icon who continues to carry the torch of his legacy with pride. His unwavering passion for his craft, his witty commentary, and his candid thoughts on rankings and opinions make him an enduring force in the hip-hop world. As fans, we eagerly anticipate more from this influential artist as he continues to make his mark in the realm of rap and beyond.
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