Ice Cube Explains the Intent Behind His Lyrics About Kendrick Lamar on “It’s My Ego”

Ice Cube has opened up about his recent single, “It’s My Ego,” shedding light on the lyrics referencing Kendrick Lamar. In the track, Cube raps, “I was Kendrick before Kendrick/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, like Jimi Hendrix,” drawing a parallel between his own artistic journey and that of the acclaimed rapper. During a conversation with SiriusXM’s Rock the Bells Radio, Cube elaborated on his admiration for Lamar, likening him to himself as a “provocative artist.”

In the interview, Cube expressed his respect for Lamar’s ability to tackle difficult subjects through his music. “Just, you know, a provocative artist,” he noted, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. “An artist that said what I felt, put it all out there, very critical of the system and the government and what we have to go through as Black people in this country. I think he’s the same kind of artist: a thought-provoking artist. I was that before he was.” This sentiment reflects Cube’s view of both artists as voices of their generation, unafraid to challenge societal norms and address systemic issues.

This praise for Lamar isn’t a new development; earlier this year, Cube publicly supported Lamar in the context of a feud with Drake. On the Big Pod with Shaq, he expressed his approval of rap battles, emphasizing their significance in hip-hop culture. “I approve of the beef,” Cube stated. “I always approve of rap battles. That’s the essence of the game… As long as it doesn’t get physical, ’cause that’s not rap. When it gets physical, that’s just street crime.” He further acknowledged Lamar’s prowess in the feud, saying, “I think Kendrick is up, I think he’s landed the more hard and effective punches, so to speak.”

Through “It’s My Ego,” Ice Cube not only pays homage to Kendrick Lamar but also reinforces the idea that both artists share a commitment to authenticity and social commentary in their music. As Cube continues to innovate and inspire, his reflections on Lamar’s artistry underscore a legacy of thought-provoking hip-hop that challenges and uplifts.