Fame & Fortune: Ice Cube
Pioneer rapper: Use money as a tool and cut liabilities
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Bankrate: Is that a statement you would have made back in the N.W.A. days?
Ice Cube: Yeah. I was
saying that just because I'm wearing a chain and a beeper, policeman,
don't think I'm a drug dealer. I'm trying to get some understanding.
Understanding is the best thing, because misunderstanding is ugly
and dangerous. So yeah, I want people to understand that you can't
judge a book by its cover. Never can, never will.
Bankrate: You've influenced
a lot of rappers. Are there any younger rappers who've influenced
you back?
Ice Cube: The thing is,
to get recognized in the rap game you've got to be good, especially
nowadays. I don't really know who's bad out there, who's just terrible.
The ones at the top are at the top for a reason, and that's because
they're doing good music. So I really haven't heard any bad rap
in the last 10 years. Everything has been produced good, thought
out, delivery, lyrics ... I just think rap is at a good place right
now where everybody can rhyme, and everybody is showing their skills.
Bankrate: You've actually produced over 10 movies and several TV shows at this point. What's the most important thing you've learned about that end of the business?
Ice Cube: The only thing that matters is what you're doing, not what you've done or what you're about to do.
Bankrate: With all you have going on and all the money you bring in, are you an extravagant guy?
Ice Cube: Nah, I'm a simple dude. I just want the simple things in life. I'm not trying to get it all. I'm just trying to get a piece.
Bankrate: What would you say is the most extravagant thing you spend money on?
Ice Cube: I splurge on my family or myself, unless I'm going to buy equipment or something to help my business. I have all the material things I really want or need. I just need things to help me live a more comfortable life. That's about it as far as I go. I make sure my family is doing the things they want to do.
Bankrate: So what's the most extravagant thing you've purchased?
Ice Cube: My house. I'm
not really into wasting money. I'd better be smart with it, because
it ain't like I was born with money.
Bankrate: So many musicians seem clueless when it comes to money, but rappers sometimes seem more financially astute, or at least financially conscious. Why is that?
Ice Cube: Yay and nay.
I think rappers get some of the worst contracts in the record business.
I think rock 'n' rollers get better contracts, so, our whole thing
is, if you get it, try to use it to make more. Money is a tool,
truly. It's that mentality. If you ever get it, you better flip
it or you ain't going to have it.
Bankrate: What advice would you give to a young rapper about the business?
Ice Cube: Cut your liabilities. Whoever's not helping you succeed, helping your business run, they're a liability.
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