Ice Cube’s new track, “It’s My Ego,” sparks discussion over a line that suggests the legend was Kendrick Lamar before Mr. Morale.
In the song, Cube raps, “I’ve been a minister since an infant / I was Kendrick before Kendrick.”
Asked about the verse in his latest interview, the creator of Gangsta Rap, explained his impact in music that would create generations of artists, including Kendrick Lamar. “I was a provocative artist, someone who spoke truth, challenged the system, and laid bare the struggles Black people face in this country,” said Ice Cube. “Kendrick’s approach reminds me of that—he’s thought-provoking, pushing boundaries. I did that before him.”
This is not Cube’s first nod to Lamar’s impact on the genre. Earlier this year, he praised Lamar for his heated rap exchanges with Drake. “I approve of the beef,” Cube said, referencing their lyrical rivalry. “Rap battles are essential to the culture—that’s the art. As long as it doesn’t turn physical, because that crosses into street crime.”
He continued, “So far, I’d say Kendrick has the upper hand; he’s landed some hard, effective punches.”
Cube’s admiration for Lamar goes beyond competition. His comments reflect a recognition of Lamar’s commitment to social issues and self-expression—qualities Cube himself championed decades earlier. Whether younger generations connect him with his iconic rhymes or his Hollywood career, Ice Cube remains a foundational voice in hip-hop, inspiring artists like Lamar to merge art with activism.
“It’s My Ego,” is the lead single for Ice Cube’s upcoming album, Man Down. The album marks the legend’s first solo album in six years but follows his 2022 group album with Mount Westmore, which includes Snoop Dogg, Too Short, and E-40. Man Down drops everywhere on November 22.
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