06 May Ice Cube: Old School Hits in the Heat

Is there anything Ice Cube can’t do?

The insanely talented, veteran rapper, writer, and actor joined the SunFest lineup in March, to the delight of South Florida fans. I’m confident Ice Cube has impacted all of our lives in marvelous ways. We’ve grown up listening to the influential works of N.W.A., quoting and laughing to Friday, and recently revamping basketball with BIG3. The respect surrounding Ice Cube, both from fans and industry professionals, is refreshing experience as he continues to navigate new industries and endeavors.

Yesterday, on the Ford Stage, fans were treated to some of the biggest hits spanning Ice Cube’s career. Before a massive sea of fans (and a few floating beach balls), Ice Cube launched into “Hello,” diverting our attention from the heat of the day.

“West Palm Beach in the house, how ya’ll feeling today?” the charismatic rapper called out. He was met with adoring cheers and squeals. “I know what you’re thinking. Ice Cube is still doing this sh*t? You thought I was doing too many movies, too many crazy Coors Light commercials. … But this is where it all started.”

Ice Cube and his on-stage partner WC performed hits “U Scared” and “Check Yo Self.”

Between songs, Ice would banter with the crowd, asking for middle fingers or prodding about Florida’s heat. It is his ability to be silly, while sharing serious work, that I credit most to his charm.

“Can I do some old school sh*t? Can ya’ll handle it?” he baited, before jumping into N.W.A.’s “Do That Shit,” “Gangsta Gangsta,” and later his own “No Vaseline.”

“I love rocking the house,” Ice Cube said between songs. “This is my first time to West Palm Beach and it won’t be my last. … Thank you for 30 years, and taking all kinds of journeys with me.”

With WC, Ice performed “Straight Outta Compton,” “Gangsta Nation,” and “You Can Do It.”

Of course, he ended with his massive track “It Was A Good Day,” which we were all humming for the rest of SunFest’s spectacular Saturday.