Ice Cube Explains Why Leaving N.W.A. Was His Biggest Career Risk

Ice Cube has taken plenty of risks throughout his career, from his transition into acting to making his directorial debut back in 1998. But one risk in particular still stands out to the hip-hop vet.

In a new interview with HipHopDX, Cube was asked about his biggest career risk, and he made his answer very clear: “I think leaving N.W.A, that was a big risk,” he said. The rapper left the group back in December of 1989, jump-started a solo career with 1990’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, and the rest is history.

“It could have went all bad from there after reaching the mountain top and you just kind of throw yourself off,” Cube shared. “So that could have went bad, but it taught me how to trust myself, trust what I see and what I believe. And I was dedicated to not letting this business change who I am.”

The now-actor and Big 3 founder also took the moment to share a lesson he’s learned in the process of going solo all those years back.

“I feel nothing is worth saving,” he said. “Do what you feel or don’t do it. Don’t worry about the past or the future, just do what you feel. And you’ll be able to live with yourself at the end of the day, whether anybody like it or not. As long as you can live with yourself, that’s all that matters.”

Earlier this month, Cube revealed on In Depth with Graham Bensinger that he and his friends nearly killed a classmate who tricked his mother out of $20 back when he was younger. As he shared, he’s grateful now that the boy wasn’t home when they arrived.

“It would’ve been stupid and I wouldn’t be sitting here if it did happen. Like I said, I’m glad he wasn’t there” Cube said. “Because nobody should die over $20.”