Huge misconception: that rappers are all unaware of the blurry line they walk when their tough talk contradict their peaceful family life in the suburbs. That Ice Cube is 68 years-old and is still rapping about bangin’ doesn’t necessarily mean he’s chronicling his current lifestyle. More importantly, people who buy Cube’s albums are not oblivious to the contradiction between his rhymes and his ways. They know he’s not out in the hood shooting everyone who steps on his Chuck Taylors or whatever the fuck brothers kill for these days. No, they support him because his sound is authentic. Tupac wore a nose ring, yet no one ever questioned his gangsta.
Unfortunately, the women of the Today Show saw an opportunity to pull Cube’s gangsta card and jumped on it. Cube handled the situation poorly. He could have definitely offered a better argument than “John Gotty had a family.” Kathy Lee could barely hide her disgust. They quickly changed the topic and asked to Cube to plug his album, which is usually a wrap-up signal.
Ice Cube: “John Gotty had a family, why can’t I?…I gotta think about my family, it helps me put everything in perspective.”
Kathy Lee: “Hmmm…So when is your next CD coming out?”
Translation: “You’re obviously full of shit. Plug your album and get your ignorant ass off my show.”
