On June 13, Columbia Pictures releases one of the most anticipated comedies of the summer, “22 Jump Street,” starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and produced by Neal H. Moritz, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.
The sequel returns with the undeniable star wattage that only Ice Cube brings as he reprises his role as Capt. Dickson, one of the meanest characters to ever appear on screen.
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My phone vibrated with a text from a nervous PR exec, alerting me that my interview with Ice Cube was running late. The road to gaining this interview began at the “22 Jump Street” after-party that was co-sponsored by Fuji Water and Entertainment Weekly.
Cube, surrounded by a bevy of fans, was gracious and serene. I was hard pressed to remember that, culturally, his legendary status is based on truthful lyrics and brutally honest actions that etched him into the annals of history as part of N.W.A.
“He was my childhood hero,” says producer Hill on making Ice Cube part of the lucrative franchise. “When we worked on the first one, the first thing we wrote down was that Ice Cube, the guy who wrote ‘F— Tha Police,’ should play the police captain. It’s a true childhood dream to be able to hang out with him.”
According to Forbes magazine, Ice Cube’s net worth is tipping $300 million. For the record, Ice Cube wasn’t late for our phone interview. He was on time, which made me blurt out loud, “Today’s going to be a good day.”
AN: What’s your favorite part of this comedy franchise?
IC: All of it really. It’s cool being around masters of a craft. Plus, I get to play the meanest, nastiest captain of them all. He hates everybody equally. You’ve seen nasty, angry Black captains–I want to be the top notch. What did you think?
It’s hard for me to talk about this film and not reveal major comedy surprises. I would be the “spoiler lady.” But one scene had me crossing my legs very tight.
No doubt you’re referring to the buffet scene, where I loose it and tear it up old school. Right?
Cube, you can’t see me, but I’m licking my lips. I don’t want you mad at me. Rough segue, but I’m jumping on it. You mentioned the NWA movie going into production this summer.
It’s happening. All the legal paperwork is straight, the hold-up around Eazy-E’s estate (is) done. People forget that what we did, no matter how you turn the events, we helped expose the deep corruption in police departments, especially in LA. The LAPD, they were operating with different rules in the Black and Spanish neighborhoods. To “protect and serve” who?
I remember church-attending grandmothers praying for your safety because, harsh lyrics aside, you were spitting the truth and brazen about the possible outcomes.True story.
Word.
“Cuz tha boyz in tha hood are always hard. Ya come talkin’ that trash we’ll pull ya cord. Knowin’ nuthin’ in life but ta be legit. Don’t quote me boy cuz I ain’t said s—.” What do you want people to know after seeing the NWA movie?
That it was heavy stuff. That there were many victims, including Eazy-E, who really didn’t know nothing about the music game. To understand just what NWA meant to this country and exposing the ugly underbelly. Records will be set straight.
In the mean time, I hope I can revisit the NWA movie when it’s in production.
No doubt. Have your people holler at my people,
Cube, happy Father’s Day.
Thank you. Thank you very much.