Ice Cube backs Drake vs. Kendrick feud: 'Rap battles are essential'

The ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has reignited the rap game, drawing the attention of hip hop pioneers like Ice Cube. 

Despite his current focus on acting, Ice Cube, a founding member of the legendary group N.W.A., has an extensive history with rap battles and classic tracks.

During an appearance on Shaquille O'Neal's "The Big Podcast with Shaq," Ice Cube shared his thoughts on the high-profile beef. 

“I approve of the beef,” Cube said. “I always approve of rap battles. That’s the essence of the game.” He referenced the historic Kool Moe Dee vs. Busy Bee battle from 1981, noting that the tradition goes back even further.

However, Ice Cube emphasized the importance of keeping the conflict strictly lyrical. 

"As long as it doesn’t get physical, ‘cause that’s not rap. When it gets physical, that’s just street crime," he stated. "So as long as it stays on wax, it’s a beautiful thing.”

When asked about who is winning the current battle, Ice Cube gave the edge to Kendrick Lamar. 

“I think Kendrick is up, I think he’s landed the more hard and effective punches, so to speak,” he said. 

However, he also acknowledged Drake's potential for a comeback, advising, “If I was Kendrick, I’d stay cocked and loaded, you know, ready for whatever’s coming.”

Many believe the battle concluded with Lamar emerging victorious after Drake deleted his final, lackluster addition to the feud, "The Heart Part 6," from his Instagram. 

Despite this setback, Drake remains a dominant figure in the rap industry. Ice Cube sees the feud as beneficial for hip hop, injecting energy into the music. 

“It’s interesting. To me, it always pumps energy into the music, ‘cause it takes it back to the essence and so, long as it don’t get violent it’s fun," he said, but reiterated, “The minute it gets violent, it ain’t rap no more.”