Ice Cube:
The "Are We There Yet?" Interview
with Kam Williams
Kam Williams: Hey, Ice Cube, thanks so much for the time.
Ice Cube: Oh, no problem.
KW: What inspired you to turn "Are We There Yet?" into a TV sitcom?
IC: It was really the idea of Executive Producer Joe Roth who owned the
property over at Revolution Studios and said he was thinking about taking it
to TV. And after he said that he already had [writer/director] Ali Leroi on
board, and that he was going after Terry Crews, to me it was a no-brainer. I
said, "Let's put this together!"
KW: But didn't you want to star in it, since you had originated the role of
Nick on the big screen?
IC: No, because I wanted to go in a different direction, artistically. But
having somebody like Terry in it was your ace in the hole. That makes it
very strong, so I definitely had to jump in with both feet.
KW: So, how heavily involved are you with the production?
IC: While I had done the movies through Revolution Studios, we own the
sitcom. It was a situation where, once the team was assembled, I knew we
could create something really, really good.
KW: Did you have a debate about the title, since the
movie sequel had been
called "Are We Done Yet?"
IC: No, "Are We There Yet?" was the perfect title, because it's such a
common saying. And having made the movie with the same name kinda locks it
all in.
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman was wondering whether you think that the
focus of the show on successful African-American professionals marrying and
creating a blended family with a strong father figure will have a larger
impact on the television-viewing public now that we have an African-American
President.
IC: I don't know, but I hope so. [Chuckles] I hope everything works in our
favor. The show is cool. It's family fare. We ain't aiming at the cheap
seats. Instead, we're making something with a broad appeal that people of
any color or creed and from all walks of life can enjoy and maybe learn
something from.
KW: Documentary filmmaker Hisani Dubose was wondering how you made the
transition from rapper to actor to producer.
IC: Well, for the transition from rapper to actor, I was fortunate that
director John Singleton pursued me for about two years to be in Boyz ‘N the
Hood. I really wasn't even thinking about acting at the time, since I was
singularly focused on being the best rapper in the world. So, that was
really a blessing, because I wasn't really taking him seriously. Therefore,
I can't really attribute my success onscreen to any formula and suggest you
"do this or that" to make it as an actor. However, as far as producing, once
we started shooting, I soon realized where the critical decisions about the
movies were really being made, and it wasn't on the set. They were being
made in the production meetings. That's where producing a movie happens. And
that's where I wanted to be. I didn't just want to be a piece, a pawn being
played. I wanted to take part in the creative process, and that's how I sort
of got introduced to the idea.
KW: Children's book author Irene Smalls says, "You are a performer who seems
to have figured out show business rather than show business figuring him
out. So many rappers are here today and gone tomorrow? When did the insights
of how the business really works hit you? What advice can you offer young
people about how to be successful in the real business of show business and
have a career like yours?"
IC: When I was in N.W.A. and didn't get paid all the money I was owed,
that's when the business side of showbiz hit me. I thought, "Half of this is
workin'. I'm famous, but now I need to be famous with some money." That got
my brain started at trying to figure out the business end. And once I
figured out the business side, I next came to understand that success really
comes down to the product, not to me, my personality, or what club I'm seen
going into or coming out of. None of that matters. What's important is
whether or not people feel like they wasted their time or money when they
pay for a movie or a CD. Once I appreciated that, it became all about the
project. It ain't about me.
KW: Bobby Shenker asks, are you going to be doing another Friday film?
IC: I get that question a lot. I've vowed not to do another one, unless
Chris Tucker was in it. He still hasn't accepted the offer, so…I can't say.
I don't know whether we should, if we can't really do the movie that people
have been waiting for.
KW: How about another Barbershop movie?
IC: Yeah, I would hope to do another one. If a third one comes together,
I'll jump on it. Or are we already on the fourth one? I've lost count.
KW: It would be the third. Is there any question no one ever asks you, that
you wish someone would.
IC: No, not really. I could do an interview or just as well not do one. It's
not like I'm looking for extra publicity. So, the questions that are asked
are cool. And so are the one's that's not asked.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
IC: I'm always happy. I've just got a mean face. [Laughs]
KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
IC: Yeah, definitely.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
IC: A man.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
IC: I can't remember the last one I read cover to cover. My problem is that
I never get through the whole book. I skim through this one, that one, and
then the other one.
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What music are you listening
to?
IC: I'm working on a record, so I don't listen to nothing while I'm in the
studio, because I don't want to be influenced by anybody else.
KW: Can you reveal what type of album you're working on?
IC: To me, it's a California summer record.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
IC: Falling out the bed. I was really little, less than two years-old. My
sister was watching me, and I just remember falling and not being able to
climb back into the bed without help.
KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
IC: I guess Levi's Dickies. [Chuckles]
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
IC: Come on, I gotta say "World Peace!"
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
IC: Steak.
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your
footsteps?
IC: It's all about the work. Don't worry about being a star, worry about
doing good work, and all that will come to you.
KW: Thanks again for the interview Cube, and best of luck with everything.
IC: Thank you.
Related Links
The Are We Done Yet Interview with Kam Williams
Ice Cube The “22 Jump Street” Interview (2014)