Ice Cube Honored with First Impact Award by Basketball Hall of Fame
Ice Cube attended the HoopHall Classic on Monday to accept an award in recognition of his significant contributions to basketball. We discuss it here!
Ice Cube poses with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award.
Ice Cube/Twitter
By: Joshua Martin
After a 36-year career in the entertainment industry as a rapper, songwriter, film & record producer, actor, and lastly sports entrepreneur, Big3 founder, and West Coast Hip Hop legend Ice Cube was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, with the institution also naming the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award after him.
Had a remarkable time at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today. So honored to see the trophy and exhibit for The Ice Cube Impact Award. Can’t wait to reward people in the future who positively impact us through the game of basketball. Thank you @Hoophall. pic.twitter.com/m7mL5v9a2E
— Ice Cube (@icecube) January 14, 2024
“So honored to see the trophy and exhibit for The Ice Cube Impact Award. Can’t wait to reward people in the future who positively impact us through the game of basketball.”
It Was A Good Day. #CubeImpactAward pic.twitter.com/2pLetRc9mc
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) January 15, 2024
Ice Cube and his business manager & partner Jeff Kwatinetz, came up with the idea during Kobe’s last NBA game. Rewriting the rules of the game to suit an older but experienced player, something Kobe might have wanted to play.
“When me and Jeff started the Big 3, never in a million years did we think we would be in the Hall of Fame. We are extremely honored.”
Widely recognized for his role in co-founding the professional 3-on-3 basketball program, the award is recognized for Cube’s unparalleled passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding equal opportunity and racial & social justice. The unexpected distinction had the rap legend at a loss of words after receiving the honor from such a prestigious and esteemed organization.
“Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”
President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva shared his thoughts on their decision to name the honor after Cube.
“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering. His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award.”
He went on to add the importance of the Big3 as a whole.
“We agree that the Big 3 is an important addition to professional basketball. The Hall of Fame is a big tent organization, and the Big 3 belongs in that tent.”
Ice Cube will develop the exact criteria for winning the award within the framework set by the Hall of Fame.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
N.W.A. To Receive The Lifetime Achievement Award At 2024 Grammys
N.W.A. is set to be honored at the 2024 Grammys with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award In light of the rap group’s monumental impact on music and culture! We discuss it here!
N.W.A. To Receive The Lifetime Achievement Award At 2024 Grammys
By: Joshua Martin
In light of the rap group’s monumental impact on music and culture, N.W.A. is being honored at the 2024 Grammys with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. According to the Recording Academy, the Lifetime Achievement Award is “presented by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.”
Originally from Compton, California, N.W.A. mainly consists of Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella. Armed with explicit and often controversial lyrics about societal issues that remain prevalent in the inner cities of America till this day, their authenticity and unapologetic approach gained them critical success and a devout following.
“The World’s Most Dangerous rap group” will be among other recipients of the prestigious accolade, which will be presented on February 3rd at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Other notable honorees in this year’s class include the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight, the late great Disco songstress Donna Summer and gospel group, The Clark Sisters.
The incendiary yet trailblazing hip hop group that introduced the world to gangsta rap will become the sixth act of its genre to receive the highly coveted award. Previous winners include Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Salt-N-Pepa and Slick Rick.
Additionally, Dj Kool Herc will be honored with the Trustees Award for his widespread influence and contributions to hip hop culture. Described as a “Special Merit” award by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the special honor is given to those who represent the rich diversity that drives creative communities forward.
Hip Hop Legend DJ Kool Herc
“The Academy is honored to pay tribute to this year’s Special Merit Award recipients. A remarkable group of creators and industry professionals whose impact resonates with generations worldwide. We look forward to honoring these music industry trailblazers next month as part of our week-long celebration leading up to Music’s Biggest Night.”
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena Sunday, February 4th.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com