Ice Cube Salutes Tyler, The Creator by Comparing Him to Fellow Major West Coast Acts

Ice Cube is a big fan of fellow Cali native Tyler, The Creator and how he’s able to be himself while also pushing the envelope creatively.

In a recent sitdown interview with HipHopDX, the rapper and filmmaker gave the Odd Future founder some high praise by comparing him to a couple influential West Coast groups.

“That’s L.A. That’s the L.A. people don’t know about — ultra creative individuals who won’t conform to the culture of gangbanging. They’re going to be themselves,” he said when asked about his thoughts on the Hawthorne, California rapper.

Adding, “He reminds me of, like, The Pharycde. Here’s another: The Black Eyed Peas come from here. You’re going to always have those groups who are going to stay down with their own style and their own flavor, and going to win with it. Because they’re not conforming, they’re not being what you want them to be; they’re being who they are. And you gotta salute that.”

For what it’s worth, before 2024 ended, Tyler dropped off a freestyle to Kendrick‘s song “Hey Now” entitled “That Guy” in which he pays homage to Southern Cali street culture with various dances and the cadence he raps in.

Cube recently released his 11th solo album Man Down and is in the process of starring in and producing the fourth installment of his Friday film franchise. Maybe he can find a role for Tyler and the rest of the Loiter Squad, especially Earl Sweatshirt as Brad Pitt.

You can watch the full interview below.