Rapper Ice Cube has always been vocal about how the media hasn’t appreciated his 3-on-3 pro basketball endeavor. He has also expressed his displeasure against the NBA. However, he may no longer have any complaints after he was bestowed with the highest honor. The rapper’s decade-long efforts to bring about a change in the basketball community have finally paid off with the creation of the Ice Cube Impact Award.

Just seven years after its launch, Ice Cube’s basketball endeavor, has been a significant game changer in the basketball community. The first notable achievement is the legendary partnership the rapper has formed with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award presented to the Big 3 boss

Earlier in January of 2024, the Basketball Hall of Fame decided to honor the rapper with the Ice Cube Impact Award. This marks the beginning of a tradition that will continue to recognize legendary personalities like him. 

From his knowledge in the sport, business, as well as entertainment, the rapper brought a positive impact with his pro league, Big 3. He has always been involved in the basketball community, helping as much as he could. The rapper grew up surrounding the hype and love for the Los Angeles Lakers so, these values have always been instilled in him.

Who better than the rapper to ensure the rightful selection of candidates for this annual award? Hence, he will serve as the chairperson of the committee.

“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization,” the rapper expressed.

He further added, “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.”

This award will focus on shining a spotlight on the legendary individuals who have brought about significant changes and uplifted the basketball community. While most are familiar with the rapper’s success in the entertainment world and love and passion for the sport, some may not know what drew him to start Big 3 in the first place. 

As an avid fan of the sport, he recognized that retired players still had plenty of potential to showcase. He has first-hand experience, having played at the Inglewood YMCA. Ice Cube watched the Lakers legend Kobe Bryant hit 60 points in his last game in the NBA. He knew Bryant still had more power in him. And he knew that there were many like him. 

This led the entertainment icon to create the Big 3, a league that blends professional basketball with the flair of streetball. The Naismith Hall of Fame has now also dedicated a special exhibit to highlight Ice Cube’s journey inspiration and work.  However, there was one issue that he faced while promoting his league.

Why was Ice Cube upset over the NBA and the media?

Ice Cube, turning to his X handle, publicly criticized both the media and the NBA for not offering enough support to his league. He expressed frustration over the media’s reluctance to provide more coverage for the Big 3. He even accused how the top pro league is working against his league. 

“Now, a lot of people might say, ‘But, Cube, we want to work with the NBA! Really, I don’t give a **** about working with the NBA. What I want them to do, when I say ‘Work with us,’ is to stop working against us,” the rapper said on ‘The Dan Le Batard Show’.

While he wasn’t able to convince Bryant to play in the league, the rapper had a green signal and good reviews on the idea of it and his vision. He did bring Gary Payton, Nancy Liebermann, and Lisa Leslie as head coaches and many more basketball greats into the league. And with the newest achievement, it will continue to thrive. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.