Ice Cube took the stage at RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis on May 2 and didn’t hold back when addressing NBA players who’ve been publicly trashing the city.
The legendary rapper and entrepreneur made it clear that the disrespect toward Memphis needed to stop, especially coming from professional athletes who should know better about loyalty to their roots.
During his set at Tom Lee Park, he delivered a message that resonated with thousands in the crowd who’ve watched their city get dragged by LeBron James, Draymond Green, Anthony Edwards, and other NBA stars, who have complained about hotel conditions and called for the Grizzlies to relocate to Nashville.
“Some NBA players been talking s### about Memphis. F### that,” Ice Cube said, according to The Commercial Appeal. “I got nothing but love for Memphis.”
He emphasized that these athletes need to remember where they came from and show respect for the cities that support professional basketball.
What made his comments particularly powerful was their credibility. Ice Cube isn’t just a rapper speaking from the sidelines.
He’s the founder and owner of the Big3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league featuring Hall of Famers and All-Stars, giving him legitimate standing in the sports world.
The Big3 has brought events to Memphis, and Ice Cube’s investment in professional basketball means he understands the business and culture of the sport better than most entertainers.
His criticism carries weight because he’s actually built something in the basketball space.
Meanwhile, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has been defending the city and expressing confidence that the Grizzlies will stay put.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also shut down relocation talk, stating that team owner Robert Pera has no interest in moving. Even Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell brushed off the idea when asked, saying it’s not a priority for his city.