Boyz n the Hood: A ranking of Ice Cube’s coolest quotes

Ice Cube is heading back to the big screen with a new film he’s co-written with Jeff Kwatinetz, telling a true story of racism and corruption. Ice Cube is also set to star in the feature titled Excessive Force with director Carl Franklin. So far, the team is tight-lipped about the plot details, although Deadline reported that it will involve “excessive force in the Cleveland police department.”

Regardless of the details, we’re just stoked to see Ice Cube coming back into film production, especially with something as gripping and impactful as this sounds.

While Ice Cube first burst onto the music with the notorious L.A. rap group N.W.A. before leaving in the 90s to continue his music career writing hard-hitting rap songs, we soon learned this was only the beginning. Since then, he’s built himself a successful career in Hollywood – something that isn’t easy to do.

Since embarking on an acting career, he’s amassed an eclectic portfolio, comprising actions, dramas, comedies, and family-friendly flicks, but one thing’s that’s never changed is his on-screen presence and his ability to deliver lines with as much punch as he did during his rapping career. In celebration of Cube’s upcoming project, here’s a ranked list of his best movie quotes.

22 Jump Street (2014)

Although Ice Cube didn’t have a major role in the outrageous, immature, and lol silly 21 Jump Street sequel, he absolutely nailed it as Captain Dickson with his second-to-none comedic timing.

Best Cube quote: “We Jump Street, and we ‘bout to jump in yo ass!”

Ride Along (2014)

There’s no denying the comedic chemistry between Ice Cube and Kevin Hart (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) in Tim Story’s action-comedy about a security guard who grapples to prove himself to his girlfriend’s police officer brother.

Best Cube quote: “You got a very interesting interrogation voice. Nice and screechy.”

Next Friday (2000)

In this follow-up to the cult classic stoner comedy Friday, Ice Cube’s Craig moves out of the hood to live with his Uncle Elroy and Cousin Day-Day in the suburbs. While it might not match the original, it definitely retains some of its affable charm.

Best Cube quote: “Fake-Ass Suge Knight!”

Three Kings (1999)

In David O. Russell’s dark comedy war film, Ice Cube starred as Chief Elgin alongside the likes of George Clooney (The Monuments Men) & Mark Wahlberg (All the Money in the World), following four US soldiers who embark on a gold heist that takes place in the aftermath of the Gulf War. It’s a gem of a film and a gem of a performance from Ice Cube.

Best Cube quotes:

Chief Elgin: I told you, Lexus don’t make a convertible.
Troy Barlow: I’ll bet you a Lexus they do.
Chief Elgin: Alright, but it won’t be a convertible.

21 Jump Street (2012)

Although the Cube’s Captain Dickson is in the original even less than he was in 22 Jump Street, that doesn’t mean he’s not ludicrously hilarious in the feature-length revival of the late-80s TV cop show. Check out the Cube quote and the delightful 21 & 22 Jump Street Captain Dickson compilation if you don’t believe us:

Best Cube quote: “You are here because you some Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus lookin’ motherfuckers.”

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Cube’s debut feature performance is easily one of his best. This coming-of-age drama follows the lives of three young males as they learn about life while coping with the struggles of the LA ghetto, dissecting questions of race, relationships, violence, and future prospects.

Best Cube quote:

Chris: “Fool, I wasn’t even talking to you. This is a A-B conversation, you know . . . you can ‘C’ your way out of it.”
Doughboy: “Yeah, you can ‘C’ your way out my ride, and we’ll ‘C’ your cripple ass walking all the way home.”

Barbershop (2002)

With a brilliant all-star cast and comedy that’s both charming and fun, Ice Cube ably provides the emotional core as Calvin Palmer in this story about a neighborhood barbershop and its assortment of interesting inhabitants. As such, the movie was praised for its accurate and heartwarming portrayal of the connections that take place between members of a community.

Best Cube quote: “Whoa! Terri, stop cussing. This ain’t Def Comedy Jam!”

Friday (1995)

As well as starring alongside Chris Tucker (Rush Hour), Ice Cube co-wrote Friday with DJ Pooh (The Wash). The film remains Ice Cube’s best and although Tucker leads the way, Cube truly holds his own in this crude yet punchy cult classic that walks the line with finesse between tragedy and comedy.

Best Cube quote: For most people, Friday’s just the day before the weekend. But after this Friday, the neighborhood’ll never be the same.