In a candid interview on the popular podcast “Juan EP is Life,” legendary rapper Ice Cube opened up about his past beef with fellow rapper Common. The conversation provided fans with an in-depth look at one of hip-hop’s most notable feuds and highlighted the evolution of both artists over the years.

The conflict between Ice Cube and Common dates back to the mid-1990s. At the time, Ice Cube was a well-established figure in the rap game, known for his hard-hitting lyrics and uncompromising style. Common, on the other hand, was an emerging artist from Chicago who was gaining recognition for his thought-provoking and socially conscious music.

The feud began when Common released his track “I Used to Love H.E.R.” in 1994. In the song, Common personifies hip-hop as a woman who has lost her way, critiquing the genre’s shift towards gangsta rap. Ice Cube, interpreting the lyrics as a direct attack on West Coast rap and his work with N.W.A, responded with a diss track titled “Westside Slaughterhouse.” The track included sharp criticisms of Common and defended the West Coast’s influence on hip-hop.

During the podcast, Ice Cube reflected on the beef, acknowledging that it stemmed from a misunderstanding and the competitive nature of the rap industry at the time. He explained that both he and Common were passionate about their craft and felt the need to defend their respective styles and regions. Cube admitted that he took Common’s lyrics personally and felt compelled to respond.

As the interview progressed, Ice Cube spoke about how the feud was eventually squashed. The turning point came when Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam intervened, inviting both rappers to a meeting to mediate the conflict. Cube recounted how the meeting helped them see eye-to-eye and understand each other’s perspectives, leading to mutual respect and reconciliation.

Ice Cube praised Common for his growth as an artist and his contributions to hip-hop and social activism. He also expressed gratitude for the experience, as it taught him valuable lessons about communication and the importance of unity within the hip-hop community.

The “Juan EP is Life” interview offered a rare glimpse into the minds of two influential artists and provided fans with a deeper understanding of a pivotal moment in hip-hop history. Ice Cube’s reflections on his beef with Common serve as a testament to the power of dialogue and the ability to move past conflicts for the greater good of the culture.