Ivy Caldwell
Ice Cube and O’Shea Jackson Jr. turned up the heat with their responses to a music critic on X. The father-son duo didn’t hold back as they challenged Dejon Paul regarding his claim that Cube has not sufficiently supported emerging Los Angeles rappers. The comment section was lively as fans enjoyed watching Cube and O’Shea defend their positions while Paul maintained his original argument.
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Music Critic Questions Ice Cube’s Impact on the L.A. Rap Scene, O’Shea Responds
Dejon Paul, a music critic known for his work with Complex, recently conducted an interview with Ralfy The Plug that sparked comments about Drakeo The Ruler’s influence and his potential sales against Az Chike if he had the support of a major label. O’Shea reacted to an X post that quoted this interview, criticizing the phrasing used.
“What’s the purpose of trying to tear down Az Chike? Why not discuss how much bigger Drakeo could have been with the backing of a major label?” O’Shea stated.
In his reply, Dejon Paul dragged Ice Cube into the debate, questioning his recent contributions to the rap scene since his prime. He wrote:
“No one is attempting to tear down AzChike. I said LA rap needs another innovator like Drakeo, and his fans claimed he couldn’t outsell Chike. More crucially, why hasn’t your father @IceCube, with all his wealth and resources, signed or developed any new LA rappers in this decade or the last?”
No one is tearing AzChike down, I said LA rap needs another game changer like Drakeo and his fans said he couldn’t outsell Chike. More importantly, why hasn’t your father @IceCube w/ all his multi-millions and resources signed or developed any new LA rappers this decade or last? https://t.co/IR3g813Rrw
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
After a user on X responded to Dejon by saying, “Because he doesn’t have to,” the critic intensified his critique of Ice Cube and O’Shea Jackson Jr. “Just like I don’t have to shape
my interview questions based on how Ice Cube’s son feels. I can ask whatever I choose just like Cube can overlook these new LA rappers and do nothing for them,” Paul countered.
Just like I don’t have to base
my interview questions off how Ice Cube’s son feels. I can ask whatever the fuck I want to ask just like Cube can ignore these new LA rappers and do absolutely nothing for them.— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
In response to another comment, Dejon Paul referenced Jay-Z and his success in nurturing East Coast artists while still managing his career with Roc Nation.
Jay Z has several businesses but Roc Nation has still signed and developed east coast rappers over the past decade or so.
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
Dejon Paul and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Continue Their Heated Exchange
Both O’Shea and Dejon Paul remained engaged after the previous exchange. Jackson Jr. returned to emphasize the numerous opportunities his father has provided to others in the entertainment industry, spanning both film and sports.
“My father has provided opportunities throughout his ENTIRE CAREER. For 40 years. In music and film, and now in sports with THE BIG 3. But that’s still not enough, is it? Just because he hasn’t invested in an artist in 15 years, you blame him. Right?” O’Shea responded to Dejon.
Dejon stood firm in his reply to O’Shea, arguing that new L.A. rappers require support from established artists. He included Snoop Dogg in the conversation, stating, “No, it’s not enough! These new LA rappers need help, and OGs like Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg keep dropping their mediocre music instead of signing and nurturing the next generation of LA rap and financially backing them. Yet your father has no issue releasing this trash.”
In subsequent tweets, the music critic claimed that other LA artists, including the late Nipsey Hussle, have also criticized veteran West Coast rappers for failing to support emerging talent. He urged Ice Cube to engage directly, rather than letting his “hatchling” speak for him.
Glasses Malone, Nipsey, K-Boy and others have publicly called out Ice Cube and the West Coast OGs for gatekeeping and not supporting new LA rappers since the late 2000s. This is part of the New West Movement. I’m not saying anything new! Do your research.
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
I’m not trying to argue with Ice Cube’s daughter about LA rap. Tell Cube to contact me! I engage with the main players, not their offspring. I had a back-and-forth with Snoop Dogg this year, not his children.
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
Meanwhile, O’Shea offered Dejon some guidance on how to approach the topic and reminded the critic that Ice Cube is an independent artist without major label affiliations at the moment.
“Here’s another way to frame it. ‘You know fans are always comparing; we weren’t trying to tear down Chike, just discussing a topic from our fans. By the way, is there a reason pops hasn’t signed any new artists?’ Instead of ‘why doesn’t he help when he has all that?’” O’Shea Jackson Jr. wrote, to which Dejon Paul replied, “I don’t speak like that. I’m not a nice person.”
Here’s another way to frame it.
“You know fans are always comparing; we weren’t trying to tear down Chike, just discussing a topic from our fans.
By the way, is there a reason pops hasn’t signed any new artists?”
Instead of “why doesn’t he help when he has all that”
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) October 5, 2026
In a separate tweet, Dejon Paul made it clear that he has no intention of modifying his interview style or questions, regardless of what anyone says.
I don’t care what anyone says. I’m not changing my opinion. I’m going to continue asking rappers whatever I want during my interviews. And there’s nothing anyone can do but complain. End of story.
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
Ice Cube Joins the Conversation, Critic Makes Sharp Remarks
Eventually, Ice Cube joined the discussion, responding directly to Dejon’s tagged tweet. In a concise statement, Cube outlined his professional commitments and the limitations on his ability to develop new artists.
“I’m an independent artist who is neither retired nor semi-retired. I write, produce, and perform my own music. I also write, produce, direct, and star in movies, including soundtracks. I produce television as well. I co-founded and serve as CEO of my own professional basketball league, the BIG3. It’s unreasonable to expect any artist signed to me to receive the attention they require to succeed. People like you will always criticize me for not utilizing my talents and resources as you see fit. Mind your own business, because the first time something I produce is deemed ‘wack,’ you’d be asking everyone, ‘Why is this old guy Cube involved?’ Stop trying to stir trouble in L.A. and move on.”
The critic dismissed Cube’s explanation, labeling it as “excuses” and accusing him of gatekeeping.
“Excuses! You don’t want to see the new generation of LA rappers succeed, and neither does Snoop Dogg. Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, and Birdman are actively promoting new Southern rappers, yet our West Coast OGs have justifications. You could easily hire someone to manage your label since you’re so busy,” Dejon Paul wrote.
Excuses! You don’t want to see the new generation of LA rappers shine, neither does Snoop Dogg. Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, and Birdman are putting new Southern rappers on, but our west coast OG’s have excuses. You can easily hire people to run your record label since you’re so busy. https://t.co/FdutWXCsoj
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 5, 2026
Following this, Dejon launched further critiques at Ice Cube, even claiming to have witnessed the rapper abandon his own brother in a tough situation. Cube responded to a post from Paul that was shared in response to O’Shea, stating, “I’ve sold more records than your stuff. When do you release yours?” To which Paul referred to himself as a journalist and labeled Ice Cube a “studio gangsta,” who “talks tough but is a coward.”
Paul also claimed that Cube had been knocked out and robbed. “You pretended to be a hardcore gangster to sell records. Stop lying,” Paul tweeted. Cube replied, “A journalist???? You’re just a puppet for the mainstream. A fan trying to make a name for yourself. If I’m a coward, I challenge you to take my chain.” Paul shot back with a comment about Cube’s weight.
Now I know you’re not calling anyone fat. You’ve been overweight since the ’80s. And don’t make me call Solo to knock you out again. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/PXpmxD83eI pic.twitter.com/zgRKU7q4g0
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 6, 2026
Ice Cube also responded to Dejon Paul’s tweets referencing Nipsey Hussle, K-Boy, and Glasses Malone.
“So what? That doesn’t mean it’s true. All these artists were already collaborating with others. I don’t gatekeep. I don’t have to. I’m not afraid of anyone’s talent. Stop discussing others and focus on your own issues.”
In response, the critic misgendered O’Shea Jackson Jr. and told Cube to instruct his son to leave him alone.
My issue is your cowardly daughter tweeted about my interview at ComplexCon without realizing that Drakeo and AzChike had a rap feud, making my question to Ralfy entirely relevant. Tell your daughter to do her homework before commenting on me or LA rap. 😤 https://t.co/wQxTFFykia
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 6, 2026
Dejon continued to reply when Ice Cube reshared a post, accusing the critic of being a fan with a failing rap career.
You’re not as clever as you think, old man! I didn’t rap on or produce any of these tracks. I wasn’t even in the studio when they were created. I received $20,000 to attach my name to a compilation and evaluate each artist’s performance. Clearly, my opinion holds significant weight. Easy money! 🏆💰 https://t.co/VQoFTQ9HBW
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 6, 2026
Cube and the critic also engaged in a heated exchange about threats and physical confrontations. The rapper repeatedly called Dejon a “coward.” In another tweet, Cube made it clear that he would never consider mentoring Dejon Paul.
I’m the only person in LA hip-hop media we’ve seen throw hands. Everyone else just talks! And how am I a coward when your friend knocked you out and stole your chain and watch, and you did nothing? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/072LCLxBXN
— Dejon Paul 🏁🏆 (@dejonpaul_) October 6, 2026
Just as I said. A fan. I would never mentor you, boy! Never! Leave!
— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 6, 2026
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What Are Your Thoughts, Roomies?
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