In light of the forthcoming biopic Straight Outta Compton, rapper / activist Ice Cube has announced a reunion of legendary Hip Hop collective N.W.A. for the first time in nearly 30 years during his set at the BET Experience music festival on June 27, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA.
Speaking with Rolling Stone Ice Cube announced, "We're gonna be there with Snoop, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q. It's just gonna be one of those 'I wish I were there in L.A. nights.' And we're gonna rock that shit, no problem."
The concert was initially billed as Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul. This announcement that N.W.A. will be reuniting at the show has got the hip hop world buzzing. Three out of the four surviving members, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC Ren, are all scheduled to appear at the once in a lifetime event. Although there is no official statement about whether the fourth surviving member, Dr. Dre, will attend, Ice Cube has hinted at his participation.
As far as what fans should expect to hear from N.W.A., Ice Cube promised, "I'm gonna bring out some of the old favorites," declining to name which specific songs he'll perform. "We're gonna bring back some memories up in there for sure."
To much excitement of N.W.A. fans, the reunion of the group doesn't stop once the concert ends. During the same interview with Rolling Stone, Ice Cube reveals the intentions of the team to work on producing new music in collaboration with the film. Of which Ice Cube explains, "..Our expectation level is so high, and if we meet our threshold, the world gets to hear what it is. If we don’t, we still need more time together to make it happen. It’s really some TLC, tender love and care, being put into these records. We’ll see what it is.”
The BET Experience will run from June 25-28 and also include concert events featuring a wide range of musicians including Bell Biv Devoe, Doug E. Fresh, Nicki Minaj, The Roots, Erykah Badu, NE-YO, Tinashe, Rae Sremmurd, Miguel, and Janelle Monae. There are also lots of non-musical events. Get the full details at BET.com.
Tickets for BET Experience at STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA, Jun 27, 2015 are now available.
