A highlight of a festival that was jam packed with energetic performances, a bustling Hip-Hop Food Court, and notable events, including LL COOL J receiving the key to the city, Cube's catalog was on full display throughout his set. Longtime friend and Westside Connection collaborator, WC joined him on stage.
"Can he still get on the mic and do what we like?" Cube sarcastically questioned at point during his set, looking over at WC. "I mean, the nigga might be a little too movie'd out. Or, he might be doing too many of them dumb ass beer commercials, or he's too into basketball, he ain't into rapping no more."
He paused, letting the crowd react. "I knew what you were thinking. But let me tell you something, when I say I started this gangsta shit, I wasn't lying..." he announced, referencing his forever jam with Dr. Dre and MC Ren, "Hello," before seamlessly moving into the head-bobbing classic, "Check Yo Self," from The Predator.
Cube also performed N.W.A hits like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Fuck The Police" and of course, more of his own material including the club-bouncy "You Can Do It," as well as favorites like "It Was A Good Day," "Jackin’ For Beats," "Steady Mobbin'," and the best diss song in Hip-Hop history aka "No Vaseline," which found a new generation of ears after its prominent feature in F. Gary Gray's 2015 N.W.A biopic, Straight Outta Compton.
Cube joined a stacked line-up of artists who rocked Forest Hills Stadium, honoring the first time the Rock The Bells Festival was held in Queens, NY (LL COOL J's hometown).
