On January 12, 2000, New line Cinema released Next Friday, the follow-up to the cult classic Friday. Ice Cube, John Witherspoon, and Tommy Lister Jr. returned to their roles, but Cube's Friday co-star Chris Tucker was absent for the sequel. Mike Epps took over the co-starring role, playing Craig's cousin Day-Day. The Lady of Rage, Clifton Powell, Michael Blackson, and Sticky Fingaz also made appearances.

Next Friday was Ice Cube's first film produced under his Cubevision production company and was directed by Steve Carr. The film follows the late Tommy Lister's character Deebo's prison break which results in Craig relocating to Rancho Cucamonga to live with his Uncle Elroy (DC Curry) and cousin Day-Day. Through a series of comical happenings, Craig learns that trouble can occur no matter where you reside.

Next Friday was a box office success, but not as much of a critical success as its predecessor. While the film missed the comedic rapport between Cube and Christ Tucker, Epps and Cube struck up their own rhythm, starring in another Friday film together as well as other projects like All About the Benjamins.

Next Friday grossed about $60 million at the box office, making it the most successful of the Friday trilogy of films. The film was also nominated for Best Comedic Performance at the 2000 MTV Movie Awards. Though critics slammed the film for "unfunny gags" and lack of plot, it remains a cult classic stoner film.

Ice Cube, NWA, Bizzy Bone, Pharoahe Monch, Aaliyah, Wyclef, Eminem, The Isley Brothers, and the Wu-Tang Clan contributed to the star-studded soundtrack which peaked at number 5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts and 19 on Billboard's Hot 200.