Ice Cube responds to the recent death of Jerry Heller.
In a new interview, Ice Cube commented on the recent death of Jerry Heller, the former N.W.A. manager who was suing the group for defamation due to his depiction in the biopic Straight outta Compton.
“I ain’t gonna pop no champagne, but I ain’t gonna shed no tears either,” the rapper told Detroit radio station Hot 107.5. “It is what it is. We come here to pass, and he’s outta here. Like I said, I’m not losing no sleep over that one.”
Heller, who died at 75 of a heart attack last Friday, was instrumental in helping Eazy-E found Ruthless Records in 1987 and managing NWA during their rise to popularity in the late 1980s. He had a falling out with Ice Cube in 1989 after the rapper left the group due to royalty disputes. Heller’s relationship similarly crumbled with Dr. Dre, but he remains close with Eazy-E until the rapper’s death in 1995.
Heller emerged into the spotlight again last year when he sued the producers of Straight Outta Compton for $110 million due to his portrayal in the film (Heller’s character was played by Paul Giamatti). Ice Cube, Dr Dre and other NWA members recently argued against the case, pointing out that the film is based on opinion.
“I didn’t have no emotions,” Ice Cube reflected. “I’m just glad I’m with my brothers today, I’m glad I’m with DJ Yella, I’m glad I’m with MC Ren today, it’s only right.”