Ice Cube is speaking out about the fatal hit-and-run collision involving Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight.
Authorities say on January 29, Knight argued with two men then deliberately plowed into them with his truck near a promotional shoot for the upcoming Universal release “Straight Outta Compton.”
The collision occurred in Compton, California, near where Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and rapper The Game were shooting a promo for the film that same day.
“I got a phone call and heard that something happened at the set,” Cube told TheWrap in a sit-down Wednesday. “We wrapped for the day and were on our way home and got a phone call that ‘there was an incident.’ I just turned on TMZ, or some shit like everybody else.”
Terry Carter, 55, was killed in the collision and Cle “Bone” Sloan, 51, an actor and activist, suffered serious injuries.
Prosecutors charged Knight, 49, with murder and attempted murder in the case. On Thursday, a Los Angeles judge ruled there was enough evidence for the former rap mogul to stand trial.
Knight — who is facing life in prison — has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer previously said he was defending himself when the incident occurred.
When asked what he would tell Knight if he had the chance, Cube said, “I don’t know what I would say to him, but man ‘I hope you get out the situation you’re in.’”
Shortly after the collision, Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Knight had been involved in an argument when he attempted to visit the set of the promo shoot. The tensions reportedly spilled over into a parking lot at nearby Tam’s Burgers where the fatal collision occurred.
“Straight Outta Compton” is a biopic about the rise of N.W.A. The gangsta rap group was founded in Compton in the late ’80s with original members Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella and Arabian Prince. While popular, the group was known for eyebrow-raising singles such as “Fu*k tha Police.”
Cube, who has produced a string of films including the “Friday” franchise, “Ride Along” and “Straight Outta Compton,” said the N.W.A. biopic almost didn’t make it to the big screen.
“It was one of the hardest movies I ever had to get made,” he said. “But it’s a great thing to fight for your life in your movie, because it’s a movie about us, and it is our life on screen, and we are fighting to get the best thing we can on screen.”
“Straight Outta Compton” arrives in theaters on August 14.
Watch the video of Ice Cube‘s interview.