Ice Cube 'Ain't Gonna Shed No Tears' Over Jerry Heller's Death

Jerry Heller’s family says he would have wanted the surviving members of N.W.A at his funeral, but they probably shouldn’t expect an appearance by Ice Cube.

The rapper-slash-actor told Detroit’s 107.5 over the weekend that he had “no emotions” regarding the passing of Heller, who managed N.W.A for four years, on Saturday.

“I didn’t have no emotions,” Cube said during the interview. “I’m glad I’m with DJ Yella, I’m glad I’m with MC Ren today, it’s only right. “I ain’t gonna pop no champagne but I ain’t gonna shed no tears either. It is what it is … He’s outta here. I’m not losing no sleep over Heller.”

Also Read: Jerry Heller, Former NWA Manager, Dies at 75

In an interview with TMZ published on Wednesday, Heller’s nephew, Terry, said he hoped Cube, Dr. Dre and the rest of the hip-hop group would attend his uncle’s funeral, and that he died listening to N.W.A’s music.

Heller, who was memorably played by Paul Giamatti in last summer’s N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton” — suffered a medical emergency while driving in Ventura County, California, and collided with another car.

After working with acts such as Elton John, Pink Floyd, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Marvin Gaye, The Who and Black Sabbath, he teamed with Compton-based rapper Eazy-E to found Ruthless Records in 1987. The label helped boost the West Coast rap scene to worldwide prominence and released six platinum-selling records in three years.

Also Read: Jerry Heller Sues Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Others for $110 Million Over 'Straight Outta Compton' Portrayal

Heller also spent four years managing N.W.A, the controversial and influential gangsta rap group featuring Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella and MC Ren.

Ice Cube quit the supergroup in 1989 in the midst of a disagreement with Heller about royalties. Two years later, Dr. Dre had his own dispute with Heller and left Ruthless to form rival hip-hop label Death Row with Marion “Suge” Knight.

Last October, Heller filed a $110 million defamation suit against Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, NBCUniversal and others, disputing his portrayal in “Straight Outta Compton” as a “sleazy manager” who was “solely responsible for the demise of N.W.A,” according to his suit.

See Cube’s interview below.

'Straight Outta Compton' and 9 Other Hip-Hop Movies That Were Ballers at the Box Office (Photos)

"Straight Outta Compton" (2015)
The biopic about the rise and fall of N.W.A blazed into box-office history with a $60.2 million debut, the biggest opening ever for an R-rated film in August.
Universal
"8 Mile" (2002)
The drama, about a struggling young rapper (Eminem), made $116.8 million domestically at the box office. With a budget of $41 million, this hip-hop movie was a big baller for Universal.
Universal
"Notorious" (2009)
Chronicling the life and death of rap icon Notorious B.I.G., the film had a budget of $20 million and made $36.8 million domestically. It starred Jamal Woolard and Derek Luke.
20th Century Fox
"Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2005)
50 Cent starred in this semi-autobiographical drama about a drug dealer who turns away from crime to pursue a career in rap. It made $30 million domestically off a $40 million budget.
Paramount Pictures
"Brown Sugar" (2002)
This movie about a magazine editor who falls in love with a hip-hop record exec starred Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan and Mos Def. It made $27.3 million off a budget of $8 million.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Bulworth" (1998)
Warren Beatty directs and stars in this drama about a politician who decides to start speaking the truth and using rap music to get his point across. Isaiah Washington and Halle Berry co-starred in the film, which made $26.5 million at the domestic box office. However, it had a $30 million budget.
20th Century Fox
"Hustle & Flow" (2005)
Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning and Taraji P. Henson star in the Oscar-winning film about a Memphis pimp who strives to become a successful hip-hop MC. It made $22.2 million domestically on a $2.8 million budget.
Paramount Classics
"CB4" (1993)
Chris Rock co-wrote and starred in this "mockumentary" about the rise to fame of MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson and Dead Mike, members of the rap group CB4. It grossed $17.9 million at the box office.
Universal
"Beat Street" (1984)
The movie centers around an aspiring DJ from the Bronx who tries to expose people to hip-hop. The film grossed $16.6 million at the domestic box office.
Orion Pictures
"Krush Groove" (1985)
The drama is based on the early days of Def Jam and follows Russell Walker as he manages up-and-coming acts, which included Run-D.M.C. It starred the real members of Run-D.M.C. and and the Fat Boys. It grossed about $11 million at the box office on a $3 million budget.
Warner Bros.