Ahead of Game 2 in the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, the crowd at Dodger Stadium was treated to a pregame musical performance from Ice Cube.
Ice Cube is an L.A. rap icon, best known for his work with the hip-hop supergroup NWA and transitioning into a very successful solo career. NWA was a leading trailblazer in the genre and left an enormous impact on West Coast hip-hop.
Looking for a 2-0 series lead, the Dodgers called upon Ice Cube to get the stadium’s blood pumping before first pitch. He was up to the challenge, walking out from center field while performing “Bow Down” and the iconic “It Was a Good Day.”
I’ve always wanted to rock Dodgers Stadium. Dream come true. pic.twitter.com/7urK2JDhKj
— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 28, 2024
A well-known LA sports fan, Ice Cube described the opportunity to perform at Dodger Stadium a “dream come true.”
Included in his performance were tributes to Fernando Valenzuela and Kobe Bryant, a couple of L.A. sports legends with deep ties to the city and its people.
The mini concert was part of MLB looking to draw greater attention to this year’s World Series. It continued with Fat Joe performing at Yankee Stadium before Game 3, but his concert was widely received as lacking compared to that of his counterpart.
Ice Cube’s set list for Dodger Stadium concert
Released by Westside Connection 1996, a group featuring Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC, “Bow Down” was the second track on the album of the same name.
The diss track was released during a time where West Coast and East Coast hip-hop were at odds, with L.A. and New York at the forefront. All in all, it was certainly a very fitting song given the situation.
He closed it out with “It Was a Good Day” to finish on an uplifting note. The classic song paints a picture of an idyllic Southern California day, and a Dodgers victory would be the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was among those who sang along during the performance.
With Ice Cube speaking it into existence, Alex Vesia escaped a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 4-2 Dodgers’ victory.
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