Ice Cube: Family Man?

(Getty Images)

Ice Cube's latest flick, The Longshots, places former the former NWA rapper in the role of encouraging uncle who inspires his niece to go out for the football team.

Its quite a change for the bad-boy, who is known for 1988's F*** Tha Police and the marijuana induced Friday franchise. So what inspired this married father of four to make the jump to a family man film?

"Being in the industry for over twent years I've realized that my true fanbase have kids--just like me," he says. "And I needed to make a connection to the next generation and hopefully keep some continuity in these households and sustain my career."

Cube, 39, tells OK!, "At some point, every artist has to reach to the next generation and let them know what you're all about. This was the easiest way to do that."

He adds, cackling, "When they get older, they'll find my records!"

The Longshots hits theaters on Friday.

By Valerie Nome