Why TV Icon Mr. Rogers Sued Ice Cube Back In The '90s
Fred Rogers is so universally beloved that it's hard to believe he'd have beef with anyone, but even the greatest of heroes have their issues with others. This was confirmed recently thanks to Ice Cube, who revealed that he was sued by the host of Mister Rogers Neighborhood back in the '90s.
Ice Cube was on Instagram doing a digital listening party to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his solo album Amerikkka's Most Wanted when the information came out. According to the rapper turned actor, Mr. Rogers ended up suing him because a version of the theme song was sampled in the original release of "A Gangsta's Fairytale." Cube talked about the court case and shared some additional facts about the song:
If ever there was a reason to make a Straight Outta Compton and A Beaufitul Day In The Neighborhood crossover movie, this is certainly it. Obviously, it's understandable why Fred Rogers would be protective of his brand and not want it associated with a song as vulgar as "A Gangsta's Fairytale" is, but did he really have to take it to court?
For those that haven't heard the original version of "A Gangsta's Fairytale," the beginning features Sir Jinx singing the iconic Mister Rogers theme. Per an interview in Check The Technique Vol 2 (via Medium), Jinx shared a bit more about the section that was cut and how lucky anyone who has a cut of it is today:
Based on that math, Fred Rogers ended up walking away with $10,000 before the switch was made. He also may have just made someone a lot richer if they have this rare cut of the album, though who knows what the odds are that any of the original cuts are still in circulation today.
Classic episodes of Mister Rogers Neighborhood are available at PBS Kids. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for all the latest news happening in television and movies.
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Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.