McNally Smith Honors Ice Cube

McNally Smith Honors Ice Cube

Legendary Rapper Ice Cube Visits McNally Smith College of Music for the Announcement of the 'Ice Cube Scholarship'; Says Making a Record With Prince Would Be His Ideal Collaboration

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, May 4th, influential hip-hop artist and actor Ice Cube visited the St. Paul campus of McNally Smith College of Music for the announcement of the "Ice Cube Scholarship" and a Q &A with current students.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060508/CGMFNS1 )

The "Ice Cube Scholarship" will be awarded annually to an outstanding McNally Smith student. McNally Smith College of Music, one of the nation's leading contemporary music schools, also has scholarships named for the rock band Queen, influential punk bass player Mike Watt and legendary diva Diana Ross.

A founding member of the controversial and pioneering rap group, N.W.A., Ice Cube (born O'Shea Jackson) is considered one of the most influential and iconic figures in the entertainment industry. Building his reputation from fearless raps on political and social topics, Ice Cube has gone on to sell more than 10 million albums as a solo artist while pursuing a successful acting career in films such as Boyz 'N' The 'Hood, Barbershop, xXx: State of the Union and Friday.

Currently on tour to promote his new album, Laugh Now, Cry Later, Ice Cube visited the school and, in addition to announcing the "Ice Cube Scholarship," took questions from current McNally Smith students. During the Q&A session Ice Cube shared how he battles writer's block, encouraged the students to follow their dreams and when asked who his dream collaborator would be, replied without hesitation that making a record with Prince has always been a dream of his.

"The opportunity to recognize Ice Cube's influence on contemporary music with a scholarship is very exciting," said Diane Kruger, Executive VP of McNally Smith "His passion and drive set an example for the next generation of musical innovators."

About McNally Smith College of Music

McNally Smith College of Music is the Midwest's leading center for higher education in the field of contemporary music. Featuring experienced faculty, industry standard facilities and uniquely personalized instruction, the college prepares students for success in the contemporary music industry by offering degrees in Music Performance, Recording Technology and Music Business. Founded by two guitar players, the accredited, St. Paul, Minnesota- based college will celebrate 20 years of facilitating musical and individual growth this fall. http://www.mcnallysmith.edu/ .

This release and photo are available for download from http://www.mcnallysmith.edu/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060508/CGMFNS1
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: McNally Smith College of Music

CONTACT: Steele Arundel of Haberman & Assoc., +1-612-338-3900,
steele@habermaninc.com , or Patrick Whalen of McNally Smith College of Music,
+1-651-325-2390, pwhalen@mcnallysmith.edu

Web site: http://www.mcnallysmith.edu/

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