Selena Gomez recently surprised fans by revealing a lesser-known detail about her early years: as a child, she had a major crush on iconic rapper and actor Ice Cube. During a candid appearance on Complex’s “GOAT Talk” with Colombian superstar Karol G, Gomez shared personal stories about her musical influences and the celebrities she admired growing up.
Appearing on “GOAT Talk,” Selena Gomez reminisced about the musicians who shaped her youth. While discussing her admiration for Eminem—a staple in her household thanks to her DJ father—she dropped an unexpected confession. “Can I tell you my first one I had a crush on, Ice Cube?” Gomez said with a laugh. “I had the biggest crush on him when I was, like, 5. It’s so weird, but I just thought he would protect me. I’m only saying it simply based on my childhood” (as quoted on The Jasmine Brand).
Gomez didn’t specify if her affections stemmed from Ice Cube’s music or his presence in classic ’90s films like "Boyz N the Hood" and "Friday." What’s clear is that she associated his persona with safety and strength, a whimsical but relatable feeling for a child admires a larger-than-life figure.
Gomez also expressed admiration for Eminem, explaining how music was a central figure in her early life. Her father’s work as a DJ exposed her to a range of artists, but Eminem stood out. “One of mine was Eminem only because I grew up listening to him. My dad was a DJ and he would remix all kinds of songs, and every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited,” she recounted during the show.
These revelations underscore how the entertainers in Gomez’s life—from hip-hop legends like Ice Cube and Eminem to the music her father played—shaped her perspective and ignited her own passion for entertainment. For more on Gomez’s relationship with music and artists who have inspired her, Complex’s clip from the “GOAT Talk” episode offers a full look at the conversation.
Co-host Karol G chimed in with her own celebrity inspirations, naming Eminem as her GOAT rapper while nodding to contemporary star Nicki Minaj as her choice for today’s era. The conversation between Gomez and Karol G highlights how personal experiences and familial connections influence musical taste and admiration for public figures.
Gomez’s youthful crush on Ice Cube paints a playful contrast with her current life. She is now engaged to producer and songwriter Benny Blanco. The couple recently collaborated on a 26-track project, “I Said I Love You First… And You Said It Back,” featuring high-profile artists like Gracie Abrams, GloRilla, J Balvin, and The Marias. Their partnership has become a talking point across entertainment outlets this year, as seen on Billboard’s coverage of their new music.
Selena’s revelation about Ice Cube has sparked conversations across social media, with fans both surprised and delighted by her childhood confession. Clips from the "GOAT Talk" segment have circulated on platforms like Instagram, with many noting how endearing and relatable Gomez’s story is. If you missed the episode, The Jasmine Brand’s Instagram post offers fans a chance to join the discussion.
Ice Cube’s influence clearly bridges generations, reaching fans like Gomez who discovered his work decades after his rise to fame. Whether through music or film, his tough persona resonated deeply—even for a child looking for a figure of protection and coolness.
As Selena Gomez continues to share honest, down-to-earth moments from her life, her relatability and openness keep endearing her to millions. For more insights into her early crushes and how they shaped her artistry, watch the full “GOAT Talk” interview and follow updates on leading music news platforms.
Learn more about Selena Gomez and her evolving career on her official Billboard artist page. For further coverage on music icons like Ice Cube and current events in entertainment, visit Billboard’s main site and Complex.
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