Ice Cube has revealed that he’s trapped in a hotel on Queensland’s Gold Coast as Tropical Cyclone Alfred prepares to bear down on the region.
The American rapper, who has concerts in Sydney and Melbourne this week, appeared on The Project on Wednesday night and revealed he’d been caught up in the incoming storm, which the region’s mayor described as the worst in 70 years.
The 55-year-old told the show’s hosts that he was feeling quite nonchalant about the impending natural disaster.
‘I’m staying clear of it. It is pretty cool. I haven’t been through a cyclone before. I can check this off my bucket list for sure’ he said.
Cube admitted he was close to the action but didn’t seem overly concerned.
‘You know, I’m right here on the beach. The beach looks like it is going to be in the lobby in a minute’ he joked.
Gigs lined up
Cube is due at gigs at Sydney’s ICC Theatre and at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl later this week.
The hosts questioned why Cube was on the Gold Coast and pointed out that the Anaconda reboot starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black is filming in the region.
Cube famously starred in the original film back in 1997, and was asked if he might be in Queensland filming a cameo.
Cube stayed coy, claiming, ‘I never saw them. I was just out doing some sightseeing and hanging out before my Sydney show.
‘I haven’t seen Jack Black or Paul Rudd around here. I don’t know what you are talking about!’
The US rap icon cut a casual cool figure last week while visiting a local Gold Coast café with his entourage.
The legendary songwriter, actor and film producer looked stylish in a black tee emblazoned with a Big Three logo and jeans.
Sold-out concerts
Despite being one of the most famous rappers in the world and accompanied by several bodyguards, his appearance went completely unnoticed by the public.
The performer, who was born O’Shea Jackson, appeared to be relishing his time in Australia’s Sunshine State before taking to the stage.
Ice Cube is in Australia to perform at two sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne on Friday, March 7 and Sunday, March 9.
Cyclone Alfred
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is tracking west towards Australia’s east coast.
The category two system is headed towards southeast Queensland’s coast and is expected to make landfall either late Thursday or early Friday morning, most likely between the Sunshine Coast and the GoldCoast.
A warning zone stretching 650km has been issued from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in northern NSW. The zone includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina, but doesn’t include Grafton.
‘People between Double Island Point and Grafton should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property,’ the Bureau said.
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Donna Gates says modelling now predicts the cyclone’s Stormfront could reach almost 150km inland, stretching as far west as Toowoomba and called it the ‘most significant’ event in 70 years.
In November the rapper-turned-actor opened up about his enduring marriage as he marked his 32ndanniversarywithwifeKimberlyWoodruff on Thanksgiving.
He shared the secret to their lasting bond during a recent episode of Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast.
‘We want to be [married]. You’ve got to want it,’ he said.
‘I don’t want nobody to have my woman. She’s mine. I’m hers.’
They share four children: sons O’Shea Jr., 34, Darrell, 31, and Shareef, 24, and daughter Kareema, 30.
The star emphasises their marriage works because they understand that not every day will be perfect.
‘Every day ain’t gonna be roses. You can’t expect that from your spouse,’ he explained.
‘It’s all about whether you’re a family or not. You gotta be willing to give and there’s gotta be someone you want to give that time, effort and love to.’
