Keke Palmer recently opened up about life-changing advice she received from Ice Cube during her teenage years, a lesson that didn’t immediately click but has since become a guiding principle in her life.
The multi-talented actress and singer appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast on Wednesday (November 20), where she reminisced about the impactful moment that took place on the set of their 2008 movie, The Long Shots.
Palmer described Ice Cube as “very cool and chill,” a man of few words who commanded respect through his quiet confidence. One day on set, she was told that Ice Cube wanted to speak with her privately, a request that left her both curious and nervous.
“I was 14 at the time,” she began. “They called me into a room, and there he was, with a couple of bodyguards nearby. He started by telling me: ‘Keke, you’re a beautiful young lady, and I see how kind you are to everyone here. But I want to give you some advice.’”
The legendary rapper and actor then delivered a heartfelt warning rooted in wisdom and experience. “He said, ‘As you grow into a young woman, people… especially men… may not always see you the way you see yourself. Protect yourself, be mindful, and don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Know your worth so no one can use it against you.’”
At the time, Palmer admitted she didn’t fully grasp the weight of his words. “I just said, ‘Okay,’ and walked out. But that advice stayed with me,” she shared. “Now, as an adult, I see the importance of what he was trying to tell me. Ice Cube, as a father and someone with deep experience in the industry, recognized something I couldn’t see yet. And I’m so grateful for that.”
Though Palmer hasn’t had the chance to reconnect with Ice Cube since that day, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’d love to tell him how much his words meant to me and thank him for looking out for me when I didn’t even know I needed it.”
