Ice Cube takes his Act to TBS

Outside of rap music, Ice Cube proved that he was able to make it. In a matter of years, Cube was able to transform himself from an offensive rap figure into the most marketable hip hopper in history. Early in the 1990s, Cube proved that he was a great actor with his acclaimed role in Boyz n da Hood.

Following his performance in that film, Ice Cube began writing and other behind-the-scenes roles in major films. Finally, Cube was able to become PG with his Are We There, Yet? films. It has been since that time that Ice Cube has become "safe." He was considered one of the top black filmmakers.

However, Tyler Perry emerged the same year that Are We There, Yet came out. At a rapid pace, Perry adapted his popular plays into films. These films have become major hits within the black community. By himself, Perry had become what the black community wanted BET to be.

Tyler Perry's takeover was complete before the end of 2007, when he landed a multimillion dollar deal with cable network, TBS to begin broadcasting original sitcoms for the network. The sitcoms ended up bringing a full return to the investment that TBS made. More important than all of the rest, Tyler Perry has become one of the richest men in America because of the deal. While Ice Cube remains very happy for Perry, in the back of his mind, he knows that should be him in that position.

Instead of going on a smear campaign against Tyler Perry, Ice Cube has worked out a deal with TBS that is identical to the one that Perry struck four years ago. The first project in this new partnership will be the sitcom version of the hit films Are We There, Yet? and Are We Done, Yet? Stepping back, Cube will only guest star in the series with Terry Crews becoming the father. Essence Atkins will play the role of the mother and Cube will serve as the executive producer.

"Are We There, Yet?" will premiere on June 2, 2010 at 9:00 pm on TBS.