Although naming Eminem as her favorite rapper, Selena Gomez reveals her first love was not the Rap God but another legendary figure

Singer, actress, and businesswoman Selena Gomez recently shared a surprising childhood secret during her appearance on a new episode of Complex’s GOAT Talk, released on Wednesday, June 25. The 32-year-old revealed that she harbored a significant crush on rapper and actor Ice Cube when she was just a child.

During a candid discussion with fellow singer Karol G, the two artists delved into their picks for their G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) rappers. This led to Gomez opening up about her early musical influences and surprising crush.

“One of mine was Eminem only because I grew up listening to him,” she said of the “Stan” rapper. “My dad was a DJ so he would remix all kinds of songs, and every time it was an Eminem song, I would just get so excited.” This insight offered a glimpse into her early exposure to the rap genre through her father’s work.

The beauty mogul and producer then dropped the unexpected revelation about her affection for Ice Cube. “Can I tell you my first one that I had a crush on, Ice Cube?” she asked, before confirming, “I had the biggest crush on him when I was, like, 5.”

Gomez elaborated on the unusual nature of her childhood infatuation, adding, “It’s so weird, but I just thought he would protect me.” She concluded by clarifying, “I’m only saying it simply based on my childhood,” emphasizing that her perception was rooted in her innocent, young mind.

Karol G, 34, couldn’t hide her surprise and delight at Gomez’s revelation, gushing about how much she loved the candid confession.

Meanwhile, the “BICHOTA” musician also shared her own rap favorites. Karol G revealed that while Eminem, 52, was her favorite childhood rapper, her current G.O.A.T. rapper is now Nicki Minaj. “The first rapper in my life that I was super obsessed with was Eminem, and then now, I think for me, Nicki Minaj,” she stated. “For me, one of the best.” It’s worth noting that Karol G and Nicki Minaj famously collaborated on their hit song “Tusa” in 2019.

This episode of Complex’s GOAT Talk provided fans with a fun and personal look into the musical tastes and surprising childhood memories of two global music stars.