Los Angeles, CA - 

John Singleton’s unexpected death on Monday (April 29) left the film and music world in shock. As the tributes poured in on social media, one particular name was initially absent — Ice Cube.

However, several hours after the news of Singleton’s death started to circulate, the N.W.A legend took to Instagram to commemorate his late friend. As part of his tribute, he shared a throwback photo of himself with the celebrated director at the Cannes Film Festival.

In the caption, Cube credited the Boyz n the Hood mastermind for jumpstarting his movie career and making him the bona fide star he is today.

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“I was discovered by a master filmmaker by the name of John Singleton,” Cube wrote. “He not only made me a movie star but made me a filmmaker.

“There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor. He loved bring the black experience to the world. ..Us at Cannes ‘90.”

Cube wasn’t done there. He also retweeted Common’s sentiments and commented on how “we all love this brother.” He then shared the speech Singleton gave at Cube’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2017.

Boyz n the Hood was Cube’s inaugural movie role. He was cast as Darrin “Doughboy” Baker, a Crip gang member in the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles. The plot revolved around Doughboy’s friendships with his maternal half-brother Ricky and their mutual friend Chris.

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The iconic film earned Singleton an Oscar nomination for Best Director, marking the first time an African-American had ever been given the honor. At 24, he was also the youngest director to receive a nod in that particular category.

Singleton passed away after suffering a stroke inside his hospital room at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this month. He was 51.