've been blocked lately. So, in order to keep my mind nimble and my webpage active, I will now answer questions intended for the rapper Ice Cube in this week's Times Magazine Q&A, "That's a (W)rap!"

You've been touring with your band, Westside Connection, which is putting out its first album in seven years. Do you like the road?

I have no idea what you are talking about.

Can you alternate between making music and acting?

Yes. In fact, I can do both at once. In the 1992 Highland Park production of "Grease," I played Jan, the goofy Pink Lady obsessed with Twinkies.

Do you carry around a notebook to jot down ideas?

I have several spiral notebooks that litter the apartment like hair scrunchies, but I often forget them at home. As a result, my purse is filled with crumpled credit card receipts with notes scribbled on the back. I once took notes on a series of blank checks.

Which makes you happier, making music or movies?

Tough question. What do you prefer?

Which industry are you more comfortable with as a businessman?

Oh, I get it. You ask all the questions. Fine, little girl. I'll play your game.

Crossing over from musician to movie star has been much easier for rap artists than rock artists. Why is that?

Maybe because the roles offerred to rappers reflect their persona - i.e., Eminem as a rapper in 8 Mile or Ice Cube as a neighborhood tough in Boyz n the Hood. It's not such a perceived "stretch." Whereas rock stars rarely play rock stars, which is an even more surprising trend. Hollywood casts actors to sing and play instruments in films like Almost Famous and Velvet Goldmine, but casts Jon Bon Jovi and Mick Jagger and Madonna as regular people. That's messed up.

Is Hollywood more receptive to black movies now?

Two words: Brown Sugar.

Are you shying away from humor that could be misconstrued in ''Barbershop 2''?

Yes. You caught me. That's exactly what I'm doing.

Did your mom take you to the barbershop when you were a kid?

No, my mom cut my hair until I was 18. Then, for about three years, I went to a barbershop in Austin that cost $3.99. In my junior year of college, I dated this kinda-snobby guy who encouraged me to go to a real salon. The kind with wine and tiger-print smocks. As the stylist was washing my hair, he started massaging my head, and I absolutely panicked, thinking this guy was hitting on me. He kept talking in a low, throaty voice and complimenting my eyes. Later, I just realized he was gunning for a tip.

Does anyone ever confuse you with the actor and rapper Ice-T?

You know it, babe.