I remember when AMERIKKKA'S MOST WANTED came out, ROLLING STONE did a story on Cube which said that Cube committed a few minor crimes (breaking in cars, etc.) but was never a gangbanger. Cube acknowledged this, saying "I never figured there'd be any money in that shit." He also told THE SOURCE (in '98): "people would have to be stupid to think that rappers could actually do all the things they say they did (shootings, killings, etc.) and still have a career. I ain't sayin' I did that shit, 'cause I didn't. But who do?" Take that as you will.
I suspect that much of his lyrical work was based on stories told to him by others (which is not a diss to Cube--it's cool, because AMW, KILL AT WILL, DEATH CERTIFICATE and THE PREDATOR are still classics even today).
PEACE!