On January 12, 2000, New line Cinema released Next Friday, the follow-up to the cult classic Friday. Ice Cube, John Witherspoon, and Tommy Lister Jr. returned to their roles, but Cube's Friday co-star Chris Tucker was absent for the sequel. Mike Epps took over the co-starring role, playing Craig's cousin Day-Day. The Lady of Rage, Clifton Powell, Michael Blackson, and Sticky Fingaz also made appearances.
Next Friday was Ice Cube's first film produced under his Cubevision production company and was directed by Steve Carr. The film follows the late Tommy Lister's character Deebo's prison break which results in Craig relocating to Rancho Cucamonga to live with his Uncle Elroy (DC Curry) and cousin Day-Day. Through a series of comical happenings, Craig learns that trouble can occur no matter where you reside.