Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson, is one of the most influential figures in entertainment, known for his groundbreaking contributions to rap music, acting, and filmmaking. As a founding member of N.W.A, Ice Cube helped shape the landscape of hip-hop with his powerful lyrics and unflinching commentary on social issues. Beyond music, he has built a successful career as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon.
Born on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, Ice Cube’s journey from the streets of South Central L.A. to global stardom is a story of resilience, talent, and vision.
This article explores Ice Cube’s life, covering his age, family, net worth, height, career milestones, and more.
Age and Early Life
As of 2024, Ice Cube is 55 years old. He was raised in a working-class family in South Central Los Angeles, an environment that greatly influenced his music and artistic voice. His mother, Doris Jackson, worked as a hospital clerk, while his father, Hosea Jackson, was a groundskeeper.
Ice Cube developed an interest in writing at a young age, often crafting rhymes during his school days. He attended Taft High School in Woodland Hills, where his talent for storytelling and rapping began to flourish. After high school, he studied architectural drafting at the Phoenix Institute of Technology, showcasing his diverse interests before fully committing to music.
Family
Ice Cube is a family man who values his personal life as much as his professional endeavors. He has been married to Kimberly Woodruff since 1992. The couple shares a strong bond and has four children: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell, Karima, and Shareef.
His eldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., has followed in his father’s footsteps, both as an actor and a rapper. O’Shea famously portrayed Ice Cube in the biographical film Straight Outta Compton (2015), earning critical acclaim for his performance.
Height and Physical Features
Ice Cube stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs approximately 194 pounds (88 kg). Known for his commanding presence, Ice Cube’s intense gaze and signature scowl have become iconic, both on stage and in his acting roles.
Despite his tough persona, he has a charismatic and approachable demeanor that resonates with fans worldwide.
Career Milestones
Music Career
Ice Cube began his music career in the mid-1980s as a member of the rap group C.I.A. He later joined forces with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E to form N.W.A, one of the most influential hip-hop groups in history.
- With N.W.A: Ice Cube wrote the majority of the lyrics for the group’s seminal album Straight Outta Compton (1988), which addressed themes of police brutality, racial inequality, and urban struggles.
- Solo Career: After leaving N.W.A in 1989 due to financial disputes, Ice Cube launched a successful solo career. His debut album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990), was a critical and commercial success, blending political commentary with hard-hitting beats. Other notable albums include Death Certificate (1991) and The Predator (1992).
Acting Career
Ice Cube made his acting debut in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, directed by John Singleton. His portrayal of Doughboy showcased his natural acting talent and opened the door to more opportunities in Hollywood.
Notable acting credits include:
- Friday (1995): A comedy classic that he co-wrote and starred in, which has spawned several sequels.
- Barbershop (2002): A heartwarming comedy that highlighted Ice Cube’s versatility as an actor.
- 21 Jump Street (2012): A comedic role that earned him widespread praise.
- Ride Along (2014): A buddy-cop film series co-starring Kevin Hart.
Filmmaking and Producing
Ice Cube is also a prolific producer and screenwriter. His production company, Cube Vision, has been behind successful projects such as the Friday and Barbershop franchises. Additionally, he produced the biographical film Straight Outta Compton, which chronicled the rise of N.W.A.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Ice Cube’s estimated net worth is $180 million. His wealth comes from various sources:
- Music royalties and album sales.
- Acting roles and film production.
- Business ventures, including partnerships and endorsements.
One of his notable ventures is the creation of the BIG3 basketball league, a professional league featuring retired NBA players. This innovative project has further cemented his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Ice Cube is actively involved in philanthropy and social advocacy. He has donated to numerous causes, including youth education programs, community development initiatives, and disaster relief efforts.
Through his music and films, Ice Cube continues to shed light on issues such as racial injustice and economic inequality, using his platform to inspire change.
Personal Life
Despite his public persona as a hardcore rapper and actor, Ice Cube is known for being a dedicated family man. He often speaks about the importance of maintaining a strong work-life balance and credits his wife and children for keeping him grounded.
In interviews, Ice Cube has expressed his love for basketball, writing, and spending time with his family. He also remains deeply connected to his roots, frequently referencing his upbringing and cultural heritage in his work.
Lesser-Known Facts About Ice Cube
- Nickname Origin: Ice Cube’s older brother gave him the nickname, joking that he needed to “cool off” his attitude.
- Architectural Aspirations: Before pursuing music full-time, Ice Cube considered a career in architecture.
- Early Entrepreneur: In addition to his BIG3 basketball league, Ice Cube has launched a clothing line and ventured into the cannabis industry.
- Writing Skills: Ice Cube wrote Eazy-E’s hit Boyz-n-the-Hood, showcasing his lyrical prowess.
- Voice Work: He lent his voice to animated projects, including the character of Franklin in The Book of Life (2014).
Style and Influence
Ice Cube’s influence extends beyond music and film. His signature style—often featuring black T-shirts, khakis, and a Raiders cap—has become synonymous with West Coast hip-hop culture.
As a cultural icon, Ice Cube has inspired countless artists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs, proving that hard work and authenticity can lead to enduring success.
Upcoming Projects
Fans can look forward to several upcoming projects from Ice Cube, including:
- New music, which he has teased in recent interviews.
- Expanding the BIG3 basketball league to international markets.
- Collaborations in film and television production, including a potential reboot of the Friday series.
Legacy
Ice Cube’s legacy as a trailblazer in hip-hop, Hollywood, and business is undeniable. He has successfully navigated the challenges of the entertainment industry while staying true to his roots and values.
As a rapper, he broke barriers with his unapologetic lyrics and storytelling. As an actor and filmmaker, he has entertained and inspired audiences worldwide. Beyond his creative achievements, Ice Cube’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social causes continue to make a lasting impact.
Conclusion
Ice Cube’s journey from South Central Los Angeles to global stardom is a story of resilience, innovation, and vision. His contributions to music, film, and culture have earned him a place among the most influential figures of his generation.
As he continues to break new ground, Ice Cube remains a symbol of authenticity and determination, inspiring millions to pursue their dreams and make their voices heard.