Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, is a well-known hip-hop artist, actor, and entrepreneur. Ice Cube has made an unmistakable imprint on popular culture, beginning with his early days as a pioneering rapper in the iconic group N.W.A. and continuing with his successful solo career and film producing projects. This article delves into Ice Cube Net Worth, early years, career highlights, personal life, controversies, and notable achievements.
Ice Cube Net Worth
| Nickname: | Ice Cube |
| Real Name: | O’Shea Jackson Sr. |
| Net Worth: | $160 million |
| Birthplace: | Los Angeles, California |
| Weight: | 88 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Spouse: | Kimberly Woodruff |
| Children: | O’Shea Jackson Jr., Deja, Darrell, Shareef, Karima Jackson |
| Girlfriend: | None |
| Date of Birth: | June 15, 1969 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 1.73 m |
| Profession: | Singer, Actor |
| Nationality: | American |
| Source of Wealth: | Music, Film |
| Education: | Taft Charter High School, Phoenix Institute of Technology |
| Father: | Hosea Jackson |
| Mother: | Doris Benjamin |
| Brother: | Clyde Ray Jackson, Pat Jackson |
| Sister: | Beverly Jean Brown |
Early Years
O’Shea Jackson Sr. was raised in a working-class home and acquired an interest in rap music at an early age. He attended William Howard Taft High School in Woodland Hills before transferring to George Washington Preparatory High School, where he became acquaintances with future N.W.A. members Dr. Dre and Eazy-E.
Career
Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson Sr., rose to notoriety in the late 1980s as a member of the rap trio C.I.A., which included Sir Jinx. During this period, he worked with Dr. Dre on tunes for the World Class Wreckin’ Cru and formed the duo Stereo Crew. C.I.A.’s 1987 release of the track “My Posse,” produced by Dr. Dre, marked Cube’s entrée into the growing gangsta rap movement.
Cube’s significant professional milestone occurred when he sold his debut song, “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” to Eazy-E, kicking off the foundation of N.W.A. Cube’s creative abilities greatly aided N.W.A’s debut album, “Straight Outta Compton,” which catapulted gangsta rap into the mainstream. However, disagreements over remuneration and management led to Cube’s resignation from the group in 1989, sparking a court fight with Jerry Heller, the N.W.A’s manager.
From 1989 until 1993, Ice Cube had a successful solo career, releasing praised albums including “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” “Death Certificate,” and “The Predator.” These albums tackled social and political topics, establishing Cube as a bold and perceptive songwriter. Despite controversy surrounding his lyrics, Cube’s albums were commercially successful and received critical praise.
1996-present
During the mid-1990s, Ice Cube expanded his career by acting and founding the Westside Connection alongside Mack 10 and WC. In 1996, the trio produced the platinum-selling album “Bow Down,” which celebrated West Coast pride while also opposing East Coast supremacy in hip hop.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ice Cube continued to make solo albums, collaborate with other musicians, and dabble in film production. Albums like as “War & Peace Vol. 1 & 2” included collaborations with Dr. Dre and MC Ren, while Cube’s membership with the Westside Connection lasted until 2005.
Ice Cube continued to work in music, cinema, and different commercial enterprises throughout the 2000s and beyond. He made albums like as “Laugh Now, Cry Later,” “Raw Footage,” and “I Am the West,” which demonstrate his ongoing impact in hip-hop. Cube’s involvement in supergroups such as Mt. Westmore cemented his reputation as a rap superstar.
His discography is made up of ten albums, including: “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990),” “Death Certificate (1991),” “The Predator (1992),” “Lethal Injection (1993),” “War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc) (1998),” “War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc) (2000),” “Laugh Now, Cry Later (2006),” “Raw Footage (2008),” “I Am the West (2010),” “Everythang’s Corrupt (2018).”
Acting
Ice Cube has had a successful acting career since 1991, featuring in approximately 40 films across all genres. Notable films include the action thriller “Trespass” (1992) and the war comedy “Three Kings” (1999), although he is best known for his appearances in comedies such as the “Friday” and “Barbershop” franchises.
Cube’s breakthrough came with John Singleton’s “Boyz n the Hood” (1991), in which he skillfully played the character Doughboy. He proceeded to broaden his roles, appearing in films such as “Higher Learning” (1995) and creating the script and acting in the comedy “Friday” (1995), which generated two sequels.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ice Cube demonstrated his acting flexibility by appearing in films such as “Dangerous Ground” (1997), “Anaconda” (1997), and “The Players Club” 1998. His performance in “Three Kings” (1999), starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, received critical acclaim.
Ice Cube stayed busy in the film industry, appearing in movies such as “Barbershop 2” (2004), “XXX: State of the Union” (2005), and “Are We There Yet?” (2005) and its sequel. He has also starred in comedies such as “Ride Along” (2014), its sequel, “22 Jump Street” (2014), and “Fist Fight” (2017).
Other ventures
In addition to his cinematic work, Ice Cube co-created the documentary series “Black. White.” (2005) and directed the ESPN documentary “Straight Outta L.A.” (2010), which examined the connection between Los Angeles sociopolitics, hip hop, and the Oakland Raiders football club.
Cube has dabbled in serial television with his series “Are We There Yet?” (2010), which aired on TBS and followed a family adjusting to new situations. He also appeared as a guest on the PBS children’s show “Sesame Street” in 2014.
Ice Cube’s talents to cinema and television have demonstrated his versatility as a performer and cemented his place as a major figure in popular culture.
He co-founded the Big3, a 3-on-3 basketball league, to demonstrate his business drive.
Controversies
Ice Cube’s hard-hitting gangsta rap tracks typically featured violent themes and reflected the political context of the time. He has also drawn criticism for his roles in controversial films such as “Birth of a Nation” and “Black and White.”
Awards and Achievements
Ice Cube has been recognized in both the film and music sectors, gaining awards and distinctions for his services.
Ice Cube was recognized at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors in 2006, the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2009, and the BET Honors in 2014. In 2024, Ice Cube received the coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to N.W.A. In 2016, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the N.W.A.
He received the Blockbuster Entertainment Award in 2000 for Favorite Action Team for his role in “Three Kings.” In addition, Ice Cube received the MECCA Movie Award for Acting in 2002.
His accomplishments transcend beyond the entertainment industry, as proven by his 2017 Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cube
1. Who is Ice Cube?
He is a renowned American rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur.
2. What did Ice Cube study before pursuing a career in rap?
Before his rap career, He studied architectural drafting. His educational background reflects his versatility and interests beyond music.
3. Which classic song did Ice Cube write for Eazy-E?
He wrote the iconic song “Boyz-n-the-Hood” for fellow rapper Eazy-E. The track became a defining moment in West Coast hip hop history.
4. How did Ice Cube contribute to Chris Tucker’s career?
He cast Chris Tucker in the hit comedy film “Friday” (1995), which significantly boosted Tucker’s career. The movie’s success showcased both their talents.
5. When did Ice Cube convert to Islam?
He converted to Islam during the early years of his career. His faith has been an essential part of his life and identity.
6. What is Ice Cube’s birth name?
He was born as O’Shea Jackson on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California.
7. Where was Ice Cube born?
He was born in Los Angeles, California, United States.
8. Is Ice Cube married?
Yes, He is married to Kimberly Woodruff, and they have been together since 1992.
9. What is Ice Cube’s height?
He stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).
10. What was Ice Cube’s breakout album?
His breakout album was “Straight Outta Compton” with the group N.W.A. Released in the late 1980s, it was a groundbreaking gangsta rap album that achieved platinum status despite its controversial content.
11. How did Ice Cube get his stage name?
His older brother playfully threatened to throw him in the freezer and pull him out when he was an “ice cube”. He decided to use this name, and it stuck.
12. What tragic event shaped Ice Cube’s life?
When he was just 12 years old, Ice Cube’s half-sister, Beverly Jean Brown, was shot and killed by her husband. This loss profoundly impacted him and influenced his music and films.
13. What movies has Ice Cube starred in?
He has appeared in numerous films, including “Boyz n the Hood,” “Friday,” “Barbershop,” “Ride Along,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Are We There Yet?”
14. How many children does Ice Cube have?
He has five children with his wife Kimberly.
15. What is Ice Cube’s net worth?
Ice Cube’s net worth is estimated to be $160 million.
Wrap Up
Ice Cube’s transition from gangster rap to Hollywood displays adaptability, impact, and tenacity.
His influence transcends music, and his narrative is one of victory, sorrow, and cultural significance.
His legacy continues to influence the entertainment industry, making him a lasting figure.
Leave a Reply