Ice Cube: The Complete Guide to the Rapper and Actor
Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson Sr. on June 15, 1969, in South Central Los Angeles, is one of the most influential figures in hip‑hop and Hollywood. From his early days as a member of N.W.A. to blockbuster comedies like Friday and Barbershop, Cube has built a career that spans music, film, television, and business.
His journey from gangsta rap pioneer to mainstream actor and entrepreneur is marked by sharp social commentary, shrewd investments, and a relentless work ethic. As of 2025, his estimated net worth sits at roughly $160 million, according to multiple sources.
This article covers everything from his real name and family to his music discography, filmography, and the key events that shaped his legacy.
Who Is Ice Cube? Key Facts and Biography
O’Shea Jackson
June 15, 1969 (age 55–56 in 2025)
Rapper, songwriter, actor, film producer
Estimated $160–$180 million (2025)
Key Insights
- Ice Cube rose to fame as a member of N.W.A history, whose debut album Straight Outta Compton revolutionised gangsta rap.
- He transitioned into acting with a critically acclaimed debut in Boyz n the Hood (1991) and later starred in blockbuster comedies like Friday and Barbershop.
- His solo music career produced classic albums such as Death Certificate and The Predator, with the single It Was a Good Day becoming a cultural anthem.
- Ice Cube remains active as a performer, producer, and entrepreneur, with recent tours alongside Mount Westmore.
- Multiple revenue streams – music royalties, film earnings, producing, touring, endorsements, and the BIG3 basketball league – underpin his fortune.
- His son O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrayed him in the biopic Straight Outta Compton, continuing the family’s entertainment legacy.
Biography Fact Sheet
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | O’Shea Jackson Sr. |
| Born | June 15, 1969, South Central Los Angeles, California |
| Spouse | Kimberly Woodruff (m. 1992) |
| Children | Four, including O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell, Karima, Shareef |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Notable groups | N.W.A, Westside Connection, Mount Westmore |
| First feature film | Boyz n the Hood (1991) |
| Best‑selling album | The Predator (1992, 3× Platinum) |
| Years active | Mid‑1980s – present |
| Genres | Hip hop, gangsta rap, West Coast hip hop |
Ice Cube’s Family: Wife, Children, and Son
Ice Cube married Kimberly Woodruff on April 26, 1992, and the couple has been together ever since. Woodruff largely stays out of the public eye but has been a constant presence in Cube’s life.
The couple has four children: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Karima Jackson, and Shareef Jackson. One 2025 source mentions a fifth child, though the majority of records consistently report four. O’Shea Jackson Jr. gained fame by playing his father in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton.
Cube’s upbringing was working‑class: his father worked as a machinist and groundskeeper, his mother as a hospital clerk and custodian. His older brother gave him the stage name Ice Cube, referring to a cool, detached personality.
Ice Cube’s Music Career: Songs, Albums, and Legacy
Ice Cube began rapping in the group C.I.A. in 1984 before joining N.W.A. in 1986. The group’s debut album Straight Outta Compton (1988) changed rap forever, but financial disputes led Cube to leave in late 1989.
His solo debut AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990) was a critical and commercial success. He followed with Death Certificate (1991) and The Predator (1992), which became his best‑selling album at 3× Platinum.
The single “It Was a Good Day” remains his signature song – a vivid depiction of a perfect day in South Central Los Angeles. It continues to be a cultural touchstone in hip‑hop.
Notable Albums and Singles
- AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990)
- Death Certificate (1991)
- The Predator (1992) – includes “It Was a Good Day”
- Lethal Injection (1993)
- War & Peace Vol. 1 & 2 (1998, 2000)
- Mount Westmore (collaboration with Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, and E‑40, 2022)
Cube’s music often addresses police brutality, racism, and inner‑city life. His raw lyrics and storytelling helped define West Coast hip‑hop and influenced a generation of artists.
Ice Cube remains active in music. He tours with Mount Westmore and continues to release new material. For a deeper look at the genre, see our gangsta rap genre overview.
Ice Cube Movies: Complete Filmography and Acting Roles
Ice Cube made his feature film debut in John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood (1991), playing Doughboy. The role earned him praise and opened the door to Hollywood.
He co‑wrote and starred in the cult classic Friday (1995), launching a franchise. Other major hits include Barbershop (2002) and Are We There Yet? (2005). He also appeared in the action series xXx alongside Vin Diesel.
In 2015, he produced and cameoed in Straight Outta Compton, the biopic about N.W.A., where his son O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrayed him. Cube has also directed several projects, including The Players Club and All About the Benjamins.
Key Films
- Boyz n the Hood (1991)
- Friday (1995) – writer and star
- Barbershop (2002)
- xXx: State of the Union (2005)
- Are We There Yet? (2005)
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) – producer, cameo
- Last Friday (rumoured future instalment)
A full, official filmography directing credits is not publicly listed in the provided sources. While Cube is known to have directed The Players Club and All About the Benjamins, not every source agrees on his directing timeline.
Ice Cube Net Worth: How Much Is He Worth?
As of 2025, most sources place Ice Cube’s net worth at approximately $160 million. Estimates range from $140 million to $180 million, depending on the source and the valuation of his various assets.
His wealth stems from music royalties, film earnings, producing, touring, endorsements, and business ventures. He is the founder of the BIG3 professional 3‑on‑3 basketball league, which launched in 2017 and adds significant revenue.
Cube owns an extensive music catalogue and has invested in real estate over the years. While he is not a billionaire, his financial standing places him among the wealthiest rappers in the world.
Ice Cube Career Timeline
- 1969 – Born O’Shea Jackson in Los Angeles, CA
- 1986 – Co‑founds N.W.A; writes “Boyz‑n‑the‑Hood” for Eazy‑E
- 1988 – N.W.A releases Straight Outta Compton
- 1989 – Leaves N.W.A due to financial disputes
- 1990 – Releases debut solo album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted
- 1991 – Stars in Boyz n the Hood; debut film
- 1992 – Marries Kimberly Woodruff; album The Predator released
- 1995 – Releases Friday as co‑writer and star
- 2000 – Forms Westside Connection
- 2015 – Produces and appears in Straight Outta Compton biopic
- 2022–2025 – Tours with Mount Westmore; continues acting and producing
What Do We Know for Sure, and What’s Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born June 15, 1969 in Los Angeles, California | Net worth estimates vary between $140M and $180M |
| Real name O’Shea Jackson | Exact income from film producing and real estate investments is not public |
| Married to Kimberly Woodruff since 1992 | The meaning of ‘Ice Cube’ as a stage name – Cube stated it was given by his brother to emphasise a ‘cold’ demeanor, but exact origin is anecdotal |
| Has four children (consensus) | One 2025 source mentions a fifth child; not corroborated |
| Was a member of N.W.A | Full official discography and complete filmography directing credits are not fully compiled in one place |
The Context: Why Ice Cube Matters
Ice Cube is a seminal figure in hip‑hop and Hollywood. He started as a controversial voice in gangsta rap, addressing police brutality and systemic racism, then transitioned into family comedies without losing his edge.
His departure from N.W.A demonstrated his business acumen and artistic independence. The shift to acting broke racial stereotypes at a time when few rappers crossed over successfully. His son’s portrayal in Straight Outta Compton cements a multi‑generational entertainment legacy.
Sources and Selected Quotes
“It was a good day” – lyric representing a perfect day in South Central.
“I want to be able to do everything I want to do, and not be limited by one thing.” – Interview on his diverse career.
Key sources for this article include Wikipedia, IMDb, Spotify, Biography.com, Business Insider, and Rolling Stone.
Summary: Ice Cube in 2025
Ice Cube remains an active entertainer and entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $160 million. His music, films, and business ventures (including the BIG3 league) continue to generate income and cultural influence. For more on the group that launched him, read our N.W.A history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ice Cube
What is Ice Cube’s real name?
O’Shea Jackson.
How old is Ice Cube?
He was born June 15, 1969, making him 56 years old in 2025.
Is Ice Cube married?
Yes, he married Kimberly Woodruff in 1992.
How many children does Ice Cube have?
He has four children: O’Shea Jr., Darrell, Karima, and Shareef.
What was Ice Cube’s first movie?
His first feature film was Boyz n the Hood (1991).
What is Ice Cube’s most popular song?
“It Was a Good Day” (1992) is often cited as his signature song.
Is Ice Cube still making music?
Yes, he continues to perform and release music, including with the group Mount Westmore.
What does ‘Ice Cube’ the name mean?
The stage name was given by his older brother, referencing his cool and detached demeanour. It is unrelated to the frozen water cube.
How tall is Ice Cube?
5 ft 8 in (1.73 m).
What other business ventures does Ice Cube have?
He founded the BIG3 professional 3‑on‑3 basketball league, has a record label, and invests in real estate.
James Morgan is Senior Reporter at readingwire.co.uk, covering breaking UK and world news, politics and current affairs.