Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson Sr. on June 15, 1969, is a versatile talent who has significantly impacted both the music and film industries, boasting an impressive net worth of $160 million as of 2024. Rising to prominence as a founding member of the seminal gangsta rap group N.W.A, he contributed heavily to the genre’s success with his sharp lyrics on albums like “Straight Outta Compton.”
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Ice Cube Net worth
Ice Cube, an American rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $160 million. This substantial fortune is a result of his pioneering influence in music and his diverse career spanning various entertainment sectors.
Who is Ice Cube?
Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson Sr. on June 15, 1969, is an iconic American figure known for his influential roles as a rapper, songwriter, actor, and film producer. His pioneering work with N.W.A in the late 1980s catalyzed the rise of gangsta rap, making albums like “Straight Outta Compton” cornerstones in the genre, while his politically charged solo albums such as “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” and “Death Certificate” further solidified his place in music history.
Early life
O’Shea Jackson, better known as Ice Cube, was born in Los Angeles on June 15, 1969, to Doris, a hospital clerk and custodian, and Hosea Jackson, a machinist and UCLA groundskeeper. Growing up in South Los Angeles, Cube faced early tragedy with the murder of his half-sister when he was just twelve, and began writing raps in ninth grade after a challenge from a friend.
He attended both George Washington Preparatory High School and William Howard Taft High School, facing a long commute to the latter from his high-crime neighborhood. Cube’s early foray into music with N.W.A was paralleled by his studies at the Phoenix Institute of Technology, where he earned a diploma in architectural drafting in 1988, maintaining it as a backup career while rejoining N.W.A.
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Acting Career
Ice Cube’s acting career, spanning over three decades since 1991, includes nearly 40 films, with a significant number of them being highly acclaimed. He debuted in the seminal film “Boyz n the Hood” directed by John Singleton, portraying the character Doughboy. Ice Cube has also taken roles in a mix of action thrillers and comedies, notably co-writing and starring in the “Friday” franchise which became a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond acting, Cube has ventured into directing, with his directorial debut in “The Players Club” in 1998, and has involved himself in documentary and serial television production, highlighting his versatile talent in the entertainment industry. Notably, his participation in the documentary “Straight Outta L.A.” and the television series “Are We There Yet?” showcase his broad range of interests and abilities.
Music career
Ice Cube’s musical career spans several iconic phases, starting in 1986 when, at 16, he began rapping with the trio C.I.A. and later transitioned to the seminal rap group N.W.A. He quickly rose as N.W.A’s lead rapper and primary ghostwriter, leaving a significant mark with the groundbreaking album “Straight Outta Compton” in 1988.
After leaving N.W.A due to a financial dispute, Cube launched a solo career with his debut album “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” in 1990, while also promoting and developing other artists like Yo Yo. His solo work continued with the controversial yet critically acclaimed albums “Death Certificate” and “The Predator,” cementing his place in rap history. Cube also ventured into group projects, forming Westside Connection in 1995, which sought to assert West Coast rap’s prominence.
Who is Ice Cube’s wife?
Ice Cube, has been married to Kimberly Woodruff since April 26, 1992, sharing a life that extends beyond the glare of his public persona. Together, they have nurtured a family of five, including their eldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., who has carved his own path in the entertainment industry by portraying his father in “Straight Outta Compton.”
Ice Cube credits his wife and their enduring relationship to strong communication and mutual understanding, illustrating a partnership grounded in support and shared values. Beyond her husband’s fame, Kimberly Woodruff leads a life dedicated to humanitarian efforts, largely away from the public eye, emphasizing the family’s commitment to positive societal impact.
Real Estate
Ice Cube, the celebrated rapper and actor, expanded his real estate portfolio by acquiring a $7.25 million home in Marina Del Rey, California, in May 2016, previously owned by Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme had purchased the brand new spec mansion in 2012 for $6 million.
Additionally, Ice Cube and his wife own a sizable mansion in Encino, California, purchased in June 1996 for $2.36 million. Their Encino home sprawls over a 1.11-acre lot, featuring a nearly 8,000-square-foot main house with seven bedrooms, a pool, spa, and a full-size basketball court.
Personal life
Ice Cube’s personal journey includes a significant moment in 1990 when an associate from Public Enemy introduced him to the Nation of Islam (NOI), leading to his conversion to Islam, though he has clarified that he is not a member of NOI itself. Despite adopting the group’s ideology of black nationalism, he emphasizes a personal and direct relationship with God, considering himself a “natural Muslim” but also open to the teachings of other religions.
Beyond his spiritual and religious affiliations, Cube is also an entrepreneur, having launched the Big3 basketball league in 2017, which features former NBA players competing in 3-on-3 games. An avid sports fan, he supports the Las Vegas Raiders, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Lakers, integrating his love for these teams into his identity as both a cultural figure and a fan.
FAQ about Ice Cube
- How did Ice get his stage name?
He got the name from his elder brother who once jokingly threatened to put him in the freezer. - What is Ice Cube’s real name?
His birth name is O’Shea Jackson Sr. - Has Ice’s son followed in his footsteps?
Yes, O’Shea Jackson Jr. not only pursued music but also portrayed his father in the film “Straight Outta Compton”. - What is one of Ice’s recent ventures?
He founded the Big3 basketball league which has gained significant popularity. - Is Cube involved in other businesses?
Yes, apart from entertainment and sports, he has also ventured into the liquor industry. - How Tall is Ice Cube? Ice stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm) and weighs approximately 88 kg (194.01 lbs).
