Renowned rapper, actor, producer and director Ice Cube, is known for many things. From entering the limelight in the 80s with his hip hop group NWA, which included Dr.Dre and Eazy E, to being a Hollywood movie star, highly accomplished is probably the best way to describe this man.
After releasing successful solo albums, Ice Cube, who's real name is O'Shea Jackson, transitioned into movies with his hit roles in Boyz n the Hood, Friday, Barbershop, Are We There Yet, Ride Along and has even produced movies such as the NWA biopic, Straight Outta Compton.
Above all however, his proudest achievement is his family. Ice Cube is a husband and father, who takes pride in being a family man. Due to his low key nature, he rarely shares his personal life, therefore enjoy these 20 things you may not know about his family!
20 He Has 3 Older Siblings
With 3 older siblings, Ice Cube is the youngest out of 4 children. His family-oriented nature stemmed from his childhood, as he grew up with two older brothers and an older sister in South Central, Los Angeles. In his Behind The Music Documentary, he described his childhood neighbourhood as always being filled with a lot of kids!
19 His Dad Was A Groundskeeper And His Mother Was A Custodian
His parents, Hosea and Doris Jackson, worked very hard to make sure Ice Cube would become the best man he could be. In his Behind The Music Documentary, he credits his father for playing a very key role in his life, as he was a strong and positive role model who guided him.
18 His Half Older Sister Was Murdered When He Was 12 Years Old
At just the age of 12, Ice Cube lost his older sister Beverly, when she was sadly murdered by her husband at the age of 22. Her husband, who shot Beverly in the home they shared together, then took his own life.
17 His Older Brother Came Up With The Name 'Ice Cube'
There are reports that his older brother would call him 'Ice Cube' because he was 'cool with the ladies'. However, in a video interview with WIRED, Ice Cube said that his brother got mad and said, 'he was gonna slam me in the freezer one day and turn me into an Ice Cube. So I was like, you know what ... that's a badge honour.'
16 The First Time He Approached His Wife, She Rejected Him
When Ice Cube first saw his wife in his NWA days, it was love at first sight for him, unfortunately that love didn't go both ways. In an interview on Bethenny, Ice Cube said that due to perhaps being in a relationship at the time, his now wife Kimberly Woodruff, was not interested. Thankfully, 6 months later when they met again, it all changed. The rest is history.
15 He's Been Married For Almost 28 years
Despite Kimberly Woodruff's initial rejection at the very beginning, it's clear that Ice Cube and his wife were just meant to be, as they have been married for almost 28 years! The pair got married in April, 1992 and have never looked back!
14 Before They Were Married, His Wife Encouraged Him To Leave NWA
Having royalty disputes with his group NWA and manager Jerry Heller, Ice Cube was ready to leave the group. One person who gave him the strength he needed, was his wife Kimberly! Speaking on the situation in his Behind the Music documentary, Ice Cube spoke about how she encouraged him to believe in himself and step out on his own.
In 1989, he left the group and started his solo career.
13 Kimberly Woodruff Jackson Is The Perfect Woman For Him
Through all the ups and downs, it's clear Kimberly Woodruff has stuck by Ice Cube through thick and thin and that's what makes her the perfect woman for him. Although their relationship has spanned through decades, Ice Cube continues to get the same butterflies he got when they first met.
12 Despite Multiple Reports That He Has 5 Children, He Only Has 4
Multiple sites have reported that Ice Cube is the father of 5 children - 2 daughters and 3 sons. However, we can report that this is false! The 50 year old star, has 4 children with his wife Kimberly - 1 daughter and 3 sons. They are, Darrell Jackson, O'Shea Jackson Jr, Karima Jackson and Shareef Jackson.
11 He Is A Firm Parent
Known for his ability to do the perfect hard-face scowl, many have wondered whether he's a soft 'teddy bear' parent or a 'tough one' ... well he is in fact a tough one. In many TV interviews, Ice Cube has referred to himself as a 'firm but fair' parent. We can see it's led to good results, as his kids have grown up to become respectful adults.
10 He Prefers To Live The Simple Life With His Family
Speaking on The Wendy William Show, Ice Cube explained how being satisfied with what one has is important, therefore rather than buying a number of different homes, he raised his children in the same house for many years. He has since however, bought another home for him and his wife to enjoy occasionally.
9 His Son O'Shea Jr. Went To University
Despite being a child of a celebrity, O'Shea Jackson Jr. still wanted to pursue education and get a degree. The son of Ice Cube graduated from the University of Southern California and graduated with a degree in screenwriting, making his family very proud.
8 Growing Up, Son O'Shea Jackson Jr. Didn't Like His Name
Although he was named after his celebrity dad, O'Shea Jackson Jr. actually didn't like the name growing up. On The Late Late Show with James Corden, O'Shea said, 'I didn't really like my name until I was like 17, you know. O'Shea isn't really found on like mugs, or like licence plates ... you know ... the key chains that kids want.'
7 Two Of His Children Followed In His Footsteps Into Music
For a period of time, two of Ice Cube's sons started creating rap music of their own. O'Shea went by the name of 'OMG' and Darrell called himself 'Doughboy'. It's not known whether they still make music but what we do know, is that O'Shea Jackson Jr. has taken a successful route in the acting world.
6 His Older Son Had To Prove Himself To Play Him In The Straight Outta Compton Biopic
Despite what you think about O'Shea Jackson Jr. being cast as 'Ice Cube' in Straight Outta Compton because he was Ice Cube's son, O'Shea Jr. actually had to prove himself. The director of the movie explained at a movie Q&A session that it didn't matter if the actors looked like the real characters, they needed to prove that they could really act them out.
5 Two Of His Sons Have Been Racially Profiled By The Police
Being the children of a movie star hasn't stopped O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Darrell Jackson from being racially profiled by the police. O'Shea Jr. spoke about how the pair had incidents of being unfairly targeted by the police and would get released when the officers discovered who their father was.
4 He's A Grandpa
Unknown to many, Ice Cube is in fact a grandpa! O'Shea Jackson Jr. welcomed a daughter in 2017, making Ice Cube and his wife Kimberly, grandparents for the first time! In an appearance on Ellen in 2019, he referred to his then 1 year old daughter as his 'little Khaleesi'.
3 He Gives His Son Parenting Advice
During an appearance on Ellen in 2019, O'Shea Jackson Jr. said that his dad advises him to "always tell the truth and plan out your naps. You have to strategize when you're going to go to sleep when you have a new baby. So yeah he's just been super supportive. When she gets older and wants those super heavy deep talks then I'll ask mom for advice."
2 His Father Is His Hero
In a 2017 interview, CBS This Morning anchor, Charlie Rose said to Ice Cube, "You told me, speaking of family, in a 1998 interview, that your father was your hero and he taught you to mind your own business, meaning, mean what you say and be a man of your word." Ice Cube responded, "He's still a hero to me, he's still a mentor, still in my corner. I feel blessed just to have him in my life."
1 His Commitment To Being The Best Husband And Father Comes Before His Career
It's fair to say that no matter what, Ice Cube's family comes first in his life. Whilst he continues to leave his mark in music, acting, directing and producing, his proudest legacy is his family. The 50 year old continues to aim in being the best husband and father he can be.