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Ice Cube's career as an entertainer is a jack of all trades. He writes his own raps, owns a basketball league, has become a business mogul, and many more. The Los Angeles native rose to fame as the prolific writer for rap group N.W.A back in the 1980s before his inevitable fallout with Eazy E and co, leaving Cube to launch his solo career as a rapper. Since then, the controversial rapper has released ten studio albums and millions of sales.
However, while Cube is known for his witty punchlines in his raps, he's also a very solid actor in his own rights. Just like fellow rappers Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and more, Cube has also ventured into acting many, many years ago. To sum it up, here's a simplified timeline of Ice Cube's acting career and what's next for the Lethal Injection rapper.
6 Ice Cube Entered Acting In 1991's 'Boyz n The Hood'
In 1991, Cube ventured into acting in the late John Singleton's editorial debut, Boyz n the Hood. The crime hood drama was the breakthrough role that catapulted Cube's acting career like never before, and since then, the rapper has landed many classic comedy projects. When the director passed away from a stroke at 51 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 2019, Cube paid tribute.
"I was discovered by a master filmmaker by the name of John Singleton. He not only made me a movie star but made me a filmmaker. There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor. He loved bring the black experience to the world," the actor took to Twitter.
5 Ice Cube's Cult Classic 'Friday' Franchise Began In 1995
A few years later, Ice Cube starred alongside Chris Tucker in another buddy stoner classic, Friday, about two unemployed friends who try to make it out while indebted to a local dealer. The film was a big success, amassing over $27.4 million out of its $3.5 million budget.
For many, Friday has obtained a cult following among internet users, with sequels Next Friday and Friday After Next coming in 2000 and 2002, respectively. There have been talks about an upcoming "Friday 4," but the sudden death of comedian John Witherspoon, who played Willie Jones in the franchise, held the project back.
4 Ice Cube Became The Face Of The 'Barbershop' Franchise
Another iconic role Ice Cube has portrayed was Calvin Palmer in the Barbershop franchise. The first two films were so successful that Showtime made a sitcom sequel, Barbershop: The Series, which premiered in August 2005. It picked up with Barbershop 2: Back in Business left off in 2004, with Omar Gooding replacing Cube to portray the character. Another film sequel, Barbershop: The Next Cut, was released in 2016.
"I just see a lot of hard work paying off," Cube told IGN about his sequel success back in 2004. "I'm not gonna take nothin' for granted. You know, I always say, as far as sequels go, you know why we can't make a better movie instead of just borrowing so much off of what worked in the first movie?"
3 He Starred In '21 Jump Street' & Its Sequel
Cube also starred in buddy cop comedies 21 Jump Street and its sequel, 22 Jump Street, in 2012 and 2014, respectively.
He also tag-teamed Kevin Hart for Ride Along and its sequel in 2014 and 2016, respectively. All movies were met with positive reviews from fans and critics alike, amassing a total of approximately $811 million out of these four films! "It never gets old. Working with somebody like Kevin Hart is rejuvenating in a lot of ways. He’s such a pro. He’s so good," he told Collider about working with Kevin Hart and Tim Story, who'd worked with Cube previously in the Barbershop franchise.
2 Ice Cube Executive-Producered N.W.A's Biopic Film 'Straight Outta Compton' In 2015
While Ice Cube is known for his work in comedies, he's also executive-produced N.W.A.'s 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton alongside fellow rap group member Dr. Dre. The film navigates the ups and downs of the "world's most dangerous group," gaining over $201 million in box office worldwide. Interestingly though, Cube is played by his very own son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., in this film.
"I know a lot of people thought I was just throwing him in there 'cause I could," says Cube of the casting of his 24-year-old son, as told to The Hollywood Reporter. "But that wasn't the case. I knew he was right for this."
1 What's Next For Ice Cube?
So, what's next for Ice Cube? The Hollywood powerhouse might be 52 years of age, but he doesn't show any sign of slowing down any time soon. He's currently gearing up to release his debut album as one-fourth of Mount Westmore supergroup alongside Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short in March 2022. Speaking of his acting career, Ride Along 3 is reportedly coming in 2023 at the earliest, and he's here to stay!