Early Life
O'Shea Jackson Sr., better known as Ice Cube, was born on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in South Central LA, he was exposed to the harsh realities of urban life and the power of music.
As a child, Ice Cube found solace in sports, particularly basketball and football. He attended William Howard Taft High School, where he developed his passion for music and began writing lyrics.
Music Career
In the late 1980s, Ice Cube co-founded N.W.A with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. The group's debut album, Straight Outta Compton, was released in 1989 and became a commercial success.
Ice Cube's solo career took off with his debut album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted in 1990. He went on to release several critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1990s, including Death Certificate and The Predator.
Acting Career
In the early 1990s, Ice Cube transitioned from music to acting, making his film debut in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood. He went on to appear in several films, including Friday and Barbershop.
Ice Cube has also worked behind the camera, directing and producing several films and television shows, including the documentary Straight Outta L.A.
Personal Life
Ice Cube has been married to Kimberly Woodruff since 1992 and has four children. He is a devout Muslim and has been involved in various charitable initiatives throughout his career.
In recent years, Ice Cube has become increasingly vocal about social justice issues, including police brutality and systemic racism.
Awards and Recognition
Ice Cube has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in music and film. In 2016, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A.
In 2023, he was awarded the Ice Cube Impact Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.