Ice Cube, the iconic rapper and actor from Los Angeles, born O’Shea Jackson, often portrays a tough exterior in his public persona. However, his role as a father to his four children – O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Kareema Jackson, and Shareef Jackson – reveals a softer, more profound side of his life. Becoming a parent in the early 1990s with his then-girlfriend and now wife, Kimberly Woodruff, profoundly shifted Ice Cube’s perspective, marking a significant transition in his life.
In an interview with Access Hollywood, Ice Cube openly shared how fatherhood was a transformative experience. He explained that taking on the responsibility of raising his first son, O’Shea Jr., was pivotal in his journey from “a boy into a man.” This new role brought clarity and helped him prioritize what truly mattered in life beyond fame and career.
Over the ensuing decade, Ice Cube and Kimberly solidified their family, marrying and welcoming three more children into their growing household. While he has lightheartedly commented on how becoming a dad might have slightly diminished his “cool” factor, his immense pride in his family is unmistakable. He frequently speaks about the admirable individuals his children have become, emphasizing their character and values.
“They give you a reason to try harder. They make you focus in life on what you’re trying to build. If you’re trying to build a family, children are the glue,” Ice Cube thoughtfully reflected in 2007.
Now that his children are adults, Ice Cube expresses hope that the values and principles he instilled in them will serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavors. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, a lesson he continually tries to impart to his children as they navigate their own paths.
“Always recognize opportunities. What you’re going to get in life is opportunity and you either take it or you don’t,” he advises his kids. “If you don’t take it, you can’t expect the same opportunity to come back to you. You have to take the initiative and seize the moment.”
Here’s a closer look at each of Ice Cube’s children – O’Shea Jr., Darrell, Kareema, and Shareef – and their unique journeys.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
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O’Shea Jackson Jr., son of Ice Cube, at the premiere of “AIR” in Los Angeles, showcasing his growing presence in Hollywood.
Born on February 24, 1991, in Los Angeles, O’Shea Jackson Jr. is the eldest son of Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff. He was named after his famous father, a fact that wasn’t always appreciated during his younger years. Growing up with the name O’Shea, he humorously noted the lack of personalized merchandise bearing his name.
“I didn’t really like my name until I was like 17, you know. O’Shea isn’t really found on mugs or license plates. You know, the key chains that kids want,” he recounted on The Late Late Show in 2018. It was in his late teens that O’Shea began to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of his name.
After graduating from William Howard Taft High School in 2009, O’Shea pursued higher education at the University of Southern California (USC). Initially, he focused on screenwriting, nurturing a passion for storytelling. However, his burgeoning interest in acting led him to eventually leave USC to fully dedicate himself to a career in film. Despite this shift, he hasn’t dismissed the idea of returning to university in the future.
“USC has really developed my love for the cinema. … I know my first love is these movies. I want to pursue a career in film. I want to make a name for myself,” he shared with Entertainment Weekly in 2015. He jokingly added the appeal of earning a degree as a celebrity, highlighting his ambition and self-awareness.
Parallel to his acting aspirations, O’Shea also ventured into music under the moniker OMG. He collaborated with his father on tracks like “Y’all Know How I Am” from Ice Cube’s 2010 album I Am the West, and even performed alongside him on stage. In 2012, he independently released his mixtape, Jackin’ for Beats, showcasing his musical talents.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. Reflects on Nepo Baby Status: ‘Badge of Honor’ and Ice Cube’s Legacy
O’Shea’s breakthrough role arrived soon after his mixtape release when he was cast to portray his own father in the critically acclaimed biopic Straight Outta Compton. Despite the natural fit, he emphasized that he underwent a rigorous audition process to earn the role, proving his dedication and talent.
“They put me through the wringer. For two years I was going to acting classes, learning techniques, going to auditions, callbacks, and things like that,” he revealed to PEOPLE. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to portray his father accurately and authentically, stating, “When you haven’t acted before, it’s a big dish. But I couldn’t sit in a theater and think someone is portraying my father the wrong way. If I was thinking ‘Oh, he wouldn’t have done that,’ it would’ve nauseated me.”
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Ice Cube and son O’Shea Jackson Jr. at the “Straight Outta Compton” premiere, highlighting their close father-son relationship and professional collaboration.
Since Straight Outta Compton, O’Shea has built a successful acting career, appearing in films like Ingrid Goes West, Den of Thieves, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and the recent dark comedy Cocaine Bear. He has also made notable television appearances in series such as The Now, Swagger, and the Star Wars universe miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi. Currently, he is involved in upcoming projects including Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and American Sole, further solidifying his presence in Hollywood.
Addressing the topic of “nepo baby” accusations, O’Shea embraces his lineage with pride. He views his status not as a disadvantage but as “a badge of honor.” “I’m forever grateful for everything that my dad had to do to give me the opportunities that I have,” he stated on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2023.
“If I were to run away from that or shy away from it in any way, in my eyes that’s disrespectful to everything he had to go through. He didn’t work as hard as he did for me to not accept and appreciate it,” he elaborated.
He acknowledges the initial door-opening advantage provided by his father’s name, but emphasizes the need to prove oneself through hard work and dedication. “A lot of people, when they see me, naturally [they say], ‘Hey, you’re Ice Cube’s son.’ You’re damn right I am, 100%, that’s my hero. That’s my coach. At the same time, the door can be open but you gotta walk through.”
In his personal life, O’Shea became a father himself in August 2017 with the arrival of his daughter, Jordan Reign. He describes fatherhood as a transformative force, pushing him to operate at “a different level.”
“It gives you a new purpose in life,” he shared with Essence. “It is game time. It is fourth quarter, and it makes you about your business. It makes you more calculated in how you handle yourself and the things that will represent your child going further in life.”
Darrell Jackson: Behind the Scenes in Music and Film
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Ice Cube with his son Darrell Jackson, who works behind the scenes in music and film production, at the All Def Movie Awards.
Darrell Jackson, Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff’s second son, was born on December 3, 1992. Like his elder brother, Darrell is also a graduate of William Howard Taft High School, class of 2010.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Darrell has carved a path in the music industry, performing under the stage name Doughboy, a nod to Ice Cube’s iconic character from the film Boyz n the Hood (1991). He has collaborated musically with both his father and brother O’Shea, contributing to songs such as “Y’all Know How I Am” and “Here He Come” from the 2008 album Raw Footage.
According to his Instagram profile, Darrell is professionally involved with Ice Cube’s Lench Mob Records. His contributions extend beyond music, as he also works with Cube Vision, his father’s film and television production company. He notably served as an associate producer on the biographical film Straight Outta Compton, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. Darrell is also connected to Big 3, the 3-on-3 professional basketball league founded by Ice Cube, indicating his involvement in various aspects of his father’s ventures.
In his personal life, Darrell celebrated a significant milestone by marrying Janet in November 2022.
Kareema Jackson: Keeping a Lower Profile
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Karima Jackson with her brother O’Shea Jackson Jr. at the “Straight Outta Compton” premiere, representing the family’s support for each other’s endeavors.
Born on February 17, 1994, Kareema Jackson is Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff’s only daughter. Unlike her brothers, Kareema has generally maintained a more private life, staying out of the public eye. Despite her preference for privacy, she has occasionally joined her father at red carpet events for movie premieres and awards ceremonies, demonstrating her support for her family’s public life.
Kareema’s Instagram account indicates that she graduated high school in 2012. Her parents celebrated this achievement by gifting her a new car, a typical milestone celebration. While her social media presence has been inactive for several years, her past posts reveal interests in attending L.A. Kings hockey games and visiting various theme parks, suggesting a typical Southern Californian lifestyle.
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Ice Cube and daughter Kareema Jackson at the CNN Heroes event, showcasing their bond during public appearances.
More recently, Kareema was seen publicly supporting her brother O’Shea at a screening of Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Star Wars Celebration in May 2022, indicating her continued close relationship with her family.
Shareef Jackson: The Sports Enthusiast
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Ice Cube pictured with his youngest son, Shareef Jackson, highlighting their shared moments at sporting events.
Shareef Jackson, the youngest of Ice Cube’s children with Kimberly Woodruff, was born on June 1, 2000. Like his sister Kareema, Shareef has largely remained out of the spotlight, making only infrequent public appearances.
Shareef appears to be an avid sports fan and has been seen with his father at various sporting events, including football, basketball, and baseball games over the years. He also joined his family to celebrate Ice Cube receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017, a significant moment for the Jackson family.
More recently, he accompanied his dad to meet NASCAR race car driver Joey Logano in February 2022, further illustrating his interests and connection to his father’s diverse activities.
Ice Cube’s journey as a father is as compelling as his career in entertainment. His children, each pursuing their own unique paths, stand as a testament to his values and the strong family foundation he and Kimberly have built. From O’Shea Jr.’s acting success to Darrell’s behind-the-scenes contributions, Kareema’s private poise, and Shareef’s passion for sports, the Ice Cube family narrative is one of growth, support, and enduring legacy.
