Get ready, because we’re about to spill the deets on the dope life, crazy legacy, and jaw-dropping wealth of a true superstar – Ice Cube. Famous for his wickedly clever rhymes, on-point social insights, and unforgettable movie roles, our man Ice Cube has made a name for himself like few others who have crossed over from music to Hollywood.
First known as O’Shea Jackson, Sr., this South LA native grabbed the mic and started dropping verses that were often thought-provoking. It didn’t take long for him to earn his street cred in the rap world. But that was just the beginning. Ice Cube would later bid farewell to any and all musical boundaries, carving out a career that made him the jack of all trades – from making films, writing scripts, to launching his own clothing line, managing sports, even dabbling in the NFT game.
It’s all because he’s got a business savvy that’s as sharp as his rhymes, paving the way for a sweet fortune worth $160 million, making him one of the richest rappers out there.
| Name | O’Shea Jackson |
| Profession | Rapper, Actor |
| Net Worth | $160 Million |
| Birthday | June 15, 1969 (Gemini) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Relationship Status | Married to Kimberly Woodruff |
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Ice Cube’s early life and breakthrough
Ice Cube, or O’Shea Jackson at the time, grew up in South LA. He knew, by the age of 15, that hip hop was his future and developed his rhyming skills to make that a reality. For source material, he only had to look at his environment — the hood. He wanted to tell the world what life was like for him growing up in such an unforgiving place.
It’s 1980 and a young and enthusiastic Ice Cube is at Eve After Dark, a local club. Dr. Dre is in attendance. Cube steps up, spits some lines, and impresses the future rap magnate. Though neither could have known at the time, this chance encounter would lead to an epic partnership. Their paths would cross four years later when Cube and friends Sir Jinx and K-Dee start the hip-hop group C.I.A. team up with World Class Wreckin’ Cru, co-founded by the man himself, Dr. Dre.
Flash to 1990, Ice Cube’s career skyrockets with the release of AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted. This album was a total game-changer, blazing through the music scene and cementing Cube as a fierce social critic. He fearlessly delivered in-your-face, provocative lyrics that reflected the budding gangsta rap scene.
But Cube didn’t stop at music. In 1991, he proved his acting chops in the critically acclaimed film Boyz n the Hood. His authentic depiction of life in South Central LA got him some serious cred in Hollywood, opening up a whole new avenue for his creativity.
The Goldmine: Ice Cube’s wealth from music and film
Ice Cube’s substantial net worth of $160 million speaks volumes about the man’s talent and versatility. A true pioneer of gangsta rap, Ice Cube dropped some major dough-makers in the form of game-changing albums. So much of his riches comes from selling his killer records, packing out concerts, and doing what it takes to be a successful music artist.
Ice Cube drew a big chunk of change with his debut album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted. The album was jam-packed with hard-hitting beats and conversations that got people talking. It’s little wonder it marked his territory in the big leagues of global rap music.
After being hailed for his performance in Boyz n the Hood, he started down a career path that would see him regularly appear in other movies. His winning streak continued as he snagged a part in the fan-favorite comedy 21 Jump Street in 2012, and recently shared the screen with Tracee Ellis Ross in the laugh-out-loud comedy-drama The High Note in 2020.
As a nod to his film success, he dropped a CD compilation in 2007, In the Movies, spotlighting his best on-screen songs. It brought his two careers together and reminded listeners that the man excelled not just in one but two art forms.
Riding the Wave of Multiple Streams: Ice Cube’s diversified earnings
Ice Cube is not just an awesome rapper-actor with killer tunes and notable screen credits, he is a hustler in all sorts of different games to increase his cash flow. Cube is no stranger to the boardroom and has profited in everything from sports and to sweet endorsements.
The man added to his already-insane income with his involvement in 2017 with the BIG3. This knockout 3-on-3 pro-ball league with ex-NBA players on board has been a total hit. Fans are nuts about it, and some juicy sponsorship deals are pouring in.
Ice Cube also lends his face and voice to endorsement deals. He’s hypnotized us all while repping big names like Coors Light and St. Ides.
Just when you thought he couldn’t expand his empire further, Ice Cube entered the world of digital art. In 2021, he made a splash with “Man VS Machine,” his NFT in collaboration with artist Trevor Jones, selling out all his pieces in less than 24 hours!
Extravagance to Philanthropy: Ice Cube’s splurge and community contributions
From big-bang rap tracks to a luxurious lifestyle, Ice Cube really knows how to live. The millionaire rapper’s real estate game is strong, and the jewel in the crown is his Marina del Rey crib. This swanky mansion, bought from Jean-Claude Van Damme in 2016 for a cool $7.25 million, is no less than a knockout showpiece of his wealth.
And his garage? Well, it’s practically an automotive candy store! With an estimated value of $2 million, Ice Cube’s car collection is pure envy-material, sporting rides like Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Corvette.
But don’t get the impression Ice Cube is all about raking in the dough. The man’s got a huge heart for charity. Back in 2011, he partnered with RareInk to design artwork for an AIDS charity – with each signed piece sold, cash poured into the Minority AIDS Project. And in 2017, he hooked up with Californian brand Represent to endorse a special clothing line, helping to raise funds for Autism Speaks.
Love seeing everyone’s support on the ‘Good Day’ apparel that's benefiting Autism Speaks. Get yours here: https://t.co/Emcci8D5YK pic.twitter.com/qYE3dVeutK
— Ice Cube (@icecube) March 1, 2017
In 2020, he proposed a major policy shift titled “Contract with Black America”, a step towards ticking off racial injustices and promoting equality, showing that he isn’t shy to put his influence to work.
Behind The Curtain: The personal life of Ice Cube
Ice Cube was born to father Hosea Jackson, a hard-working machinist, and mother Doris, a hospital employee. He wasn’t an only child; he had an older brother and a half-sister. When he was just 12 years old, Ice Cube’s half-sister passed away — a truly heart-breaking moment that left an indelible imprint on the young rapper.
He started his own family in 1992, marrying Kimberly Woodruff, who is popularly dubbed the glue that holds it all together. The couple are blessed to have five kids: O’Shea Jackson, Jr. in ’91, Darrell Jackson a year later, twin girls Karima and Deja Jackson in ’94, and finally, little Shareef Jackson in ’95. O’Shea Jr. is keeping the fam’s artistic flame alive, making his own way in the music and acting worlds.
Ice Cube is a big-time sports enthusiast, and his love for the Los Angeles Lakers is no secret. His fandom even made it into his music–remember the ’93 hit “It Was A Good Day”.
The Testing Times: Controversies, legal disputes, and their impact
“Chillin’ like a villain” might be Ice Cube’s catchphrase, but his ride on the fame train was anything but chill. He has dabbled in drama on more than one occasion. In the 1990s Ice Cube feuded with former friends Cypress Hill when the latter heard lyrics in a Cube song that sounded a little too familiar for their liking.
Then, in 2015, TMZ tossed out the rumor that Cube and his crew got rough with a rabbi. True or not, it definitely got everyone buzzing.
Things got political when Cube made a shocking move in 2020. He dropped his major proposal, the “Contract with Black America” – an all-in plan for some huge societal changes. But when it seemed like he’d pair up with any political party to make it happen, the nation started to question his allegiances.
More recently, in 2023, Cube made it crystal clear that he’d slap sue anyone trying to mimic his voice using some high-tech artificial intelligence. He’s peeved about someone potentially stripping him off his unique style. And he isn’t alone. Lots of artists are wary about AI powered technology impersonating them.
