Ice Cube, otherwise known as O’Shea Jackson Sr., is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and film producer.
He gained fame as a member of the influential band N.W.A before pursuing a successful solo career.
Ice Cube has released several critically acclaimed albums and is known for his socio-political commentary in his music.
In addition to his music career, he has ventured into acting, starring in films like Boyz n the Hood and Friday.
Ice Cube is also a co-founder of the BIG3 basketball league and was recently honored with the inaugural Naismith Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award for his contributions to professional basketball and community service.
He is married to Kimberly Woodruff and has five children.
| Net Worth | $160 million |
| Profession | Rapper, actor, producer, entrepreneur, |
| Date of birth | June 15, 1969 |
| Nationality | American |
Early life
Ice Cube, born on June 15, 1969, in South Central Los Angeles, California, was raised by his mother Doris, a hospital clerk, and his father Hosea, a groundskeeper at UCLA.
Growing up amidst violence and drugs in South Central L.A., he excelled academically and in football.
After being bussed to a suburban high school, he pursued a two-year degree in drafting at the Phoenix Institute of Technology.
In the mid-1980s, Ice Cube delved into music, forming the group C.I.A. and later joining N.W.A. with Dr. Dre and others.
Net worth
Ice Cube has a net worth of $160 million. He gained fame with N.W.A. and later pursued a successful solo career in music and acting.Â
His ventures include forming Westside Connection, a clothing line, and being a Coors Light spokesperson.
Additionally, Ice Cube co-founded Big3, a professional basketball league, and has had a successful film career with movies like Friday.
His journey from gangsta rap to becoming one of the wealthiest rappers showcases his entrepreneurial success and diverse talents.
How did Ice Cube build his net worth?
Ice Cube built his fortune through a combination of music royalties, movie box office sales, business investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
His transition from a successful rapper in N.W.A to a prominent film career with hits like Boyz n the Hood and the Friday trilogy significantly contributed to his wealth.
Ice Cube’s real estate investments, endorsement deals with brands like Coors Light, and his clothing line Solo By Cube have also played a role in enhancing his net worth.Â
Additionally, his production company Cube Vision, involvement in the BIG3 basketball league, and successful acting roles have diversified his income streams and solidified his financial success.
Business ventures
Ice Cube has ventured into various business sectors beyond entertainment.
He co-founded the Big3 basketball league in 2017, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league valued at $1.5 billion.
Additionally, he established a clothing line called Solo by Cube, securing endorsement deals and made strategic investments.
Ice Cube’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to diversifying income streams through calculated investments and strategic partnerships, showcasing his acumen outside the entertainment industry.
Big3 basketball league
The Big3 basketball league, founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, is a 3-on-3 professional basketball league featuring former NBA players and international players.
Established in 2017, the league has 12 teams and deviates from traditional 3-on-3 basketball rules, creating a unique and exciting format known as Fireball3.
Ice Cube serves as the CEO of the league, with Clyde Drexler as the commissioner.
The Big3 has gained popularity for its fast-paced and competitive games, attracting both fans of traditional basketball and those seeking a dynamic sports experience.
The league’s expansion plans include growing to 16 teams to introduce a Big Cup. With CBS Sports as its primary broadcast partner, the Big3 continues to captivate audiences with thrilling games, star-studded appearances and memorable moments each season.
Lench Mob Records
Lench Mob Records, owned by Ice Cube, was founded in 1990 as Street Knowledge Records and has been home to artists like DJ Pooh, Chilly Chill, Del the Funky Homosapien, Kam, Yo-Yo and Da Lench Mob.
The label remained dormant until its revival in 2006 with Ice Cube’s album Laugh Now, Cry Later.
Lench Mob Records also distributes Bigg Swang Records, housing artists like WC, DJ Crazy Toones, Young Maylay and Tha Trapp.
Notable releases from the label include albums by Ice Cube, Da Lench Mob, Kam, WC and more.
The label’s diverse roster and history reflect Ice Cube’s influence and impact on West Coast hip-hop culture.
E&J Brandy
E&J Brandy, introduced in 1975, is a popular American brandy known for its smoothness and quality.
This brandy has become an icon over the years, offering a range of flavors that have garnered a loyal fan base.
E&J Brandy is mellowed in aged oak barrels, contributing to its distinctive taste and character.
It has received awards for its excellence and remains a top choice among brandy enthusiasts.
Ice Cube’s Fifth Generation brand of E&J Brandy represents his foray into the spirits industry, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify his business ventures.
Cube Vision
Cube Vision, founded by Ice Cube and Matt Alvarez in 1995, is an American film and television production company known for producing a range of successful films and television shows.
Ice Cube started his producing career with Cube Vision in 1995, initially working with his then-manager Patricia Charbonet before partnering with Matt Alvarez in 1998.
Some notable films produced by Cube Vision include Friday, Barbershop, Ride Along and Straight Outta Compton.
The company has also been involved in television productions like BarberShop: The Series and Are We There Yet?
Real estate properties
Ice Cube’s real estate portfolio includes a luxurious $7.25 million home in Marina del Rey, California, which he purchased from actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.
This property, built in 2011, spans 7,575 square feet with six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
The house boasts various amenities such as a formal dining area, a spacious living room with a fireplace, a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a home office, a family room with a bar, a movie theater, and a wine cellar.
Outdoors, the property features a terrace suitable for a swimming pool, firepit, full-sized basketball court, and sitting area.
Car collection
Ice Cube’s car collection is a mix of classics and luxury vehicles.
His collection includes a 2021 Chrysler 300, a 2015 Jaguar XJR, a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, a 2014 Audi RS7 and a 2022 Mercedes.
Additionally, Ice Cube owns a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Cadillac Escalade, and various other luxury cruisers.
Notably, he has an iconic 1963 Chevy Impala, a rare gold convertible SS featured in music videos.
Philanthropic endeavors
Ice Cube has been actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting causes such as education, community development, outreach programs, and charities like Autism Speaks, Chrysalis and Mission Australia.
His dedication to philanthropy has been recognized through awards for his work on behalf of the homeless and poor.
Ice Cube’s commitment to giving back to society is evident in his support for at-risk/disadvantaged youths, family/parent support, homelessness and unemployment/career support.
Through his involvement in charity work and causes that aim to make a positive impact on communities, Ice Cube has demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility.
Music career
Ice Cube embarked on a successful music career after leaving N.W.A in 1989.
He released several solo albums like AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, known for their socio-political themes and critical acclaim.
Ice Cube’s involvement in music extended beyond solo work; he collaborated with artists like Dr. Dre and formed the Westside Connection trio, releasing hits like Bow Down.
While his early albums were highly influential, later works like War & Peace and I Am The West received mixed reviews.
Acting career
Ice Cube’s acting career began in the early 1990s, quickly establishing him as a prominent actor
He starred in hit films like Boyz n the Hood, Friday, Barbershop and Ride Along, showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Ice Cube also ventured into producing and writing films, contributing to projects like the Friday series and Straight Outta Compton, a biopic about N.W.A where his son portrayed him.
His involvement in TV extended to shows like Arrested Development and Black-ish, along with producing and starring in series like Hip Hop Squares.
Ice Cube’s impact on the entertainment industry is evident through his successful acting career, marked by collaborations with major stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.
Family
Ice Cube is married to Kimberly Woodruff since November 28, 1992, and they have five children together.
Their children are O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell, Karima, Deja, and Shareef.
O’Shea Jackson Jr., the eldest son, is an actor and rapper known for his roles in films like Straight Outta Compton and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Darrell, their second child, is a rapper who works at Lench Mob Records, a sublabel of Universal Music Group founded by Ice Cube.
Karima and Deja, the daughters, have chosen to live private lives away from the spotlight.
Shareef, the youngest son, is a basketball fan often seen with his family at games.
