Get to Know Ice Cube’s Four Kids: O’Shea Jr., Darrell, Kareema, and Shareef
Credit: Albert L. Ortega/Getty
Ice Cube, the influential rapper and actor, recently reflected on how fatherhood has transformed his life. The father of four—O’Shea Jr., Darrell, Kareema, and Shareef—shared insights about his parenting journey and its significance to him.
Born O’Shea Jackson in Los Angeles, Ice Cube became a father in the early 1990s when his girlfriend, Kimberly Woodruff, gave birth to their son, O’Shea Jr. In an interview with Access Hollywood, he noted that his responsibilities as a parent helped him grow from “a boy into a man” and enlightened him about life’s priorities.
Over the years, Ice Cube and Woodruff expanded their family, eventually tying the knot and welcoming three more children. Reflecting on his role as a father, he humorously mentioned feeling less “cool” but expressed immense pride in the values and character of his children.
“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,” he stated in 2007.
As his children have matured, Ice Cube hopes the solid foundation he has laid will guide them in leading successful lives. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities: “Always recognize opportunities. What you’re going to get in life is opportunity and you either take it or you don’t.”
Here’s a closer look at Ice Cube’s children and their journeys:
O’Shea Jackson Jr., 34
Ice Cube’s eldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., was born on February 24, 1991. Although initially discontent with his name, he grew to appreciate its uniqueness as a teenager. After graduating from high school in 2009, he attended the University of Southern California to study screenwriting but opted to pursue acting instead.
O’Shea’s big break came with his role in Straight Outta Compton, where he portrayed his father. Despite his lineage, he emphasized that he had to audition and work hard for the role. Since then, he has appeared in a variety of films, including Ingrid Goes West, Den of Thieves, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and more recently, Cocaine Bear. He has also ventured into music, collaborating with his father on multiple projects.
In a recent interview, he acknowledged his “nepo baby” status with pride, attributing his opportunities to his father’s hard work and legacy.
Darrell Jackson, 33
Darrell Jackson was born on December 3, 1992, and graduated from William Howard Taft High School in 2010. He, too, has pursued a career in music, performing as Doughboy, a nod to Ice Cube’s character in Boyz n the Hood. He has worked closely with his father on multiple music projects and served as an associate producer on Straight Outta Compton. Darrell is also involved in Ice Cube’s Big 3 basketball league.
He married his wife, Janet, in November 2022.
Kareema Jackson, 31
On February 17, 1994, Ice Cube and Woodruff welcomed their daughter, Kareema. While she has largely kept a low profile, she has accompanied her father at various events. Kareema graduated from high school in 2012, and in a notable celebration, her parents gifted her a car.
Shareef Jackson, 25
The youngest, Shareef Jackson, was born on June 1, 2000. He has stayed out of the public eye for much of his life but has appeared at several family events. A sports enthusiast, he has been seen with his father at various games and was present at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Ice Cube in 2017.
Through his reflections and interactions, Ice Cube illustrates not only the personal impact of fatherhood but also the values he hopes to instill in his children as they navigate their own paths.
