Ice Cube is one of the rare entertainers who has built a lasting career across music, film, writing, production and business. Born O’Shea Jackson, he first became famous as a member of N.W.A. before creating a successful solo career and later becoming a major Hollywood figure.
In 2026, Ice Cube is 57 years old and remains active in entertainment and business. His long career has also made people curious about his wealth, family, lifestyle and achievements.
Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | O’Shea Jackson Sr. |
| Stage Name | Ice Cube |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1969 |
| Age | 57 years old (2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $160 million |
| Profession | Rapper, actor, writer, producer, entrepreneur |
| Wife | Kimberly Woodruff |
| Children | O’Shea Jr., Darrell, Kareema and Shareef |
| Famous For | N.W.A., solo music, Friday, Barbershop |
| @icecube |
Ice Cube Net Worth
Ice Cube’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $160 million. However, this figure is only an estimate because his complete financial records, investments, debts and private business holdings are not publicly available.
His fortune has been built through several income streams rather than music alone.
Ice Cube has earned money from album sales, royalties, songwriting, touring, acting, screenwriting and film production. His work through Cube Vision and his involvement with the BIG3 basketball league have also expanded his business portfolio.
This diversification is one of the main reasons his career has remained financially strong for decades.
Early Life
Ice Cube was born O’Shea Jackson on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California.
His mother, Doris, worked as a hospital clerk and custodian, while his father, Hosea Jackson, worked as a groundskeeper. He grew up in South Central Los Angeles and developed an interest in writing and music while still young.
Before becoming a full-time rapper, he also studied architectural drafting at the Phoenix Institute of Technology.
His interest in rap started during his teenage years, when he began writing lyrics and experimenting with music.
How He Got His Name
The name “Ice Cube” came from his older brother.
Ice Cube has explained that his brother once joked that he would put him in a freezer until he turned into an ice cube. O’Shea liked the phrase and eventually adopted it as his stage name.
What began as a family joke later became one of the most recognizable names in hip-hop.
N.W.A. Career
Ice Cube became widely known as a member of N.W.A., alongside artists such as Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella.
He played an important role as both a rapper and songwriter. His writing contributed to some of the group’s most memorable and controversial material.
N.W.A.’s 1988 album Straight Outta Compton became one of the most influential releases in hip-hop history.
Ice Cube left the group in 1989 following disagreements involving contracts and compensation.
Although leaving N.W.A. was a major risk, it opened the door to his successful solo career.
Solo Music Success
Ice Cube released his debut solo album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, in 1990.
The album proved that he could succeed without N.W.A. and helped establish him as an important solo artist.
He followed it with successful projects including Death Certificate, The Predator and Lethal Injection.
Some of his best-known songs include “It Was a Good Day,” “Check Yo Self” and “You Know How We Do It.”
His music career has remained active for decades. In 2025, he released Man Up, his 12th studio album.
Film Career
Ice Cube successfully moved from music into acting during the early 1990s.
His breakthrough role came in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, where he played Doughboy. His performance showed that he could build a serious acting career outside music.
He later starred in films such as Friday, Barbershop, Are We There Yet?, Ride Along, 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street.
His role in Friday became especially important because he was not only the star but also helped write the film.
Over time, Ice Cube expanded into producing and developing movies through his company Cube Vision.
Business Ventures
Ice Cube has also built a career outside traditional entertainment.
One of his best-known ventures is the BIG3, a professional three-on-three basketball league that he co-founded in 2017.
He has remained closely involved in the organization and has helped develop its identity as an alternative professional basketball competition.
His business interests show how he gradually moved from being only a performer to becoming a producer, entrepreneur and owner.
Wife and Marriage
Ice Cube has been married to Kimberly Woodruff since 1992.
The couple met before his career reached its highest levels of fame and have remained together for more than three decades.
Ice Cube has spoken publicly about the importance of commitment, communication and putting effort into marriage.
Their relationship has remained relatively private compared with many celebrity marriages.
Children and Family
Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff have four children: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Kareema Jackson and Shareef Jackson.
Their eldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., has followed his father into acting.
He famously portrayed Ice Cube in the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. The role helped launch his own acting career.
Darrell Jackson has been involved in music and family businesses, while Kareema and Shareef have maintained more private lives.
Family has remained an important part of Ice Cube’s public identity throughout his career.
Age and Height
Ice Cube was born on June 15, 1969, making him 57 years old in 2026.
His height is commonly reported as approximately 5 feet 8 inches, or 1.73 metres.
He has maintained a recognizable appearance throughout his career, including close-cropped hair, facial hair and a serious public style.
Lifestyle
Ice Cube has achieved significant financial success, but his public lifestyle is not defined only by luxury.
He continues to work in music, film, production and basketball while also maintaining a strong connection to his family.
Rather than relying only on his early fame, he has continued creating new projects and expanding his business interests.
That long-term approach has helped him remain relevant across several generations.
Awards and Recognition
Ice Cube’s influence has been recognized throughout the entertainment industry.
As a member of N.W.A., he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
These achievements reflect his impact not only as a rapper but also as an actor, writer, producer and cultural figure.
Social Media
Ice Cube remains active online and has a large following.
His official Instagram account is @icecube, where he shares updates about music, performances, BIG3 and other projects.
He is also active on X and maintains an official website where fans can find information about new releases, tour dates and career announcements.
Fun Facts
- Stage name came from his older brother’s “Ice Cube” joke.
- Studied architectural drafting before his music career.
- His son O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrayed him in Straight Outta Compton.
- He has no tattoos, despite facial marks often being mistaken for them.
- Co-founded the BIG3 professional 3-on-3 basketball league.
Final Thoughts
Ice Cube’s estimated net worth of around $160 million reflects a career built across several industries.
He started as a young songwriter in Los Angeles, became a major member of N.W.A., built a successful solo career and later established himself in Hollywood.
His work in film production, business and BIG3 further expanded his influence.
At 57, Ice Cube remains active and continues to develop new projects. His career shows how music success can evolve into something much larger when combined with creativity, ownership and long-term business thinking.
FAQs
What is Ice Cube’s net worth in 2026?
Ice Cube’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $160 million. His wealth comes from music, acting, film production, touring and business ventures, although the exact figure is not publicly confirmed.
How old is Ice Cube in 2026?
Ice Cube is 57 years old in 2026. He was born on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California.
Who is Ice Cube’s wife?
Ice Cube is married to Kimberly Woodruff. The couple married in 1992 and have maintained a relatively private family life despite his long career in entertainment.
How many children does Ice Cube have?
Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff have four children: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Kareema Jackson and Shareef Jackson.
What is Ice Cube famous for?
Ice Cube is best known for his work with N.W.A., his successful solo rap career and movies such as Friday, Barbershop, Boyz n the Hood and Ride Along. He is also a producer and co-founder of the BIG3 basketball league.
