Ice Cube Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Ice Cube’s Net Worth?

Ice Cube, an American rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $160 million. Transitioning from one of the pioneers of West Coast gangsta rap, he has become one of Hollywood’s most influential figures today. Rising to fame initially as a member of N.W.A., Ice Cube launched a successful solo career. Additionally, he has written, produced, and starred in numerous films.

His rise to fame began with the revolutionary hip-hop group N.W.A., where he played a key role as one of the main songwriters. The incisive and controversial lyrics of N.W.A.’s albums significantly popularized gangsta rap and left a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre.

Following his departure from N.W.A. in 1989, Ice Cube pursued a solo career that further solidified his status as a pivotal figure in hip-hop. His debut solo album, “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” released in 1990, achieved commercial success and garnered both acclaim and controversy with its social and political themes. Ice Cube continued to tackle issues of social justice and racial inequality in subsequent albums like “Death Certificate” and “The Predator.”

Ice Cube successfully transitioned to acting in addition to his music career. He made a notable feature film debut in John Singleton’s “Boyz n the Hood” in 1991, delivering a compelling performance that paved the way for more acting roles. He also starred in and co-wrote “Friday” (1995), a comedy that has since gained cult status. His film career has spanned various genres, including action (“xXx: State of the Union”), family comedy (“Are We There Yet?”), and drama (“Barbershop”).

Moreover, Ice Cube’s contributions as a producer and writer are noteworthy. He has produced many of his film projects, and his production company, Cube Vision, has been instrumental in the success of various films and television shows.

Early Life

Born O’Shea Jackson on June 15, 1969, in South Central Los Angeles, Ice Cube is the son of Doris, a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper. He has an older brother, and when Ice Cube was just 12 years old, his half-sister was tragically murdered. Growing up on Van Wick Street, he began writing rap and hip-hop music at the age of 14. The name Ice Cube was given to him by his older brother, who jokingly threatened to put him in a freezer until he turned into an ice cube.

He attended William Howard Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California. At the age of 16, he sold his first song to future N.W.A. member Eazy-E. After graduating high school, he enrolled at the Phoenix Institute of Technology in Arizona in the autumn of 1987, where he studied architectural drafting and obtained his diploma within the year. Ice Cube then returned to Los Angeles to chase his dreams in rap.

Early Career

Ice Cube formed a group called C.I.A. with his friend Sir Jinx, performing at parties across L.A. that Dr. Dre hosted. In 1987, Ice Cube and C.I.A. released a track titled “My Posse,” which was produced by Dr. Dre. When Ice Cube shared the lyrics of a rap he had written, “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” with Eazy-E, the latter initially disliked them.

that became a cult classic – was released, establishing him as a comedic actor. Following this, he starred in several successful films, including “Barbershop” in 2002 and “Are We There Yet?” in 2005. Ice Cube seamlessly transitioned between drama and comedy, earning respect in both genres. Throughout the late 2000s and into the 2010s, he continued to appear in various films and projects, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Legacy

Ice Cube’s influence on the hip-hop industry and culture is undeniable. As a pioneering figure in gangsta rap and a multi-talented artist, his contributions have shaped the genre and opened doors for future artists. He is regarded as a cultural icon whose work continues to impact music, film, and social issues. Through his innovative approach to both music and acting, Ice Cube has solidified his place in entertainment history, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps.

“Friday,” which starred, was written by, and was produced by Ice Cube, saw a release that achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. This film led to several sequels.

In 1997, he took on a leading role in “Anaconda.” The following year, he directed, produced, wrote, and acted in “The Players Club.”

Additional films featuring Ice Cube include “Are We There Yet” and its sequel, “21 Jump Street” along with “22 Jump Street,” “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” and “Fist Fight.” He also produced the N.W.A. biopic “Straight Outta Compton” in 2015, where his son O’Shea Jr. depicted him.

In October 2021, it became known that Ice Cube chose to leave an upcoming comedy film titled “Oh Hell No” after he refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, a requirement since the film was set to shoot in Hawaii. He forfeited a $9 million salary to withdraw from the project.

Other Ventures

In 1996, Ice Cube established Westside Connection alongside Mack 10 and WC, resulting in two collaborative albums.

He also launched a clothing line called Solo by Cube, featuring hooded sweatshirts equipped with built-in headphones. In 2011, he represented Coors Light beer as a spokesperson. On January 11, 2017, Ice Cube announced his new venture, Big3, which is a professional basketball league showcasing former NBA stars. The inaugural season commenced in June 2017.

By 2023, it was announced that Ice Cube partnered with Jesse Collins to create a docuseries for Jesse Collins Entertainment aimed at highlighting the achievements of the Big3 league and its rise to prominence globally.

Personal Life

Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff tied the knot on April 26, 1992. Together, they have five children: O’Shea Jr. (born 1991), Darrell (born 1992), Karima (born 1994), Deja (born 1994), and Shareef (born 1995). He also has a granddaughter named Jordan.

During an interview with Terry Gross on NPR’s “Fresh Air” in January 2005, Ice Cube was asked if he permitted his children to listen to his music. He replied, “What’s worked for me is instilling in my kids a level of self-respect and helping them to understand the content of not just music but the violence found on the evening news.” Regarding profanity, he explained that he advises his children about the appropriate contexts for using any language and the importance of not using certain words around adults out of respect.

Real Estate

Ice Cube purchased a home in Marina Del Rey, California, for $7.25 million in May 2016, buying it from Jean-Claude Van Damme, who had acquired the property in 2012 for $6 million as a newly built spec mansion. Additionally, Ice Cube and his wife own a large mansion in Encino, California, purchased in June 1996 for $2.36 million. This residence sits on a 1.11-acre lot and features seven bedrooms within a nearly 8,000-square-foot main house, including a pool, spa, and full-sized basketball court.