Ice Cube Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Ice Cube’s Net Worth – How Much Is It?

Ice Cube, the American rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $160 million. Transitioning from a founding figure of West Coast gangsta rap to a Hollywood powerhouse today, Ice Cube’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially rising to fame and fortune as part of NWA, he later pursued a highly successful solo career. Furthermore, he has been involved in writing, producing, and starring in several films.

Initially gaining prominence as a key songwriter in the groundbreaking hip hop group N.W.A., Ice Cube played a pivotal role in shaping the genre’s evolution with his incisive and controversial lyrics. This contributed immensely to the popularization of gangsta rap and left a lasting impact on hip-hop.

Following his departure from N.W.A. in 1989, Ice Cube embarked on a solo journey that solidified his status as a significant figure in hip-hop. His debut solo album, “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” released in 1990, received both critical acclaim and criticism for its social and political commentary. Subsequent albums like “Death Certificate” and “The Predator” continued exploring themes of social justice, racial disparities, and urban challenges.

Besides his musical accomplishments, Ice Cube smoothly transitioned into acting. His film debut in John Singleton’s “Boyz n the Hood” in 1991 marked the beginning of a successful acting career. His involvement in “Friday” (1995), a cult comedy classic where he starred and contributed to the script, further solidified his place in the industry. Ice Cube’s filmography spans various genres, from action (“xXx: State of the Union”) to family comedy (“Are We There Yet?”) and drama (“Barbershop”).

Ice Cube’s contributions as a producer and writer have been equally notable. He not only starred in but also produced many of the films, with his production company, Cube Vision, being the force behind several successful film and TV projects.

Ice Cube’s Background

O’Shea Jackson, better known as Ice Cube, was born on June 15, 1969, in South Central Los Angeles. He was born to Doris, a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a groundskeeper at UCLA. Ice Cube has an older brother, and tragically, his half-sister was murdered when he was just 12 years old. Growing up on Van Wick Street in Los Angeles, Ice Cube started writing rap and hip-hop music at the age of 14. His rapper name was bestowed by his older brother, who jokingly threatened to toss him in a freezer and pull him out as an ice cube, a name that stuck with him.

Ice Cube 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. Subsequently, he pursued architectural drafting at the Phoenix Institute of Technology in Arizona in 1987, completing his diploma within a year. Ice Cube then returned to Los Angeles to follow his rap career.

Start of the Musical Journey

Teaming up with his friend Sir Jinx, Ice Cube formed the group C.I.A. and performed at parties in L.A. hosted by Dr. Dre. In 1987, they released a track, “My Posse,” produced by Dr. Dre. Ice Cube presented Eazy-E with the lyrics to a rap he had written, “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” initially receiving mixed reviews. However, Eazy-E eventually recorded the song for “N.W.A. and the Posse,” N.W.A.’s debut album, featuring Dr. Dre, MC Ren, DJ Yella, and Ice Cube. Ice Cube penned rap lyrics for Dr. Dre and Eazy-E and contributed to half the lyrics on the group’s breakthrough album, 1988’s “Straight Outta Compton.” Despite his significant contributions, he was only paid $32,000. Due to payment disputes and unresolved contractual issues, Ice Cube parted ways with N.W.A.

Solo Achievements

Ice Cube’s debut solo album, “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” released in May 1990, enjoyed instant success amidst the flourishing rap scene of the time. The same year, his EP “Kill at Will” became the first hip-hop EP to achieve Platinum status. His foray into acting began with portraying Doughboy in John Singleton’s crime drama “Boyz n the Hood” in 1991, earning widespread acclaim from critics.

The year 1991 saw the release of his second album, “Death Certificate,” which sparked controversy and divided opinions. Ice Cube’s performance at Lollapalooza in 1992 expanded his fan base. Later that year, he launched “The Predator,” his third album, which debuted at #1 on both pop and R&B charts, setting a historic record. With over three million U.S. album sales, it remains his most commercially successful release.

Despite a waning fanbase in the following year, Ice Cube’s fourth album, “Lethal Injection,” received lukewarm reviews. Taking a musical hiatus, he returned in 1998 with his fifth album, “War & Peace Vol. 1.” Joining Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Snoop Dog on the “Up in Smoke Tour” in 2000, Ice Cube delayed his next album release until 2006 with “Laugh Now, Cry Later,” debuting at #4 on the “Billboard” charts. His ninth solo album, “I Am the West,” came out on September 28, 2010. Throughout the 2010s, Ice Cube engaged in diverse collaborative projects, including ventures beyond hip-hop with tracks involving Trent Reznor and David Bowie. “Everythang’s Corrupt,” his tenth solo album, was released in 2018 after a gradual release of singles over several years.

Venturing into Acting

In 1991, Ice Cube marked his film acting debut with “Boyz n the Hood.” Over the subsequent years, he appeared in multiple films. The release of “Friday” in 1995, a film where Ice Cube starred, wrote, and produced, received both critical acclaim and commercial success.Producing several sequels was “Friday.” In 1997, “Anaconda” starred him, and in 1998, “The Players Club” saw him direct, produce, write, and star. Ice Cube has been involved in various other movies such as “Are We There Yet,” its sequel, “21 Jump Street,” “22 Jump Street,” “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” and “Fist Fight.” Additionally, he produced the 2015 N.W.A. biopic “Straight Outta Compton,” with his son O’Shea Jr. portraying him in the film.

Ice Cube, in October 2021, made news by opting out of the comedy film “Oh Hell No” due to his refusal to receive a required COVID-19 vaccine. The decision resulted in him forfeiting a $9 million salary for leaving the production as it was set to shoot in Hawaii.

Ice Cube, in 1996, formed Westside Connection with Mack 10 and WC, resulting in two album releases through the collaboration. Furthermore, he established a clothing line called Solo by Cube, selling hooded sweatshirts with integrated headphones. Ice Cube also served as a Coors Light beer spokesperson in 2011 and introduced the concept of Big3, a professional basketball league featuring former NBA stars, in 2017.

In partnership with Jesse Collins, Ice Cube announced a new project in 2023, bringing a Big3 sports league docuseries to life under Jesse Collins Entertainment. The series aims to showcase the league’s growth and trajectory to becoming one of the world’s premier leagues.

Married to Kimberly Woodruff since April 26, 1992, Ice Cube shares five children – O’Shea Jr. (b. 1991), Darrell (b. 1992), Karima (b. 1994), Deja (b. 1994), and Shareef (b. 1995). Additionally, he has a granddaughter named Jordan. Ice Cube has also ventured into real estate, purchasing a home in Marina Del Rey, California, for $7.25 million in May 2016. Another property in Encino, California, acquired in June 1996 for $2.36 million, features a vast estate with seven bedrooms, a pool, spa, and basketball court.