History of Ice Cube in Timeline
O'Shea Jackson Sr., professionally known as Ice Cube, is an influential American rapper, songwriter, actor, and film producer. He played a pivotal role in the rise of gangsta rap with his powerful lyrics on N.W.A's 1988 album 'Straight Outta Compton.' Ice Cube's solo political rap albums, including 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted' (1990), 'Death Certificate' (1991), and 'The Predator' (1992), achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. In recognition of his contributions to music, Ice Cube was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A in 2016.
June 15, 1969: Birth of Ice Cube
On June 15, 1969, O'Shea Jackson Sr., widely known as Ice Cube, was born. This marked the beginning of a life and career that would go on to significantly impact the music and film industries.
1984: Dr. Dre Joins World Class Wreckin' Cru
Dr. Dre, a future collaborator of Ice Cube, joined the DJ crew World Class Wreckin' Cru in 1984, marking a significant moment in their shared musical journey.
1985: World Class Wreckin' Cru's Performances and Recordings
By 1985, the World Class Wreckin' Cru, which included Dr. Dre, began performing and recording electro rap, expanding their presence in the music scene.
1986: Start of Rapping Career
At 16, Ice Cube began his rapping journey with C.I.A. in 1986, marking the start of his influential career in hip hop.
1986: Release of "She's a Skag"
Ice Cube and Dr. Dre collaborated on a side project, Stereo Crew, which led to the release of their 12-inch record 'She's a Skag' on Epic Records in 1986.
1986: Formation of C.I.A.
Ice Cube formed his first rap group, C.I.A., in 1986, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of hip hop.
1987: Writing "Boyz-n-the-Hood" Song
Before his acting debut, Ice Cube wrote the song 'Boyz-n-the-Hood' in 1987, which later became the title inspiration for the film that launched his acting career.
1987: Release of "My Posse"
C.I.A., Ice Cube's group, released the Dr. Dre-produced single "My Posse" in 1987, marking a notable step in their musical career.
1987: Enrollment at Phoenix Institute of Technology
Ice Cube enrolled at the Phoenix Institute of Technology in 1987, showcasing his pursuit of education in architectural drafting while simultaneously pursuing his music career.
1987: Formation of N.W.A
Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E joined forces in 1987 to form N.W.A, a group that would become highly influential in the world of hip hop.
August 1988: Release of Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A released their groundbreaking album 'Straight Outta Compton' in August 1988, featuring Ice Cube as a key contributor and marking a significant moment in hip hop history.
1988: Straight Outta Compton Released
Ice Cube, as part of N.W.A, contributed to the album 'Straight Outta Compton' in 1988, which popularized gangsta rap and shaped West Coast hip hop's identity.
1988: Lead Rapper and Ghostwriter for N.W.A
Ice Cube served as the lead rapper and main ghostwriter for N.W.A's debut album 'Straight Outta Compton' in 1988, contributing significantly to the group's early success.
1988: Return to Los Angeles and N.W.A
After completing his architectural drafting diploma, Ice Cube returned to Los Angeles in 1988 and rejoined N.W.A, demonstrating his dedication to both music and a potential backup career path.
1989: Departure from N.W.A
Due to a financial dispute, Ice Cube left N.W.A in 1989, a decision that would shape the future of both Cube and the group.
1989: Ice Cube Questions Compensation and Management
Towards the end of 1989, Ice Cube began raising concerns about his compensation and the management of N.W.A by Jerry Heller, leading to tensions within the group.
May 1990: Release of "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted"
Ice Cube released his debut solo album, 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted,' in May 1990, marking a pivotal moment in his career and sparking both acclaim and controversy for its themes of black nationalism and social commentary.
1990: N.W.A Attacks Ice Cube on EP
Following Ice Cube's departure and lawsuit, N.W.A members responded by attacking him on their 1990 EP '100 Miles and Runnin', highlighting the escalating tensions.
1990: Departure from N.W.A and Leadership of Da Lench Mob
Following his departure from N.W.A, Ice Cube took on a leadership role with the rap group Da Lench Mob in 1990 while also launching his solo career.
1990: Release of "Kill At Will" EP and Support for Yo-Yo
Ice Cube released his critically acclaimed EP 'Kill At Will' in 1990, a significant achievement as rap's first platinum-certified EP, and he also showed support for female rapper Yo-Yo by appointing her head of his record label and producing her debut album.
1990: AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted Released
Ice Cube released his debut solo album, 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted,' in 1990, marking the start of his successful solo career and further integrating rap into the mainstream.
1990: Introduction to Nation of Islam
In 1990, Ice Cube was introduced to the Nation of Islam (NOI) by a musical associate in the rap group Public Enemy. He converted to Islam and adopted the group's ideology of black nationalism, though he denied membership in the NOI.
July 1991: Debut in Boyz n the Hood
In July 1991, Ice Cube made his acting debut in John Singleton's seminal film Boyz n the Hood, playing the character Doughboy. This role was a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his acting talent.
1991: N.W.A Targets Ice Cube on "Niggaz4Life"
N.W.A continued to target Ice Cube with insults on their 1991 album 'Niggaz4Life', further fueling the public feud.
1991: Press Conference and Controversy
In 1991, during a press conference promoting his album Death Certificate, Ice Cube endorsed the Nation of Islam's book The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews. The album included the controversial song 'No Vaseline', which used racial slurs against former N.W.A members and their manager.
1991: Death Certificate Released
In 1991, Ice Cube released 'Death Certificate,' his second solo album, which was both commercially successful and highly controversial due to its themes and lyrics.
1991: Birth of Oldest Son
In 1991, Ice Cube's oldest son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., was born. He later portrayed his father in the film Straight Outta Compton.
1991: Ice Cube's Acting Career Begins
In 1991, Ice Cube began his acting career, starring in nearly 40 films over the years, including comedies and thrillers. This year marked the start of his transition from music to film, highlighting his versatility and opening up new opportunities in Hollywood.
1991: Release of "Death Certificate"
Ice Cube's second album, 'Death Certificate,' was released in 1991. While commercially successful, it sparked immense controversy due to its lyrics that were deemed anti-white, antisemitic, and misogynist.
1991: Boyz n the Hood Debut
Ice Cube made his film debut in 1991 with 'Boyz n the Hood,' playing the character Doughboy, which showcased his acting talent and launched his successful film career.
April 26, 1992: Marriage to Kimberly Woodruff
On April 26, 1992, Ice Cube married Kimberly Woodruff. The couple has five children together, and their oldest son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., portrayed Ice Cube in the film Straight Outta Compton.
November 1992: Release of "The Predator"
November 1992 saw the release of 'The Predator,' Ice Cube's third album. It made history as the first album to debut at No. 1 on both the R&B/hip-hop and pop charts, achieving significant commercial success, and featured impactful tracks reflecting on the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
1992: The Predator Released
Ice Cube's third album, 'The Predator,' was released in 1992, becoming the first album to top both R&B/hip-hop and pop charts, achieving commercial success, and featuring hit singles like 'It Was a Good Day' and 'Check Yo Self'.
1992: Ice Cube Features on Multiple Albums
In 1992, Ice Cube featured on Del the Funky Homosapien's debut album 'I Wish My Brother George Was Here', Da Lench Mob's debut 'Guerillas in tha Mist', which he also produced, and on the Kool G Rap and DJ Polo song 'Two to the Head'.
1992: Trespass Release
In 1992, Ice Cube starred in Walter Hill's thriller film Trespass. This role further solidified his position in the film industry.
1992: Acting in Movies
In 1992, Ice Cube starred in the thriller Trespass, further establishing his acting career. This year was significant in showcasing his talent in the film industry.
1992: Lollapalooza Tour
In 1992, despite the controversy surrounding 'Death Certificate,' Ice Cube broadened his audience by touring with Lollapalooza, showcasing his evolving career.
1993: Release of 'Lethal Injection'
In late 1993, Ice Cube released his fourth album 'Lethal Injection', borrowing from the G-funk style popularized by Dr. Dre. Despite mixed critical reception, the album produced successful singles such as 'Really Doe', 'Bop Gun (One Nation)', 'You Know How We Do It', and 'What Can I Do?'.
1993: Collaborations in 1993
In 1993, Ice Cube worked on Kam's debut album and collaborated with Ice-T on the track 'Last Wordz' on 2Pac's album 'Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.'.
1993: Declined Role in Poetic Justice
In 1993, Ice Cube declined a role in John Singleton's romance film Poetic Justice, which was then played by Tupac Shakur. This decision marked a notable moment in his career choices.
1994: Release of 'Natural Born Killaz'
In 1994, Ice Cube teamed up with Dr. Dre for the song 'Natural Born Killaz', which was featured on the 'Murder Was The Case' soundtrack, marking their first collaboration since N.W.A disbanded in 1991.
1995: "Friday" Released
Ice Cube co-wrote and starred in the comedy 'Friday' in 1995, a film that achieved significant success and solidified his presence in the film industry.
1995: Friday and Higher Learning
In 1995, Ice Cube cowrote and starred in the comedy Friday, which was a commercial success. He also starred in John Singleton's film Higher Learning, furthering his acting career.
1995: Formation of Westside Connection
In 1995, Ice Cube joined Mack 10 and WC to form the Westside Connection, aiming to reinforce West Coast pride amid rap's bicoastal rivalry.
1995: The Glass Shield and Higher Learning
In 1995, Ice Cube starred in Charles Burnett's film The Glass Shield and played the university student Fudge in John Singleton's Higher Learning. These roles demonstrated his acting versatility.
1996: Release of 'Bow Down'
In 1996, Westside Connection released their first album 'Bow Down', featuring tracks like 'Bow Down' and 'Gangstas Make the World Go 'Round'. The album was certified Platinum by the end of the year.
1997: Resolution with Common
In 1997, Ice Cube and Westside Connection resolved their brief feud with rapper Common, which had started over Common's song 'I Used to Love H.E.R.'.
1997: Collaboration with David Bowie
In 1997, Ice Cube collaborated with David Bowie and Trent Reznor on a remix of Bowie's song 'I'm Afraid of Americans'.
1997: Dangerous Ground and Anaconda
In 1997, Ice Cube starred in the action thriller Dangerous Ground and had a supporting role in Anaconda, showcasing his ability to take on diverse roles in the film industry.
November 1998: Release of 'War & Peace Vol. 1'
In November 1998, Ice Cube released his highly anticipated fifth solo album 'War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc)', featuring collaborations with Korn and the Westside Connection.
1998: Directorial Debut
In 1998, Ice Cube made his directorial debut with the film The Players Club, marking a significant milestone in his career as he stepped behind the camera.
1998: Collaboration with Korn
In 1998, Ice Cube was featured on Korn's song 'Children of the Korn' and joined them on their Family Values Tour 1998.
1998: Directorial Debut with "The Players Club"
In 1998, Ice Cube directed his first film, 'The Players Club,' expanding his creative role in filmmaking.
1999: Appearance in "Three Kings"
Ice Cube starred in the war comedy 'Three Kings' in 1999, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
1999: Three Kings Release
In 1999, Ice Cube starred in the critically acclaimed war comedy Three Kings, alongside George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg. This film was set in the aftermath of the Gulf War and showcased his acting prowess.
1999: Roles in Comedy and War Films
In 1999, Ice Cube starred in the war comedy Three Kings, demonstrating his ability to take on diverse roles. This film received critical acclaim and highlighted his acting range.
2000: Release of 'War & Peace Vol. 2' and the Up in Smoke Tour
In 2000, Ice Cube released 'War & Peace Vol. 2' and joined Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg for the Up in Smoke Tour.
2000: Next Friday Release
In 2000, Ice Cube starred in the sequel to Friday, titled Next Friday. This film continued the success of the original and expanded his influence in comedy.
2002: Collaboration with Paul Oakenfold
In 2002, Ice Cube appeared on British DJ Paul Oakenfold's debut album 'Bunkka' on the track 'Get Em Up'.
2002: All About the Benjamins and Barbershop
In 2002, Ice Cube starred in Kevin Bray's All About the Benjamins and Tim Story's comedy film Barbershop. These roles highlighted his versatility and continued success in the film industry.
2002: Friday After Next Release
In 2002, Ice Cube starred in the second sequel to Friday, titled Friday After Next. This film further cemented his legacy in comedy.
2003: Release of 'Terrorist Threats'
In 2003, Westside Connection released their second album 'Terrorist Threats', which received critical acclaim but had lesser sales compared to their debut.
2004: Barbershop 2 and Torque
In 2004, Ice Cube starred in Barbershop 2 and Torque, continuing his successful career in both family-friendly and action films.
2004: Feature on 'Real Nigga Roll Call'
In 2004, Ice Cube featured on the song 'Real Nigga Roll Call' by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, who were leading the crunk subgenre at the time.
2005: Black. White. Documentary Series
In 2005, Ice Cube co-created the six-part documentary series Black. White. with R. J. Cutler, which aired on the FX network. The series explored race and identity in America.
2005: Parenting and Music Balance
In 2005, Ice Cube discussed balancing his music career and parenting. He emphasized teaching his children to question the value of violence depicted in all media, not just song lyrics.
2005: Westside Connection Disbands
In 2005, Westside Connection disbanded due to a rift between Ice Cube and Mack 10 over Cube's film work affecting the group's touring.
2006: Release of 'Laugh Now, Cry Later' and VH1 Hip Hop Honors
In 2006, Ice Cube released his seventh solo album 'Laugh Now, Cry Later', which sold 144,000 units in the first week. He was also honored at VH1's Annual Hip Hop Honors in October and performed tracks from the album.
September 2007: Release of 'In the Movies'
In September 2007, Ice Cube released 'In the Movies', a compilation album featuring his songs from various soundtracks.
2007: Are We Done Yet?
In 2007, Ice Cube appeared in the sequel to Are We There Yet?, titled Are We Done Yet?, continuing his presence in family-oriented comedies.
August 19, 2008: Release of 'Raw Footage'
On August 19, 2008, Ice Cube released his eighth studio album 'Raw Footage', which included singles like 'Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It' and 'Do Ya Thang'.
2008: Response to Racism Accusations
In 2008, Ice Cube responded to accusations of racism and anti-Semitism, stating that he was too busy being pro-black and did not have time to be anti-anything. This statement was part of his ongoing efforts to clarify his stance on racial issues.
October 2009: Release of 'Raider Nation' and Gathering of the Juggalos Performance
In October 2009, Ice Cube released the tribute song 'Raider Nation'. He also performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos in 2009 and returned to the festival in 2011.
May 11, 2010: Directorial Work on ESPN
On May 11, 2010, ESPN aired Ice Cube's directed documentary Straight Outta L.A., which examined the interplay of Los Angeles sociopolitics, hip hop, and the Raiders during the 1980s into the 1990s.
June 2, 2010: Are We There Yet? Series Premiere
Ice Cube's Are We There Yet? series premiered on TBS on June 2, 2010. The show revolves around a family adjusting to the matriarch's new husband, played by Terry Crews. This series marked another successful venture for Ice Cube in television.
September 28, 2010: Release of 'I Am the West'
On September 28, 2010, Ice Cube released his ninth solo album 'I Am the West', which debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and sold 22,000 copies in its first week.
2011: Features on Songs by Daz Dillinger and DJ Quik
In 2011, Ice Cube featured on Daz Dillinger's song 'Iz You Ready to Die' and DJ Quik's song 'Boogie Till You Conk Out'.
September 2012: Release of Second Raiders Anthem 'Come and Get It'
In September 2012, Ice Cube released his second Raiders anthem 'Come and Get It' as part of Pepsi's NFL Anthems campaign.
November 2012: Announcement of 'Everythang's Corrupt'
In November 2012, Ice Cube announced details about his forthcoming tenth studio album 'Everythang's Corrupt', releasing its title track around the 2012 elections.
2012: 21 Jump Street
In 2012, Ice Cube appeared in the comedy film 21 Jump Street, showcasing his comedic talent alongside a new generation of actors.
2012: Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2012, Ice Cube expressed his support for same-sex marriage, showcasing his progressive views on social issues.
2012: Feature on Insane Clown Posse's Remix
In 2012, Ice Cube recorded a verse for a remix of the Insane Clown Posse song 'Chris Benoit', which appeared on the album 'Mike E. Clark's Extra Pop Emporium'.
February 10, 2014: Release of 'Sic Them Youngins on 'Em'
On February 10, 2014, Ice Cube released the single 'Sic Them Youngins on 'Em' from his album 'Everythang's Corrupt'.
2014: Guest Appearance on Sesame Street
In 2014, Ice Cube appeared with Elmo as a guest on the PBS children's show Sesame Street, showcasing his versatility and appeal to a younger audience.
2014: Feature on MC Ren's Remix
In 2014, Ice Cube featured on MC Ren's remix 'Rebel Music', marking their first collaboration since the N.W.A reunion in 2000.
2014: 22 Jump Street
In 2014, Ice Cube reprised his role in the sequel to 21 Jump Street, titled 22 Jump Street, continuing his success in comedy films.
2015: Regret Over Lyrics
In 2015, Ice Cube expressed regret for including the word 'Jew' in the lyrics of 'No Vaseline'. He clarified that his intention was to attack Jerry Heller and not the entire Jewish race.
2015: Alonzo Williams Recalls Events at Eve After Dark
In 2015, Alonzo Williams, co-owner of the Eve After Dark nightclub, shared his recollection of events involving Ice Cube's performances at the venue, providing a glimpse into their early career days.
2015: Executive Producer of "Straight Outta Compton"
Ice Cube served as an executive producer for the 2015 N.W.A biopic 'Straight Outta Compton,' contributing to the film's success.
2016: Ride Along 2 and Barbershop 3
In 2016, Ice Cube starred in Ride Along 2 and returned for the third entry in the Barbershop series, continuing his successful streak in comedy films.
2016: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2016, Ice Cube was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A, solidifying his place as a music icon.
2017: Views on Religion
In 2017, Ice Cube expressed his evolving views on religion, stating that he might change religions multiple times in his life and that he respects all religious beliefs. He also mentioned his stance on Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism.
2017: Big3 Basketball League Launch
In 2017, Ice Cube launched Big3, a 3-on-3 basketball league featuring former NBA players. This initiative combined his love for sports with his entrepreneurial spirit.
2017: Fist Fight
In 2017, Ice Cube starred with Charlie Day in the comedy film Fist Fight, adding another successful comedy to his filmography.
December 7, 2018: Release of 'Everythang's Corrupt'
After several delays, Ice Cube's tenth studio album 'Everythang's Corrupt' was finally released on December 7, 2018.
2020: Controversial Twitter Posts
In 2020, Ice Cube faced backlash for a series of Twitter posts promoting Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and various disproven anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. He defended himself by stating he was 'just pro-black' and dismissed the controversy as 'hype'.
2020: Formation of Mt. Westmore
In 2020, Ice Cube joined rappers Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short to form the supergroup Mt. Westmore.
October 2021: Departed from Oh Hell No
In October 2021, Ice Cube was set to star in the comedy film Oh Hell No (later retitled Stepdude) alongside Jack Black. However, he left the project after refusing to get vaccinated for COVID-19, which would have paid him $9 million.
June 7, 2022: Release of Mt. Westmore's Debut Album
On June 7, 2022, Mt. Westmore released their debut album.
2024: Straight Into Canada Tour
In early 2024, Ice Cube is set to tour across Canada as part of his Straight Into Canada tour.