Honestly, if you grew up watching Friday or blasting AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, it’s kinda weird to think of Ice Cube as a "family man." But here we are. The guy who helped invent gangsta rap has actually been married to the same woman, Kimberly Woodruff, since 1992. That's a lifetime in Hollywood years.
People always ask, how many kids does Ice Cube have, and the answer usually depends on which corner of the internet you’re scrolling through. Most sources confirm he has four children, but you’ll occasionally see a fifth name pop up—Deja Jackson—who has largely stayed out of the public eye.
It’s a fascinating dynamic. You have O’Shea Jackson Jr., who looks so much like his dad it’s almost spooky, and then you have his siblings who basically live like normal people. They aren't all chasing the paparazzi.
The Core Four (Plus One?)
Let’s break down the roster. Ice Cube and Kim have a house full of Jacksons (that’s his real last name, by the way).
- O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Born 1991): The oldest. Most people know him from Straight Outta Compton. He didn't just get the role because of his DNA; he actually spent years auditioning to prove he could handle it.
- Darrell Jackson (Born 1992): He’s followed the musical path too, performing under the name Doughboy. If that sounds familiar, it’s the name of Cube’s character in Boyz n the Hood.
- Karima Jackson (Born 1994): She is much more private. While her brothers are in front of cameras, she’s focused on academics and social work.
- Shareef Jackson (Born 1995): The youngest son. He’s a massive basketball fan—which makes sense since his dad literally started the BIG3 league.
There is often mention of a second daughter, Deja Jackson. Unlike O’Shea Jr., who is active on social media and talks about everything from anime to the Lakers, Deja is a ghost in the media. Some reports suggest she was born around the same time as the others, but the family keeps her business strictly private. That’s probably the smartest move you can make when your dad is a legend.
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Why the "Nepo Baby" Talk Doesn't Stick
We’ve all heard the "nepo baby" drama lately. People love to point fingers at celebrity kids. But O’Shea Jackson Jr. has been pretty vocal about this. He’s admitted that his dad opened the door, but he’s the one who had to walk through it and do the work.
Think about it. If you’re a director and you’re making a movie about Ice Cube, you want his son to do it for the authenticity. But if he couldn't act? The movie would have tanked. Instead, it was a massive hit.
Cube himself is apparently a pretty strict parent. He’s gone on record saying there’s no cursing in his house. Can you imagine? The man who wrote "No Vaseline" telling his kids to watch their mouths? It’s hilarious, but it shows the discipline he used to keep his family stable while he was out building an empire.
Life in the Jackson Household
Growing up as the child of a rap icon isn't all music videos and red carpets. Cube has talked about how he wanted his kids to understand the value of a dollar. He didn't want them feeling entitled just because their dad has "Check Yo Self" money.
He’s been quoted saying that his children are the "glue" that keeps him focused. They give him a reason to stay out of the nonsense that swallows up other artists. While other rappers from the 90s were caught up in beefs or legal trouble, Cube was mostly at home or on a movie set.
What They're Doing Now
If you're looking for where they are in 2026, they've all carved out very different paths.
- O’Shea Jr. is a legitimate movie star. From Godzilla to Den of Thieves 2, he’s busy.
- Darrell works behind the scenes in the music industry, often helping with Lench Mob Records.
- Karima has stayed the course in the non-profit and community service world.
- Shareef is frequently seen at BIG3 games, supporting the family business.
It’s rare to see a celebrity family stay this tight for over thirty years. Usually, there’s a messy divorce or a public falling out by now. But Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff seem to have figured out the secret sauce.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you're following the Jackson family or just interested in how they've stayed so low-key, here's what you should keep in mind:
- Watch the Work, Not Just the Name: If you want to see O'Shea Jr.'s best work, check out Swagger on Apple TV+ or Just Mercy. He’s actually a really nuanced actor.
- Respect the Privacy: If you can't find much info on Karima or Shareef, that's by design. They aren't trying to be influencers.
- The Power of Longevity: Ice Cube's biggest flex isn't his record sales; it's the fact that he's been with the same woman since before The Predator dropped.
Basically, Ice Cube has four or five kids (depending on how you count the ultra-private Deja), and he’s managed to raise them without the typical Hollywood "crash and burn" story. That’s a bigger win than any Platinum record.
To keep up with the family's latest projects, you can follow O'Shea Jackson Jr. on X (formerly Twitter), where he’s surprisingly approachable and talks about everything from pro wrestling to his dad’s legacy.
Next Steps: You might want to check out the filmography of O'Shea Jackson Jr. to see how he's moved beyond just playing his father, specifically his roles in Den of Thieves or Cocaine Bear.