When you think about the West Coast rap scene and the brutal honesty of N.W.A, the last thing that usually comes to mind is a soft, 34-year-long romance. But that is exactly what Ice Cube has. While other rappers were making headlines for messy divorces or public drama, Cube—real name O’Shea Jackson—was busy being a family man. At the center of that world is one woman. Who is Ice Cube's wife? Her name is Kimberly Woodruff, and honestly, she’s probably the reason he’s been able to transition from the "most dangerous group in the world" to a family-movie mogul and BIG3 basketball owner without losing his mind.
They’ve been together since 1989. That is practically a century in Hollywood years.
The Mall Meeting That Almost Didn't Happen
You’d think a guy with Ice Cube’s "flavor" would have no trouble getting a date back in the late '80s. Wrong. When he first saw Kimberly Woodruff, he was floored. He has often described the moment as seeing her come down an escalator at a mall. It sounds like something out of a cheesy movie, but for Cube, it was "love at first sight." He actually told journalist Graham Bensinger that the first thing that went through his head was, "That could be your woman."
He approached her. She wasn't interested.
Kim was actually in a relationship at the time, and she basically shut him down. She didn't want him. Most guys would have moved on, especially a rising rap star, but Cube just waited. About six months later, fate did its thing. They ran into each other again, and this time, Kim was single. Cube says he came with a "different swagger" the second time around. They started dating in 1989, and by 1991, they were engaged.
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A Birthday Proposal to Remember
Cube didn't just get down on one knee at a fancy dinner. He went big. He bought her a brand-new BMW for her birthday. When she went to check out the car, he had the engagement ring sitting right there on the seat. Talk about a double win. They officially tied the knot on November 28, 1992.
Who is Kimberly Woodruff Behind the Scenes?
If you try to find her on Instagram or TikTok, you’re going to be looking for a long time. She doesn't have public accounts. She doesn't do reality TV. Kim is a ghost in the best way possible. Born on September 23, 1970, in California, she has spent most of her adult life being the "backbone" of the Jackson household.
Cube has said repeatedly that he wouldn't be anywhere near as successful without her holding it down at home. While he was out filming Friday or touring the world, she was raising their five children. She’s been described by those who know her—including Alexandra Shipp, who played her in the Straight Outta Compton movie—as the "dopest woman ever." Shipp noted that Kim and Cube are each other's business partners and cheerleaders. It’s not just a "wife" role; it’s a full-on partnership.
The Jackson Kids: A Legacy in the Making
A lot of celebrity kids end up in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons. Not this crew. Cube and Kim have five children together, and they’ve all managed to stay relatively grounded:
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- O'Shea Jackson Jr.: The oldest, born in 1991. He literally played his father in the N.W.A biopic and did a killer job. He’s now a legit movie star in his own right.
- Darrell Jackson: Also a rapper, he goes by the name Doughboy (a nod to his dad’s character in Boyz n the Hood).
- Karima Jackson: She opted for the academic route. She has two master's degrees and has worked in social services.
- Shareef Jackson: Born in 1995, he mostly stays out of the limelight, though he's often seen at family events.
- Deja Jackson: Like her brother Shareef, she keeps a very low profile.
It’s a tight-knit group. Cube mentions that even though they have a massive $7.25 million mansion in Marina del Rey (which they bought from Jean-Claude Van Damme, by the way), the family usually just ends up hanging out in the kitchen.
The Secret to a 30-Plus Year Marriage
So, how do they do it? Honestly, it sounds like it comes down to mutual respect and realizing that "every day ain't gonna be roses." In a 2024 interview on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, Cube was very blunt about it. He said, "You’ve got to want it. I don't want nobody to have my woman. She’s mine. I’m hers."
He also shot down the idea that marriage is always easy. He compared it to family—you don't always like your mom or your brother every single day, but they’re still your family. You make the choice to stay. He also mentioned that he still gets butterflies when he looks at her. That’s probably the most "non-gangsta" thing Ice Cube has ever said, but it’s the truth.
The Second Proposal
On their 20th anniversary, Cube did something kind of cool. He didn't just buy a gift; he proposed all over again. He told a radio station in Sydney that he basically asked her, "If I propose again, would you say yes?" She didn't hesitate. He said he felt no pressure because he had "20 years of good faith" built up at that point.
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Actionable Insights for a Long-Lasting Relationship
If you're looking at Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff as "relationship goals," there are a few real-world takeaways you can actually use:
- Privacy is Power: Notice how little we know about their day-to-day drama? That’s intentional. Keeping your private life off social media prevents outside opinions from poisoning the well.
- Shared Vision: Kim isn't just a spectator; she’s his business partner. When you and your spouse are working toward the same goals, you become an unstoppable team.
- Accept the Friction: Don't freak out when things aren't perfect. Cube’s advice about "every day not being roses" is vital for long-term survival.
- Keep the "Flavor": Cube talks about keeping his "P's and Q's" up and making sure he still looks good for his wife. Don't get too comfortable; keep trying to impress each other.
Kimberly Woodruff might stay in the shadows, but she is clearly the engine that keeps the Ice Cube brand running smoothly. She’s more than just a rapper’s wife; she’s a matriarch who helped build a dynasty.
To truly understand the longevity of their bond, look at how they treat their home life as a sanctuary. By prioritizing family over the "street" life or the Hollywood party scene, they created a foundation that simply doesn't crack. Whether they are at a BIG3 game or a red carpet premiere, the dynamic is always the same: they are a united front. That kind of loyalty is rare in any industry, but in entertainment, it's practically a miracle.