Ice Cube

American rapper, songwriter, actor, and producer, born on June 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California. He began his music career in 1986 by forming the group C.I.A., and in 1987 co-founded the legendary gangsta rap group N.W.A alongside Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and MC Ren. As the primary lyricist for N.W.A, Ice Cube contributed significantly to the groundbreaking album "Straight Outta Compton" (1988), which became a milestone in hip-hop history. In 1989, he left the group due to financial disputes and launched a successful solo career with the release of his debut album "AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted" in 1990, produced by The Bomb Squad. The album received critical acclaim for its politically charged lyrics and was certified platinum. In 1991, he released "Death Certificate," which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved platinum status within two months. In 1992, Ice Cube released "The Predator," featuring hits like "It Was a Good Day" and "Check Yo Self," becoming his most commercially successful album. That same year, he founded his own label, Lench Mob Records, serving as a platform for his subsequent musical projects. In 1996, he formed the group Westside Connection with Mack 10 and WC, releasing the platinum-certified album "Bow Down." In 2020, he became a member of the hip-hop supergroup Mount Westmore alongside Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short. In 2024, he released his eleventh studio album, "Man Down," which debuted at number eight on the Top Rap Albums chart. Beyond his music career, Ice Cube has achieved success in film, appearing in over 30 movies, including "Boyz n the Hood" (1991), "Friday" (1995), "Barbershop" (2002), and "21 Jump Street" (2012). He has also written and produced several films, including the "Friday" franchise and "Are We There Yet?". In 2015, he co-produced the biographical film "Straight Outta Compton," in which his son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., portrayed him. In 2017, he founded the BIG3 basketball league, providing a platform for former NBA players. In 2025, Ice Cube announced the "Truth To Power: 4 Decades of Attitude" tour, celebrating his 40-year career with nationwide performances. His work is characterized by sharp social commentary, political activism, and a significant contribution to the development of West Coast hip-hop.