From NWA To N.O.W.: Meet Ice Cube’s Four Children Who Are Defining Their Own Legacies In 2025

One of the most enduring figures in hip-hop and Hollywood, Ice Cube, has built a legacy that extends far beyond the music and film industries. As of December 2025, the legendary rapper and actor, born O'Shea Jackson Sr., is a proud father to four adult children, all of whom he shares with his wife, Kimberly Woodruff. Their four children—O'Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Kareema Jackson, and Shareef Jackson—have successfully carved out their own paths, with two following him into entertainment and two pursuing careers in the academic and philanthropic worlds. This deep dive explores the lives and latest updates on the Jackson family's next generation, proving that the 'Straight Outta Compton' star's influence is truly a family affair.

The strength of Ice Cube's family unit is as legendary as his career. He and Kimberly Woodruff have maintained one of the most stable and long-lasting marriages in the entertainment world, celebrating over 32 years of marriage. Their commitment to raising their children with a strong foundation is evident in the diverse and successful lives their kids are leading today.

Ice Cube's Complete Family Biography (2025)

Ice Cube, whose real name is O'Shea Jackson Sr., has been a pivotal force in American culture since the late 1980s. His personal life, anchored by his wife and children, provides a fascinating contrast to his tough public persona.

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• Full Name: O'Shea Jackson Sr.
• Date of Birth: June 15, 1969
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 56 years old
• Wife: Kimberly Woodruff (Married 1992)
• Number of Children: Four
• Children's Names & Ages (Approx. as of Dec 2025):
  • O'Shea Jackson Jr. (Son) - 34
  • Darrell Jackson (Son) - 33
  • Kareema Jackson (Daughter) - ~32
  • Shareef Jackson (Son) - 25
• Notable Achievements: Founding member of NWA, solo rap icon, actor, screenwriter, and producer of hit films like *Friday* and *Are We There Yet?*

The Four Jackson Kids: From Hollywood to Humanitarian Work

The four children of Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff represent a compelling mix of inherited talent and independent ambition. While O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Darrell Jackson have embraced the spotlight, Kareema and Shareef have chosen more private lives, focusing on professional and academic pursuits.

O'Shea Jackson Jr.: The Actor Who Became His Father

The eldest son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., has arguably the highest public profile among the Jackson siblings, having achieved significant success by portraying his own father.

• Role in the Family: Oldest son and firstborn child.
• Career Path: Actor, rapper (stage name OMG).
• Latest Updates (2025): O'Shea Jr.'s acting career continues to soar in 2025. He is known for his breakthrough role as Ice Cube in the NWA biopic *Straight Outta Compton* (2015), where his uncanny resemblance and performance earned him critical acclaim. His recent work includes major roles in films like *Godzilla: King of the Monsters* and the Disney+ series *Obi-Wan Kenobi*. Most notably, he is slated to appear in the highly anticipated action sequel *Den of Thieves 2: Pantera*, which has a release date of January 10, 2025, further cementing his status as a major Hollywood player.
• Topical Entities: *Straight Outta Compton*, *Den of Thieves 2: Pantera*, F. Gary Gray, OMG, *Obi-Wan Kenobi*, acting career.

O'Shea Jr. has often spoken about the pressure of living up to his father's legacy, but his determination to forge his own path has been evident in his diverse filmography. He has successfully transitioned from a rapper to a respected actor, proving his talent is more than just inherited.

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Darrell Jackson: The Rapper Known as Doughboy

Following closely in the musical footsteps of his legendary father is Darrell Jackson, who has chosen a career in rap and hip-hop, paying homage to his father's work with his stage name.

• Role in the Family: Second son.
• Career Path: Rapper and music artist.
• Stage Name: Doughboy.
• Significance of Name: The name is a direct reference to the iconic character Ice Cube played in the seminal 1991 film *Boyz n the Hood*.
• Latest Updates (2025): Darrell, a talented lyricist, continues to release music and build his own following in the hip-hop community. While he may not have the blockbuster fame of his older brother, he is actively involved in the music industry, working to establish his own sound and identity separate from the shadow of his father's global fame.
• Topical Entities: Doughboy, *Boyz n the Hood*, hip-hop artist, music production, rap career.

Darrell's dedication to music showcases the deep-seated creative talent within the Jackson family. His choice of the moniker "Doughboy" is a touching tribute that connects the Jackson family's history in film and music, demonstrating a profound respect for his father's iconic body of work.

Kareema and Shareef Jackson: The Private Pillars of the Family

Unlike their older brothers, Ice Cube's daughter, Kareema, and his youngest son, Shareef, have consciously opted for lives largely outside of the public eye.

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Kareema Jackson: The Philanthropist

• Role in the Family: Daughter, the only girl among the four children.
• Career Path: Philanthropist and academic/research professional.
• Professional Focus: Kareema's career is dedicated to social work and helping others. She has been noted for her work as a research assistant at Rutgers University, focusing on areas that allow her to make a tangible, positive impact on society.
• Topical Entities: Philanthropy, social work, Rutgers University, academic research, humanitarian efforts.

Kareema Jackson's path highlights the family's commitment to giving back. Her focus on research and philanthropy demonstrates a powerful intention to use her resources and education for the betterment of her community, a quiet but profound legacy in its own right.

Shareef Jackson: The Youngest and Most Private

• Role in the Family: Youngest son and lastborn child.
• Career Path: Highly private, focused on personal life and education.
• Public Life: Shareef, born in 2000, has made only very rare public appearances alongside his family. He has consistently maintained a low profile, choosing to live a life away from the intense media scrutiny that follows his father and older brothers.
• Topical Entities: Private life, youngest son, low-profile, family man.

Shareef Jackson represents the family's desire for normalcy. His decision to stay out of the spotlight is respected by the entire family, allowing him the freedom to pursue his own interests without the constant pressure of celebrity, a choice that many children of famous figures rarely get to enjoy.

The Enduring Legacy of Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff

The question of "how many kids does Ice Cube have" is more than just a number; it's a testament to a successful family unit. The enduring marriage between Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff, which has lasted over three decades, is often cited as a true Hollywood anomaly.

Ice Cube has credited his wife's support and their shared values as the key to their long-term success, both personally and professionally. He has often stated that his children are the most important part of his life, a foundation that allowed him to transition from a controversial rap figure into a respected film mogul and family man. The Jackson children—O'Shea Jr., Darrell, Kareema, and Shareef—are living proof that the legend's greatest production is his family, each one building a unique and powerful legacy for the next generation.