The Jackson Five? Uncovering The Truth About How Many Kids Ice Cube Has And What They Do Now

For decades, O'Shea Jackson Sr., globally known as the legendary rapper, actor, and filmmaker Ice Cube, has been one of the most visible figures in hip-hop and Hollywood. Despite his massive public profile, his family life with wife Kimberly Woodruff has remained remarkably private, leading to persistent confusion and speculation about the exact number of children they share. As of December 2025, the definitive answer is four, though the internet frequently cites five, a discrepancy that speaks to the family's carefully guarded privacy and the confusion over one particular name.

The Jackson family unit is the foundation of Ice Cube’s empire, consisting of his wife of over three decades, Kimberly Woodruff, and their four adult children: O'Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Karima Jackson, and Shareef Jackson. Far from simply being "nepo babies," each of the Jackson children is forging their own path, whether in the entertainment industry, following their father’s footsteps, or pursuing careers in academia and social work, proving that the foundation of success laid by the NWA icon is one built on more than just fame.

The Jackson Family Tree: Meet Ice Cube’s Four Confirmed Children

Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson Sr.) and Kimberly Woodruff have maintained one of the most enduring marriages in Hollywood, tying the knot in 1992 after meeting in 1988. Their relationship, which predates much of Ice Cube’s mainstream success, has produced four children, three sons and one daughter, each making their mark in the world. Their children's full profiles provide a clear picture of the Jackson family's legacy.

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• O'Shea Jackson Jr. (OMG)
• Born: February 24, 1991
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 34
• Career: Actor, Rapper, Songwriter
• Notable Work: Starred as his father in the biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015). Has since appeared in major films and series like Den of Thieves (2018), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022). He also has a rap career under the name OMG.
• Darrell Jackson (Doughboy)
• Born: 1992
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 33
• Career: Rapper, Music Executive
• Notable Work: Raps under the stage name Doughboy, a direct homage to his father's character in the classic film Boyz n the Hood. He is actively involved in the family business, working with his father’s record label, Lench Mob Records, and his production company, Cube Vision.
• Karima Jackson
• Born: February 17, 1994
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 31
• Career: Academic, Social Worker
• Notable Work: Karima has chosen a path outside of the entertainment spotlight. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Rutgers University and is reported to have pursued a career in the field of social work, focusing on community development and positive social change.
• Shareef Jackson
• Born: June 1, 2000
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 25
• Career: Private, Aspiring Professional
• Notable Work: Shareef is the youngest son and has maintained the lowest public profile of all the children. He is known to be a private individual who has made only a few public appearances with the family. Reports suggest he has a strong interest in basketball and has been focused on his education.

O'Shea Jackson Jr.: The Son Who Became His Father on Screen

The most recognizable of Ice Cube's children is undoubtedly O'Shea Jackson Jr., whose career trajectory has been a fascinating blend of following in his father’s footsteps while establishing his own identity. His breakout role was playing his father in the 2015 NWA biopic, Straight Outta Compton.

The casting of O'Shea Jr. was not a foregone conclusion. According to reports, he had to audition for the role multiple times over a two-year period, competing against other professional actors. His resemblance to his father, coupled with his deep understanding of the character's background, ultimately secured him the part. This performance launched him from a rapper known as OMG to a legitimate Hollywood actor.

Since his debut, O'Shea Jr. has consistently chosen diverse roles, demonstrating his range beyond the hip-hop world. His filmography includes action and sci-fi blockbusters, showcasing his commitment to forging a unique path in the industry. This dedication is particularly relevant in the current cultural conversation surrounding "nepo babies," a label O'Shea Jr. has publicly addressed. He has openly acknowledged the advantage of his name while stressing that the hard work and talent required to sustain a career are entirely his own.

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He is also the only one of Ice Cube's children to have a child of his own, making Ice Cube a grandfather. O'Shea Jr. welcomed a daughter in 2017, further evolving the Jackson family legacy.

Darrell and Shareef: The Next Generation of Jackson Men

While O'Shea Jr. took the acting route, his younger brother Darrell Jackson has focused on the music side of the family business. Darrell, who was born just a year after O'Shea Jr., is a rapper known by his stage name, Doughboy. This moniker is a direct and intentional nod to the character Ice Cube played in 1991's Boyz n the Hood, a film that remains one of the most culturally significant works in his father's career.

Darrell's connection to the family's enterprise extends beyond his music. He has a professional role within the Jackson family's corporate structure, working for both Lench Mob Records and Cube Vision, the production company responsible for films like Friday, Barbershop, and Are We There Yet? His involvement ensures the continuity of the Jackson entertainment empire, with a focus on producing and developing new talent.

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The youngest son, Shareef Jackson, has maintained the most private existence. Born in 2000, Shareef has spent the majority of his life away from the public eye. Unlike his older brothers, he has not pursued a career in music or acting, preferring to focus on his personal life and education. This desire for privacy is a common thread among the Jackson children who are not actively seeking a career in the public spotlight, reflecting the family's overall commitment to separating their professional lives from their personal one.

Karima Jackson: Life Beyond the Limelight and The ‘Fifth Child’ Confusion

Karima Jackson is Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff's only daughter. Born in 1994, Karima has completely eschewed the entertainment industry, choosing a career focused on social impact. After graduating from Rutgers University, she dedicated herself to a career in sociology, focusing on community development and making a difference outside of the Hollywood bubble. Her choice highlights the diversity of career paths within the Jackson family, proving that the pressure to follow a famous parent's career does not apply to all celebrity offspring.

The confusion over the number of Ice Cube's children often centers on the name "Deja Jackson." Many online sources incorrectly list five children: O'Shea Jr., Darrell, Karima, Shareef, and Deja. However, the most authoritative sources, and the family's own public statements, only confirm four children.

The confusion likely stems from several factors. Some reports suggest that Karima and "Deja" share the same birth date of February 17, 1994, leading to speculation that they are twins. However, other in-depth reports suggest that "Deja Jackson" is a case of mistaken identity, possibly a former college athlete with the same name, or simply an unconfirmed name that has propagated across the internet. The official Jackson family narrative consistently focuses on the four confirmed children: O'Shea, Darrell, Karima, and Shareef. This ongoing confusion serves as a powerful reminder of how easily unverified information can become widely accepted as fact online.

In conclusion, while the public may debate the exact number, the truth is that Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff are the proud parents of four adult children who are all successfully navigating their own lives. From the box office success of O'Shea Jr. to Darrell's music production, Karima's work in sociology, and Shareef's private pursuits, the Jackson family is a testament to Ice Cube's enduring legacy as both a cultural icon and a dedicated family man.