Celebrity Kids Who Look Just Like Their Famous Parents

Despite all the recent discourse surrounding Hollywood nepo-babies, the public just can’t seem to get enough of famous kids who look identical to their celebrity parents. Watching your favorite actor, rapper, or social media figure grow up and have kids of their own can be quite rewarding. This is especially true when the kids blossom into media figures in the footsteps of their parents, providing a display of generational talent. Here’s a look at 7 kids who could pass for twins with their famous parents.

Read More: Fat Joe Doesn’t Want His Kids To Be Rappers

Asahd Khaled

dj khaled asahd celebrity kids
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) DJ Khaled and Asahd Tuck Khaled attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony for DJ Khaled on April 11, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

DJ Khaled’s first born son, Asahd, is a dead ringer for his superstar dad. The young heir to the “I’m The One” fortune was born in 2016, with a younger sister, Aalam born in 2020. Despite his young age, Asahd has his own Instagram page, which touts a massive following of over 1.5 million users. DJ Khaled honored his son by titling his eleventh studio album Father Of Asahd, with the pair gracing the album’s cover art.

Maya Hawke

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 25: (L-R) Maya Hawke and Uma Thurman attend Room To Grow 25th Anniversary gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on October 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Maya Hawke is the child of two famous actors, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. The A-list couple first met when filming the 1997 film Gattaca together. Shortly after meeting and falling in love, the pair married, and eventually gave birth to Stranger Things star Maya Hawke. The 25-year-old actor has diversified her media career in recent years, branching out into modeling and singing, and working with a host of acclaimed filmmakers. Rumors have circulated for years that if Quentin Tarantino were to produce a third installment in the Uma Thurman-led Kill Bill film franchise, Maya Hawke would be his first and only choice to portray Thurman’s on-screen daughter.

Saint West

kanye west saint west celebrity kids
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: Kanye West, center, and his son, Saint West, got front row seats next to Golden State Warriors co-owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber as they watch the game against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. (Photo by Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian tends to keep her famous kids out of the spotlight when possible, though Saint West has proven to be a mini-Kanye in the making. The pair look alike and share the same distaste for boundary-pushing paparazzi. Kanye even rapped about his resemblance to his son in the 2016 track “No More Parties In LA.” On the song, the rapper states “I be worried ’bout my daughter, I be worried bout Kim, but Saint is baby Ye, I ain’t worried bout him.”

Read More: Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Come Together To Co-Parent Son Saint’s Basketball Game

Ava Elizabeth Phillippe

Ava Elizabeth Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon celebrity kids
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14:
Ava Elizabeth Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon attend the 2024 Critics Choice Awards on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for SeeHer)

Ava Elizabeth Phillippe proves that her famous mom, Reese Witherspoon, has some of the strongest genes known to mankind. The 24-year-old Internet personality looks so much like a carbon copy of her mother that fans often having trouble discerning them in photos. The pair have a close relationship, often appearing alongside each other in interviews and red carpet events.

Scott Eastwood

clint eastwood scott eastwood celebrity kids
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 08: (L-R) Actress/model Francesca Eastwood, director/actor/producer Clint Eastwood, and actor/model Scott Eastwood attend the screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Sully’ at Directors Guild Of America on September 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

These days, Clint Eastwood is prominently recognized for directing and starring in films like Cry Macho, The Mule, and Gran Torino. However, in the early to mid-20th century, the filmmaker was celebrated for his roles as a tough-as-nails hero in numerous spaghetti Western movies. His son, Scott Eastwood, looks about as much like a young Clint as you could possibly imagine. Fans on Scott’s Instagram often confuse his photos for throwback pics of his dad, due to the father and son combo sharing the exact same facial structure and smoldering scowl.

Jaden Smith

will smith jaden smith celebrity kids
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 01: Actors Jaden Smith (L) and Will Smith attend the “Suicide Squad” world premiere at The Beacon Theatre on August 1, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Stewart/WireImage)

Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s famous kids have gone on to become certified stars in their own right in recent years. However, that won’t stop the comparisons between the two singers and their celebrity parents. Fans have remarked throughout the years that Jaden Smith looks exactly like a young Fresh Prince, while Willow bares a striking resemblance to Jada. Many fans were dismayed to learn that Jaden wouldn’t be taking the torch from his movie-star dad when the 2022 reboot of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was first announced.

O’Shea Jackson Jr.

ice cube o'shea jackson jr celebrity kids
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 21: Actor-rapper Ice Cube (L) and actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. in the audience during the 2016 ABFF Awards: A Celebration Of Hollywood at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 21, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET)

There is perhaps no better example of a celebrity kid who looks exactly like their famous parent than O’Shea Jackson Jr. In addition to sharing a name with one another, O’Shea Jr. also shares a near-identical visage to his N.W.A. alumnus father, and even portrayed a young Ice Cube in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton. The pair have expressed in interviews and social media posts before that their resemblance is uncanny, allowing for one of the most perfect casting opportunities in film history.

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N.W.A. Members: Where Are They Now?

N.W.A. first hit the music scene in 1987, before cementing themselves as a landmark hip hop group. Together, the six young Compton natives who composed the group redefined an era and popularized the gangsta rap sub-genre. N.W.A.’s greatest hits such as “F*** Tha Police,” “Straight Outta Compton,” and “Dopeman” all serve as political statements. The group’s music enlightened middle America to the plight of black Americans in inner cities across the country. Though several of the surviving members have reunited since the group parted ways, N.W.A. is largely considered to have ended as a group with the 1995 passing of Eazy-E, leaving many fans to wonder what the remaining members have been doing in the decades since.

Eazy-E

Eric Wright, best known by his stage name Eazy-E, was a founding member of N.W.A. alongside Dr. Dre. Under the tutelage of record producer Jerry Heller, Eazy started the record label Ruthless Records. Unfortunately, Eazy-E found himself at the center of a bitter rivalry with his fellow N.W.A. members in 1991. The beef began over payment and contract rights, with several key members claiming the record label had taken advantage of them. After several years of throwing shots back and forth at each other on wax, the members of N.W.A. buried the hatchet after learning of Eazy-E’s AIDS diagnosis in 1995. Eazy tragically passed away at the age of 30 from complications relating to his illness on March 26th, 1995.

Read More: “The Mysterious Death Of Eazy-E” Docuseries Investigates Rap Icon’s Untimely Death

Dr. Dre

Perhaps the most prolific N.W.A. member of them all, Dr. Dre has established himself in the modern era as one of rap’s few billionaires. The mogul went on to start Aftermath Entertainment, signing and producing such mega stars as Eminem and 50 Cent. Dr. Dre has also served as something of a musical mentor to rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, The Game, and many others. In 2006 Dre collaborated with his partner Jimmy Iovine to bring Beats headphones to market. The Beats brand expanded into a line of high-quality speakers and headsets, before selling the technology to Apple. The 2014 sale went through for $3.4 billion.

In addition to his extracurricular ventures, Dr. Dre headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022. In 2023, Dr. Dre was presented with the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 65th Annual Grammys. The award was created to celebrate excellence and longevity in rap while recognizing the 50th anniversary of the genre. Dr. Dre served as a producer on the 2015 N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton alongside Ice Cube.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube has become a household name in the decades following the demise of N.W.A., with a prolific screen acting career that rivals the success of his extensive solo music catalog. Since leaving N.W.A. to go solo in 1989, Ice Cube has released 10 solo albums, 3 collaborative efforts, and racked up countless appearances on film and television soundtracks. Ice Cube has also gone on to establish an incredible career in film and television.

Cube has amassed nearly 100 credits on IMDb, including half a dozen projects in various stages of active production. Alongside Dr. Dre, Ice Cube produced the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton, which follows the group’s rise and fall. The film even featured Cube’s eldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. as a young version of himself. O’Shea Jr. has gone on to lead several feature films since, with Straight Outta Compton serving as his first feature appearance. Ice Cube has also embarked into the world of sports as the CEO and co-founder of the Big3 basketball league.

Read More: Ice Cube Asks People To Stop Calling Him A “GOAT”

DJ Yella

Though he is often forgotten due to his lack of vocal performance in most N.W.A. tracks, DJ Yella served as a vital element of the group’s success. Like Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, Yella consulted on the set of Straight Outta Compton. Yella provided invaluable insight into the formation and history of the group for the film. When N.W.A. split up, DJ Yella served as one of the few members who didn’t get involved with the beef. Yella remained signed to Ruthless Records, producing music for Eazy-E and other label artists.

After releasing a solo album in 1996, Yella retired from music to pursue a career directing and producing adult films. According to interviews with the former N.W.A. DJ, he has helmed over 300 films of this nature. DJ Yella returned to his position behind the boards in 2011 when he began to work on an album titled West Coastin. Then he appeared on stage in 2016 during an N.W.A. reunion at Coachella and appeared in an interview for the 2017 docu-series The Defiant Ones.

Arabian Prince

Though Arabian Prince serves as one of N.W.A.’s founding members, the rapper is often left out of the group’s stories due to his early departure from the collective. Prince left N.W.A. shortly after Straight Outta Compton debuted in 1988, citing issues with the label’s payment and billing practices. Due to Arabian Prince’s previous experience in the music industry, the rapper was acutely aware of proper billing procedures, which he claims did not take place at Ruthless Records. This sentiment would later be echoed when Ice Cube departed the collective in 1989.

Despite being pictured front and center on the Straight Outta Compton album cover, Arabian Prince was not depicted or mentioned at any point in the 2015 biopic of the same name. Likewise, the rapper was left out of N.W.A.’s 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In recent years, Prince has found success launching a video effects company, touring as a solo DJ, and even adapting a comic book titled Death For Hire: The Origin of Tehk City into an upcoming television project alongside Ice-T.

MC Ren

The final N.W.A. member on this list, MC Ren, has continued to record and release music to this day. Like DJ Yella, MC Ren remained signed to Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records after the other members had departed from the group. While occasionally popping up on Eazy-E releases for the following few years, Ren got working on his solo catalog. As a solo artist, MC Ren has released four solo albums and two EPs.

MC Ren’s latest musical effort is the EP Osiris, released in June 2022. The record spans 8 tracks, and contains features from fellow West Coast legends including Kurupt, Kokane, and Cold 187um. MC Ren joined his fellow N.W.A. members on stage at Coachella in 2016.

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Westside Connection: Where Are They Now?

Westside Connection stands as one of rap’s most successful supergroups, with their two albums becoming RIAA-certified platinum and gold, respectively. The group, which consists of Ice Cube, Mack 10, and WC, disbanded in 2005, though rumors of a reunion have circulated periodically ever since. Despite their natural chemistry on the mic, the three West Coast rappers haven’t released new music as a group since 2003. With over two decades since the trio have performed together, many fans have wondered what the members have been up to since the group disbanded.

Read More: Mack 10 & Ice Cube Haven’t Spoken In 20 Years

Ice Cube

Westside Connection member Ice Cube
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 05: Ice Cube performs on stage at The OVO Hydro on December 05, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns)

Even before linking up with his Westside Connection compatriots, Ice Cube was a certified iconoclast in the hip-hop world. Since the group disbanded in 2005 the former NWA rapper has released 4 solo albums and 1 under a new group, Mount Westmore. True to its name, Mount Westmore serves as a veritable Mount Rushmore of West Coast rappers, with Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too $hort joining Cube on the mic.

Ice Cube has also maintained an incredible career in film and television, maintaining nearly 100 credits on IMDb, including half a dozen projects in various stages of active production. Since parting ways with his Westside Connection peers, Ice Cube has appeared in First Sunday, Lottery Ticket, and the 21 Jump Street films. He has also starred alongside Kevin Hart in several films including the two Ride Along movies. Additionally, he’s also embarked into the worlds of sports as the as the CEO and co-founder of the Big3. While both Mack 10 and WC have solidified their place in music, neither have become world-renowned household names like Ice Cube.

Mack 10

westside connection member mack 10
LONG BEACH, CA – JULY 07: Rapper Mack 10 performs onstage during the Summertime in the LBC music festival on July 7, 2018 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Mack 10 has released 2 solo albums and 1 album in collaboration with Glasses Malone since Westside Connection ended their run. While the rapper hasn’t had the same success in front of the camera as Ice Cube, he has appeared in a handful of feature films, including 2006’s It Ain’t Easy and 2011’s Budz House. Mack was also largely responsible for the rift which split the famed rap group apart.

According to interviews, Westside Connection’s downfall was due to a disagreement of some sort between Mack 10 and Ice Cube’s brother-in-law. It seems as though Ice Cube’s unnamed family member had a business disagreement with Mack 10 which resulted in a physical altercation of some sort. In a 2020 interview with VladTV, Mack 10 explained “There was conflict but I went to Cube about 4 or 5 times before the conflict jumped off.” Unfortunately, the conflict sparked an argument between Mack 10 and Ice Cube that still to this day has never been resolved.

Read More: Mack 10 Net Worth: What Is The Rap Icon Worth?

WC

ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Rapper WC of Westside Connection performs onstage during the High Hopes Concert Series produced by Bobby Dee Presents at Toyota Arena on November 19, 2022 in Ontario, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Of the three rappers responsible for bringing the group to life, none have been more vocal about constructing a Westside Connection reunion than WC. Like the other members, WC has continued to release music as a solo artist since the group split, resulting in 2 solo albums, and 1 in collaboration with West Coast legend Daz Dillinger. Outside of music, he also served as a dialect coach for Damson Idris in preparation for his role as Franklin Saint in Snowfall.

By all accounts, WC had nothing to do with the feud between Ice Cube and Mack 10 and has served as something of a neutral party between the two ever since. The rapper has continued to play Westside Connection tracks at his solo concerts, resulting in massive fanfare from the crowds in attendance.

Reports circulated that WC had considered relaunching the Westside Connection group back in 2008, with Ice Cube and The Game in place of Mack 10, though those rumors were never confirmed. Ultimately, Ice Cube has expressed as recently as 2023 that he has no interest in a Westside Connection reunion.

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How Many Kids Does Ice Cube Have?

Ice Cube has made waves as one of the most prolific rappers of all time, transitioning his career into movie stardom and a host of high-figure business deals. The acclaimed NWA rapper serves as a loving and present father to five children alongside his wife of 30 years. Together, the pair share three sons and two daughters, each with a wide range of talents and skills. Unlike a number of other rap icons, Ice Cube has remained loyal and faithful to his wife and kids since the couple tied the knot in 1992.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. Is Ice Cube’s Eldest Son

Fans may recognize O’Shea Jackson Jr. from his many roles on the big screen. The eldest child of Ice Cube and Kim Woodruff notably starred in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters, 2022’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, and even the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton. O’Shea Jr. shocked the world when he starred as a young version of his father in the NWA film, proving to audiences that talent truly runs in the Jackson family.

The oldest of Ice Cube’s kids, O’Shea Jr., is currently the only descendant of the rapper to have children of his own. O’Shea Jr. had a daughter in 2017 and has publicly gone on record saying his rap star father has provided him with a host of helpful fatherly advice ever since.

Darrell Jackson Also Follows In His Father’s Footsteps

Ice Cube’s second child, Darrell, may not be a blockbuster Hollywood actor, but he, too, follows in his father’s talented footsteps. Darrell writes and performs rap music under the assumed name Doughboy and even works at his father’s record label, Lench Mob Records. In 2010, Cube hopped on a track with his two eldest boys titled “Y’all Know How I Am,” which is still available online.

Darrell Jackson was born in 1992, just one year after O’Shea Jr. Ice Cube and Kim Woodruff married in the same year before having three more children.

Karima, Deja, & Shareef Have Stayed Out Of The Public Eye

Ice Cube’s youngest three children, Karima, Deja, and Shareef, have all chosen to remain largely private. The trio may have chosen to lead quiet lives on purpose, though their public silence may also be a result of their young age. Karima and Deja are Ice Cube and Kim Woodruff’s only daughters and were both born in 1994, though it remains unclear to the public if the pair are twins.

Shareef is Ice Cube’s youngest son, born in 1995. While very little is known about Shareef, the heir to the NWA rapper is known to be a massive basketball fan and can often be seen wearing officially licensed NBA apparel or joining his father at games. While Cube’s daughters have made it a point to remain quiet and private, they have been known to attend red carpet events with their family on occasion.

By all accounts, it seems Ice Cube is an excellent father who has managed to avoid any significant family controversy for the duration of his 30+ year marriage. Unlike several other prolific rappers who have multiple families with a host of different women, it seems that Cube’s wild side only comes out on the mic and the big screen.

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Kid Cudi & Ice Cube Join Red Hot Chili Peppers On Tour + Notable Hip-Hop Crossovers

Kid Cudi, Ice Cube

Kid Cudi and Ice Cube will take the stage alongside rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers on their upcoming Unlimited Love Tour. This surprising collaboration between hip-hop and rock represents another crossover that fans of both genres will surely appreciate. As hip-hop meets rock once again, SOHH highlights other notable crossovers.

Hip-Hop Meets Rock

Kid Cudi and Ice Cube are scheduled to perform alongside the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers during their forthcoming Unlimited Love Tour.

The tour, slated to kick off on May 28 in Ridgefield, Washington, and wrap up on July 30 in St. Louis, will feature other talented acts such as Ken Carson, Otoboke Beaver, Seun Kuti Wand, and Irontom. This joint tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers reinforces many rappers’ reputations as fearless artists unafraid to challenge the status quo. 

Hip-Hop Crossovers

Here are some other notable hip-hop crossovers with other artists of different genres:

Saweetie & Nissy

Bay Area rapper Saweetie recently teamed up with J-pop star Nissy to create the song “Feels,” which was released in November 2023. The crossover combines genres and Asian cultures since the Icy girl artist is half Filipina. 

Ice Spice & Taylor Swift

Bronx rapper Ice Spice and superstar singer Taylor Swift collaborated for the “Karma” remix, which was released in May 2023. The song was a remix of Swift’s original song featured on her 2022 album, Midnights.

Gucci Mane & Marilyn Manson

Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane had a surprising collaboration with rock legend Marilyn Manson in 2013 for the song “Fancy B*tch (Diary of a Trap God).” 

Manson wrote the hook and even had a rap verse, with Gucci’s help. The duo reportedly made the song after the premiere of the movie Spring Breakers.

Korn with Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, David Banner & Lil Jon

Nu metal rock band Korn teamed up with rap stars Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, David Banner and Lil Jon for their 2005 single “Twisted Transistor.” 

In the music video, the rappers played the roles of the band members. The video featured Lil Jon as Jonathan Davis, Xzibit as Reginald Arvizu, David Banner as David Silveria, and Snoop Dogg as James Shaffer

Jay-Z & Linkin Park

Rap legend Jay-Z and rock band Linkin Park teamed up to make their joint EP, Collision Course, in 2004. Mixing the two was very successful, with the EP peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts. 

Nelly & Tim McGraw

In 2004, St. Louis rapper Nelly released the song “Over and Over” with country music star Tim McGraw, at the time when Nelly had multiple hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Over and Over” also peaked at No. 3 on the chart.

Kid Cudi & Ice Cube On The Move

In other Kid Cudi news, he recently performed at ComplexCon on Nov. 19  as one of the only hip-hop headliners for the event. While at the festival, he performed an unreleased song titled “Super Boy.”

Outside of going on tour, Ice Cube has made major moves in the basketball industry. In November 2023, he was honored by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with its Inaugural Impact Award. Ice Cube is also the CEO of the BIG3 basketball league. 

Hip-Hop Artists Hitting The Road This Winter/Fall 2023

Just like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kid Cudi, and Ice Cube, other notable artists will go on tour from 2023 to early 2024. Other artists set to go on tour soon include Drake and J.Cole, Travis Scott, Doja Cat, and others.

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Today In Hip-Hop History: Ice Cube Released His Third LP ‘The Predator’ 31 Years Ago

Ice Cube   The Predator   Album Cover

On this day in 1992, gangsta rapper turned actor/filmmaker Ice Cube released his most successful solo album The Predator. Released months after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this album follows the same tone that existed in Ice Cube’s music from his solo beginning; Black power against any form of oppression. Although the album was very graphic, it still had a great reception among the commercial audience, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart (despite his blatant diss of the Billboard editor on the album’s title track) and selling 193,000 copies in its first week.

The mood of this album was set by the era of violence that was going on in Los Angeles, California. Every song has an element of the type of violence that was going on in the hood between and against Black people incorporated through interludes or references. Even his more peaceful tracks have an air of criminal paranoia about them. Regardless, The Predator is still slightly toned down from his prior two releases AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, which you can by the titles more outwardly push the militant mindset that Ice Cube has as a recording artist.

This album also toted two #1 rap singles, “It Was a Good Day” and “Check Yo Self”. “It Was a Good Day” is to date Ice Cube’s most successful single. The track peaked #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1993 and sold 600,000 copies. Outside of commercial success, this album is forever a part of pop culture history voted #8 on VH1‘s Top Rap Songs list. “Check Yo Self” was also ridiculously successful, selling 500,000 copies and peaking at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Predator LP is a masterpiece and has the sales to prove it. This album has so far gone double platinum and with the success of the film Straight Outta Compton, there is no reason why sales figures should not increase over the next few months. As anyone up-to-date in Hip Hop culture should know, with the success of this album, Ice Cube went on to be an entertainment mogul directing, writing and producing successful films, appearing on television, and releasing six more studio LPs that have all done pretty well in their sales all appearing on the Billboard 200 in the top 20%.

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Ice Cube Is Fully In His Basketball Bag

Ice Cube

Ice Cube has been honored by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with its inaugural Impact Award, which will also be named after the hip-hop icon. This ​phase of Cube’s career marks a surprising departure from the expectations of most fans and supporters. The rap superstar has fully immersed himself in the sports world, leading him to step away from both music and acting.

The CEO Speaks 

Ice Cube’s fight for respect in the sports world has paid off as he is being recognized by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with its inaugural Impact Award. The award recognizes The Los Angeles native’s extraordinary contributions to the basketball world. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzoxX_uvDHs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva, emphasized Cube’s passion stating: 

“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering. His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.”

The announcement of the prestigious award was made on Tuesday, Nov. 14, stating: 

“Extraordinary contributions to the world of basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game, and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice while contributing to initiatives focused on education and community development.”

Ice Cube Expresses Gratitude

The former NWA member expressed his gratitude for receiving the award. He stated: 

“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization. Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”

The Ice Cube Impact Award will find its home in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s museum in Springfield, Massachusetts. It will be presented annually to recipients who use basketball as a platform for good work in their communities. 

 Cube’s Career 360

Ice Cube’s impact on basketball and his commitment to activism make him the perfect candidate to become the award’s namesake. The award symbolizes the power of basketball and the profound influence it can have worldwide.

 The rapper-turned-entrepreneur known for his lyricism as a member of the West Coast rap group, NWA, has worn many hats in his lifetime. His latest project includes his role as Superfly, in the Sci-Fi comedy animation for “Teenage Mutant Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” 

Prior to that, he had taken a three-year hiatus from acting which he took on the role of “Jack Robertson” in The High Note. The SAG- AFTRA strike pushed many notable actors such as Cube to reach for something more than just the television screen. The 54-year-old took on the sports and music world to make it into one. 

In that, he achieved something spectacular. In June 2023, the mogul was able to secure a partnership with North America’s leading skill-based fantasy sports operator, PrizePicks.

The Calm Before The Storm 

In a separate controversy, Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league had recently filed allegations of sabotage by the NBA, with the U.S. Department of Justice launching an investigation into the claims. Cube and his co-founder, Jeff Kwatinetz, have accused the NBA of engaging in anti-competitive practices against the BIG3 league, hindering its mainstream success.

Missy Elliott Makes Herstory 

Speaking of celebrities being honored, another trailblazing artist, Missy Elliott, has made history as the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her innovative contributions to hip-hop and pop culture have solidified her place in music history.

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Eazy-E Dedicated His Life To Compton, So The City Is Finally Repaying Him With A Street Named In His Honor

Eazy-E
Getty Image

In January 2020, Ice Cube stopped by Uproxx‘s People’s Party With Talib Kweli and discussed the backstory of the late Eazy-E’s “Boyz N The Hood.” Cube explained that the song was originally meant for a New York-based group named Homeboys Only, but it wasn’t a lyrical fit, so “[Dr.] Dre convinced Eazy to do it.”

But Eazy-E never needed convincing to stump for Compton, California, his hometown that was put on the map by him, Cube, and the rest of N.W.A. Now Compton will make Eazy-E’s relationship to Compton tangibly and permanently inextricable.

According to several Los Angeles-based outlets, such as ABC7 and KTLA, the 100 block of Auto Drive South, located on Alameda Street and runs into the Gateway Towne Center shopping plaza, will be renamed Eazy Street.

Per The Los Angeles Times, “A block party will be held at the street on November 22 to celebrate the moment with performances and appearances from the ‘Boyz-n-the-Hood’ rapper’s children and his former collaborators.” The paper also noted that Compton City Council previously voted unanimously to rename the street in September.

Eazy-E passed away in March 1995 at just 30 years old. Mere days prior he had publicly disclosed his AIDS diagnosis.

“My dad loved where he was from,” Eazy-E’s daughter, Erica Wright, said in a statement, as per The Los Angeles Times. “Nothing could keep him from Compton. Nothing could keep his parents from Compton. This will forever be a highlight in my life.”

Eazy-E’s son, Eric Darnell Wright Jr. added, “The street naming serves as a symbol of recognition and commemoration, ensuring that our father […] has a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

This is far from the first preservation of Eazy-E’s legacy. In March 2017, for example, N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Unveils Inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Unveils Inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and cultural icon Ice Cube announce a groundbreaking partnership, marking the inception of the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award. This unique collaboration seeks to honor Ice Cube’s exceptional contributions to basketball, his unmatched passion for the sport, and his steadfast commitment to fostering vital conversations about inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice. The Naismith Hall of Fame will serve as the permanent home for the award, showcasing it in its museum and annually recognizing subsequent winners through dedicated exhibits and in-depth storytelling about their community contributions through basketball.

“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization,” said Ice Cube, a lifelong Lakers fan who grew up playing basketball at the Inglewood YMCA. “Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.” 

Ice Cube, the visionary founder of the BIG3 basketball league, has significantly transformed the basketball landscape. The BIG3, a professional league featuring Hall of Famers, World Champions, and All-Stars, has revitalized careers and provided a platform for players and coaches to contribute to the game positively. Ice Cube’s innovative approach, blending streetball and professional basketball, exemplifies the power of sports in uniting communities, as demonstrated by the Young3 program focused on youth in underserved areas.

“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.”

The prestigious Ice Cube Impact Award will be presented to Ice Cube at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 15, 2024, in Springfield, Massachusetts, recognizing his outstanding journey and impact on the basketball community.

The post Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Unveils Inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award first appeared on The Source.

The post Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Unveils Inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award appeared first on The Source.

BIG3 Vs. NBA: Ice Cube’s League Accuses NBA Of Sabotage, Sparks DOJ Investigation

Ice Cube

Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league finds itself embroiled in a storm of controversy as allegations of sabotage by the NBA take center stage. The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into claims made by the rapper/entrepreneur and his co-founder, Jeff Kwatinetz, asserting that the NBA engaged in anti-competitive practices against the BIG3 league.  […]

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