How Old Is Ice Cube’s Son? Ages and Profiles of the Jackson Children

As of 2026, Ice Cube’s eldest and most famous son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., is 35 years old, having been born on February 24, 1991. His younger brother, Darrell Jackson, is 33 years old (turning 34 in late December), while his other siblings, including Karima, Deja, and Shareef, range in age from 30 to 32.

The fascination with the ages and lives of Ice Cube’s children stems from the legendary rapper and actor’s long-standing status as a pillar of American pop culture. Unlike many Hollywood families that find themselves in the tabloids, the Jackson family—led by Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Sr.) and his wife of over three decades, Kimberly Woodruff—has maintained a relatively private but highly successful profile. Each of his children has carved out a unique path, ranging from Hollywood stardom to community activism and music production.

The Jackson Family Legacy: An Overview

To understand the ages and roles of Ice Cube’s sons and daughters, one must first look at the foundation of the family. Ice Cube married Kimberly Woodruff in 1992, and the couple has remained one of the most resilient pairings in the entertainment industry. Their children were raised primarily away from the chaotic glare of the paparazzi, which has allowed them to develop their own identities before entering the public eye.

While many fans search for "Ice Cube’s son" in the singular, they are often referring to O’Shea Jackson Jr., who skyrocketed to fame by portraying his father in the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton. However, Ice Cube actually has three sons and two daughters, each of whom contributes to the family’s multifaceted legacy.

O’Shea Jackson Jr.: The Breakthrough Star

O’Shea Jackson Jr. is the eldest child and the most recognizable figure among the Jackson siblings. Born in 1991 in Los Angeles, he grew up during the height of his father’s transition from a gangsta rap icon to a mainstream movie star.

Age and Career Milestones

As he reaches 35 years of age in 2026, O’Shea Jr. has successfully moved past the "son of a legend" label to become a respected leading man in his own right. His journey began with an intensive two-year audition process for the role of his father in Straight Outta Compton (2015). Despite the physical resemblance, Ice Cube insisted that his son earn the part through talent, even hiring acting coaches to ensure O’Shea Jr. could handle the dramatic weight of the film.

Since that breakthrough, O’Shea Jr. has built a diverse filmography:

• Ingrid Goes West (2017): Proved his comedic timing and versatility.
• Den of Thieves (2018): Established him as an action-heavy supporting actor.
• Just Mercy (2019): Showcased his ability to handle somber, social-justice-oriented narratives.
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022): His entry into the Star Wars universe, playing Roken.
• Cocaine Bear (2023): Further cemented his status as a reliable box-office draw.

Navigating the "Nepo Baby" Narrative

In 2026, the conversation around "nepo babies" (nepotism babies) remains a hot topic in Hollywood. O’Shea Jackson Jr. has been praised for his refreshing honesty regarding his privilege. He has frequently stated that while his father "opened the door," it was up to him to "walk through it and do the work." This transparency has earned him a dedicated fanbase that respects his work ethic as much as his lineage.

Darrell Jackson: The Musical Protege

The second son, Darrell Jackson, was born on December 29, 1992. As of 2026, he is 33 years old. Darrell is perhaps the sibling who followed most closely in his father’s musical footsteps, though he often operates behind the scenes or in more niche hip-hop circles.

Professional Identity as "Doughboy"

Darrell performs under the moniker Doughboy, a name that serves as a direct tribute to his father’s iconic character in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. Darrell has collaborated with his father and older brother on various musical projects, contributing to Lench Mob Records.

Unlike O’Shea Jr., Darrell has expressed less interest in the Hollywood limelight, focusing instead on the technical and creative aspects of music production and artist development. He remains a key part of the "Cube Vision" ecosystem, helping to manage and expand the family's business interests in the music industry.

Karima, Deja, and Shareef: The Private Siblings

While the two eldest sons are public figures, the younger Jackson children have opted for lives that are significantly more private.

Karima Jackson

Born on February 17, 1994, Karima is 32 years old in 2026. She has largely steered clear of the entertainment industry. Reports indicate she pursued higher education with a focus on social work and public service. She has been involved in community organizing and philanthropic efforts, often working to improve social services in underserved communities. Her choice to remain out of the spotlight highlights the balanced upbringing Ice Cube and Kimberly provided, emphasizing education and service over fame.

Deja Jackson

Also born in 1994 (often cited as Karima’s twin or born very close in succession), Deja Jackson is 32 years old. Like her sister, Deja maintains an extremely low profile. There is little public information regarding her career, which is a testament to the family's ability to protect their private lives despite Ice Cube’s $160 million+ net worth and global fame.

Shareef Jackson

The youngest son, Shareef Jackson, was born in June 1995, making him 30 years old (approaching 31) in 2026. While he is occasionally seen with his father at basketball games—specifically Big3 events—he does not pursue a career in acting or rap. Instead, Shareef has shown an interest in the business of sports and technology, reflecting the diversified interests of the modern Jackson family.

Comparative Breakdown of Ice Cube’s Children

The following table provides a quick reference for the ages and primary focuses of the Jackson children as of 2026.

The Role of Kimberly Woodruff in Their Upbringing

It is impossible to discuss the ages and success of Ice Cube’s sons without mentioning their mother, Kimberly Woodruff. Ice Cube has frequently credited Kimberly as the "backbone" of the family. In a world where celebrity marriages often crumble, their 30-plus-year union provided a stable environment for O’Shea Jr., Darrell, and their siblings.

This stability is a major reason why none of the Jackson children have faced the "troubled celebrity kid" tropes often seen in Hollywood. By the time O’Shea Jr. was 35 and Darrell was 33, they had already established themselves as professional, grounded individuals. Ice Cube’s parenting philosophy—as he has stated in interviews with The Guardian and AARP—revolved around "being a father first and a friend second," ensuring his children respected the value of hard work.

How O'Shea Jackson Jr. Redefined the Family Brand

By 2026, O’Shea Jackson Jr. has become a powerhouse. His age (35) places him in the prime of his career, where he is now producing his own content. He has been vocal about his desire to tell stories that deviate from the standard "inner-city" narratives, looking toward sci-fi, fantasy, and complex psychological thrillers.

His success has also benefited his brothers. By establishing the Jackson name as a mark of quality in modern cinema, he has helped the family transition from being perceived solely as "rap royalty" to "Hollywood royalty." This shift is crucial for Darrell and Shareef, as it provides a broader platform for their own business ventures within the Cube Vision production company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is O'Shea Jackson Jr. Ice Cube's only son?

No, Ice Cube has three sons: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, and Shareef Jackson. O’Shea Jr. is simply the most famous due to his high-profile acting career.

Are Ice Cube's children twins?

There is frequent speculation that Karima and Deja are twins because they were both born in 1994. While some sources confirm them as twins, the family has not made a public point of emphasizing it, maintaining a high level of privacy for the daughters.

What does Darrell Jackson (Doughboy) do for a living?

Darrell Jackson is a rapper and producer. He works closely with his father's record label, Lench Mob Records, and has performed alongside his father and brother at various music festivals and on studio tracks.

Did Ice Cube’s son actually play him in the movie?

Yes, O’Shea Jackson Jr. played the role of his father, Ice Cube, in the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. He spent two years preparing for the role to ensure his performance was authentic and not just based on his physical resemblance.

How many children does Ice Cube have in total?

Ice Cube and his wife Kimberly Woodruff have five children: three sons (O'Shea Jr., Darrell, and Shareef) and two daughters (Karima and Deja).

Summary of Next Steps for Fans

If you are interested in following the career of Ice Cube’s sons, the best place to start is with O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s upcoming production projects under his own banners. For those interested in the musical legacy, Darrell Jackson's work through Lench Mob Records continues to carry the West Coast sound into the mid-2020s.

The Jackson family serves as a rare example of how to navigate multi-generational fame with dignity and success. As they move through 2026, the focus has shifted from the patriarch, Ice Cube, to the burgeoning empires of his adult children.