Ice Cube

O'Shea Jackson Sr., known professionally as Ice Cube, is a rapper, actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur from South Central Los Angeles, California. One of the most consequential figures in the history of hip-hop and American popular culture, Ice Cube co-founded N.W.A alongside Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, and MC Ren — the group whose debut "Straight Outta Compton" (1988) permanently changed rap music by establishing "gangsta rap" as a distinct and commercially viable genre. After departing N.W.A, Cube released "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" (1990), one of the most critically acclaimed rap debuts ever recorded. Albums "Death Certificate" (1991) and "The Predator" (1992) consolidated his status as hip-hop's most uncompromising political voice. His acting career became equally significant: from the Hughes Brothers' "Boyz n the Hood" to writing and starring in his own "Friday" franchise to appearing in the "Ride Along" and "21 Jump Street" series, Ice Cube is one of Hollywood's most consistently bankable stars. His legacy as a cultural pioneer is unassailable.