Why Only Ice Cube’s Son Could Portray Him in Straight Outta Compton

In the biopic Straight Outta Compton, chronicling the rise of the revolutionary rap group N.W.A, the role of Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson, is embodied by his son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. The duo sat down to discuss the intricacies of the film, the politics of rap and Hollywood, and the unique experience of portraying a legendary figure who happens to be your father.

Cube, how does it feel to see your son portraying you onscreen?

Cube: The magic of this movie lies in the immersion into the characters. When I see Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre—it doesn’t feel like actors; it feels like witnessing the past. Being on set was like a journey through time, reminiscent of Back to the Future, where every corner turned could alter history.

O’Shea: Dad, did you ever envision yourself starring in movies?

Cube: Not realistically. When John Singleton approached me for Boyz N the Hood, I initially dismissed it, thinking, “Me? I don’t act.” But he persisted, and after doing it, I caught the movie bug. O’Shea, what drove you to pursue this role so passionately?

O’Shea: I couldn’t fathom anyone else playing you. The thought of someone else being called O’Shea or reenacting the story I lived through would have been unbearable.

N.W.A was politically charged in a way preceding rap groups were not. Does that moment feel similar to today’s social climate?

Cube: It’s а cоntinuоus struggle, mаn. Sоngs like “Fuck tҺа Pоlice” Һаve rооts 400 yeаrs Ԁeep, аԀԀressing tҺe persistent rаcism аffecting blаck peоple. WҺаt’s аbsurԀ is tҺаt tҺоse inflicting pаin expect silence, nоt prоtests оr expressiоns оf pаin. But we wоn’t cоnfоrm. Һell nо.

O’Shea, are these discussions something you share privately?

O’Shea: My parents never shielded me from the world. Awareness is crucial; otherwise, you’ll be consumed.

When ‘Straight Outta Compton’ is released, it will be a unique cinematic experience. Do you feel a void in the representation of certain realities in entertainment?

Cube: More white stories will always be told than black ones because Hollywood was established long before our arrival. We need to reach the intelligent minds eager to use this industry to illuminate the human experience, not just one perspective. Hollywood has a responsibility to tell the complete human story.

O’Shea, was that a consideration during the making of this movie?

O’Shea: Absolutely. The timing and content of this movie are significant. Hopefully, it will inspire people, much like the music did.