Ice Cube Knew His Son Was Right For ‘Straight Outta Compton’ — He Just Had To Learn How To Act
The portrayal of Ice Cube in “Straight Outta Compton” strikingly resembles the veteran rapper/actor himself. That’s because the role was played by none other than Cube’s own 24-year-old son, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
While Jackson had a unique understanding of his father, he faced a significant challenge: he had never pursued acting seriously before. It took him two years of dedicated effort to convince director F. Gary Gray that he was capable of taking on the role. The stakes were high, not only because he would be portraying his father in a major motion picture, but also because Ice Cube was a producer on the film.
When Cube and his son joined us on The Frame, they discussed O’Shea’s journey to embodying Ice Cube on screen, the immense success of “Straight Outta Compton,” and the surreal experience of watching your son portray you.
Interview Highlights:
Cube, watching your son in this movie must evoke many emotions, from pride in seeing him excel in the role, to reflecting on your own youth, and overseeing a film that portrays a significant moment in musical history. How do you manage these different perspectives?
Cube: It feels like I’m on cloud nine, ten, and eleven. [laughs] I’m ecstatic about the movie’s success and seeing our story brought to life feels like being in a “Back to the Future” movie.
I’m particularly thrilled for my son. He proved himself capable of handling the role, and it’s incredibly rewarding because I always believed he was the right person for it.
O’Shea, did you always feel confident about playing your father in the film, or did you need to convince yourself and others of your ability?
Jackson, Jr.: It took me some time, about a day or so, to convince myself. I wаnted to ensure that I was the right fit for the project. While some suggested casting a seasoned actor, I realized that no one could truly understand my father’s nuances like I could.
Did working on this movie provide any new insights into your father’s experiences that you hadn’t known before?
Jackson, Jr.: Absolutely. I learned about my father’s decision to leave the group, NWA, without a plan in place. Despite their success, he prioritized his integrity and knew he had to make a change. That spoke volumes about his character.
Cube, the film delves into both the highs and lows of your life, including moments of police brutаlity. What was it like watching your son portray these experiences?
Cube: It’s like he experienced it in a simulator. While I could always share stories with him, seeing him portray those experiences brought them to life in a new way. I hope this role helps him understand the stories I used to tell him.
Did O’Shea take any liberties in portraying you, or did you encourage him to stay true to your character?
Cube: I wаnted him to embody the role authentically, rather than mimic me. I provided him with insights into my thoughts and experiences, but ultimately, I wаnted him to trust his instincts. He knows me well, and he did an exceptional job.
O’Shea, you’ve received acclaim for your performance in your first film, which is also a massive box office Һit. How do you feel about this success, and what are your plans for the future?
Jackson, Jr.: It’s surreal, and I’m still processing it. I’m focused on choosing my next project carefully to ensure I continue to showcase my acting abilities. This experience with “Straight Outta Compton” has been incredible.
Cube, younger generations are discovering NWA’s music today. What do you hope they take away from the group’s legacy?
Cube: Our music reflects honesty and authenticity, even when it’s not always positive. We address the good and the bad, but we’re always truthful. We want young people to understand that creativity can be a powerful outlet for frustration and that honesty is key.
Our music has garnered attention and sparked conversations, demonstrating that creative expression can be more impactful than destructive actions. That’s a valuable lesson for today’s youth.
