O’Shea Jackson Jr. received widespread praise for his role in the hip hop biopic “Straight Outta Compton,” but his initial success was met with skepticism about nepotism.

Critics suggested that Jackson landed the role of his father, Ice Cube, in the film due to their family connection. However, Jackson proved his critics wrong with a remarkable debut performance and has continued to excel in the entertainment industry.

Born in 1991, Jackson grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, encouraged by his father to pursue a career in rap. Despite his early success in music, Jackson’s true passion lay in film, leading him to enroll in a screenwriting program at the University of Southern California.

When offered the opportunity to portray his father in “Straight Outta Compton,” Jackson faced intense scrutiny and underwent a rigorous audition process. Contrary to nepotism claims, he competed against hundreds of other actors and underwent extensive training to prepare for the role.

Jackson’s portrayal of Ice Cube in the film was met with critical acclaim, earning him recognition for his uncanny resemblance and nuanced performance. Despite his success, Jackson opted for indie projects like “Ingrid Goes West” to prove his versatility as an actor.

“Ingrid Goes West” allowed Jackson to showcase his comedic and emotional range, dispelling any notions of typecasting. His dedication to his craft and willingness to take on diverse roles earned him respect within the industry.

Transitioning into action films like “Den of Thieves,” Jackson aimed to establish himself as a serious actor beyond his father’s legacy. In the film, he embraced physically demanding roles, demonstrating his commitment to challenging himself as an actor.

Despite being the “new guy” on set, Jackson approached his roles with confidence and professionalism, earning accolades for his performances. With projects like “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” on the horizon, Jackson continues to carve his own path in Hollywood, determined to leave a lasting impression beyond his father’s shadow.