Ice Cube was born in South Central Los Angeles, to Doris (Benjamin), a

custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper.

He first came to public notice as a singer and songwriter with the

controversial and influential band N.W.A. His compositions with that

group included many of the classic cuts from their debut LP "Straight Outta Compton"

 His movie career has been no less stellar. Ice Cube's

debut in Boyz n the Hood (1991)

led to more roles in such films as

Trespass (1992),

Dangerous Ground (1997) and

Anaconda (1997). He also appeared as

himself in the comedy CB4 (1993). He is also

no stranger to the other side of the camera, directing videos for

himself as well as Prince and

Color Me Badd, as well as co-writing his

screenwriting debut, Friday (1995).