Ice Cube

'Ice Cube' (qv) 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" (Ruthless/Priority, 1989), including the title track, "Gangsta Gangsta" and "Express Yourself". He quit the band over business differences in 1990 and began a still-growing series of commercially and critically acclaimed solo albums, starting with "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" (Priority, 1990). His second solo album, "Death Certificate" (Priority, 1991), a concept album about the fall and rise of the Black man, sold two million copies, and his subsequent solo output (six albums to date total) has sold over ten million copies. He has also discovered 'Yoyo' (qv), 'Del the Funky Homosapien' (qv), K-Dee and 'Mack 10' (qv). He has also produced, written, toured and recorded with 'Public Enemy' (qv), The 'Red Hot Chili Peppers' (qv), 'George Clinton' (qv), 'The D.O.C.' (qv), Michel'e, 'Big Daddy Kane' (qv), 'WC' (qv) & The Madd Circle (which spawned the solo career of 'Coolio' (qv)), former N.W.A. bandmate 'Dr. Dre' (qv) and 'Cypress Hill' (qv). He has also recorded with two post-N.W.A. side-project bands, 'Da Lench Mob' (qv) ("Guerillas In Tha Mist", Street Knowledge/East-West, 1991) and Westside Connection ("Bow Down", Priority, 1996). His movie career has been no less stellar. 'Ice Cube' (qv)'s debut in _Boyz n the Hood (1991)_ (qv) led to more roles in such films as _Trespass (1992)_ (qv), _Dangerous Ground (1997)_ (qv) and _Anaconda (1997)_ (qv). He also appeared as himself in the comedy _CB4 (1993)_ (qv). He is also no stranger to the other side of the camera, directing videos for himself as well as 'Prince' (qv) and 'Color Me Badd' (qv), as well as co-writing his screenwriting debut, _Friday (1995)_ (qv).::CJ Marsicano <irieduck@ptd.net>