O’Shea Jackson Jr. is setting the record straight — he may be the product of hip hop royalty, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t out here working twice as hard!
After New York Mag’s recent feature surrounding Hollywood’s favorite nepotism babies sparked conversations about famous celebrity children carving their own paths, the actor took to social media to share his journey to making a name for himself outside of his father’s shadow. And if you’ve been living under a rock, Jackson is the eldest child of legendary rapper Ice Cube.
“My dad told me in a perfect world, I would play him in Straight Outta Compton,” Jackson wrote via Twitter. “I was already in college for screenwriting at USC. I accepted the challenge. And auditioned for two years before getting the role. After that, it was up to me. He couldn’t hold my hand through my career. I had to get my a** up and make it work. Once the door was opened, it was up to me to walk through it and thrive.”
Check out his tweets below.
My dad told me in a perfect world, I would play him in straight outta compton. I was already in college for screenwriting at USC. I accepted the challenge. And auditioned for two years before getting the role. After that it was up to me, he couldn’t hold my hand through my career
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
I had to get my ass up and make it work. From the roles I chose. The work ethic I put into them. My professionalism on sets and promo tours. Even leaving HIS agency and goin to find a team of my own. Once the door was opened it was up to me to walk through it and thrive.
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
I say this to say. To the people who are 2nd, 3rd or any number of generational talent/wealth. Embrace that shit. Because it’s something that’s been happening for centuries. Do not let anyone get it in your head that you should feel bad or your accomplishments are less than…
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
Furthermore, he detailed how his upbringing played a pivotal role in his success as an actor. “None of that happens that way without the love of my father,” the Den of Thieves actor continued. “The work he put in to get us to a place of opportunity. And for me to ignore that, or not accept and use [it] as a guide would be foolish and disrespectful. I am grateful, and I use his teachings daily.”
In a previous interview, Ice Cube admitted that he was blown away by Jackson’s portrayal of him in the 2015 N.W.A. biopic. “To have him be in the movie and do a great job, and organically be the best person for the part… That, to me, [is] what I’m proud of,” said the Friday creator. “I got him ready, but he had to do it. He had to have Donna Langley give [him] the stamp of approval, not me.”
Watch the full clip below.
Got to have my brother @icecube on Hart To Heart….Our conversation was dope as hell of course….But hearing him talk about his son and how proud he is as a father was truly special. Make sure u go to @peacocktv and watch my latest episodes….THEY ARE GOOD DAMN IT!! #HartToHeart pic.twitter.com/oEaUhu3lyH
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) August 27, 2021