Ice Cube‘s son has addressed the “nepo baby” label amid a major debate about nepotism in the entertainment industry.
Vulture published an article on Monday (December 19) providing “an all but definitive guide to the Hollywood nepo-verse,” which spotlights actors, artists and directors that are children of established entertainment professionals.
Many celebrities have weighed in on the debate, with one of those being Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. The 31-year-old made his acting debut in the 2015 N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton — in which he played his father — and has gone on to star in a number of major movies and TV series since.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (December 20), Jackson Jr. saddled both sides of the nepotism argument, pointing out the work he’s put into his career while also acknowledging the support of his rap legend father.
“My dad told me in a perfect world, I would play him in straight outta compton,” he began. “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 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.”
He continued: “But none of that. NONE. OF. THAT. Happens that way without the love of my father. The work he put in to get us to a place of opportunity. And for me to ignore that or not accept and use as a guide would be foolish and disrespectful. I am grateful and I use his teachings daily.”
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
But none of that. NONE. OF. THAT. Happens that way without the love of my father. The work he put in to get us to a place of opportunity. And for me to ignore that or not accept and use as a guide would be foolish and disrespectful. I am grateful and I use his teachings daily.
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
O’Shea Jackson Jr., who most recently starred in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ earlier this year, went on to show support for “nepo babies” and encouraged everyone to work hard and open up opportunities for their families.
“I say this to say. To the people who are 2nd, 3rd or any number of generational talent/wealth. Embrace that shit,” he wrote. “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 what they are.
“Bust your ass! Do the work! And leave something for your kids to do the same thing! It is not a shadow for you to get out of! It is an empire to which you are growing! But it all starts with love of yourself. Love of those before you. A strong mind & WORK.
“I wish everyone in this world to be able to present opportunities for their children to succeed. No matter how big or small. It’s something all parents work for. How many people you know working multiple jobs to put they kids through school. Making opportunities is a parents goal.”
He added: “Family first. May everyone who reads this, blaze a trail for their family to be able to walk in the future. And teach them to love themselves. To love their family. And pave the way for the next. Thank you that was my TED talk.”
…what they are. Bust your ass! Do the work! And leave something for your kids to do the same thing!
It is not a shadow for you to get out of!
It is an empire to which you are growing!
But it all starts with love of yourself. Love of those before you. A strong mind & WORK
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
Family first. May everyone who reads this, blaze a trail for their family to be able to walk in the future. And teach them to love themselves. To love their family. And pave the way for the next.
Thank you that was my TED talk.
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s comments come on the heels of a similar argument currently being waged between Master P and Romeo Miller. The father-son duo have been embroiled in a bitter feud on social media of late, with Romeo accusing the No Limit Records founder of neglecting his family and withholding money.
Master P, meanwhile, has labeled his son “ungrateful” for the comfortable upbringing and lucrative opportunities he provided him, while claiming he’s been avoiding his calls for “months.”
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