TLDR: On The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Shea Jackson Jr. shares stories about growing up as Ice Cube’s son and behind-the-scenes moments from Straight Outta Compton.
O’Shea Jackson Jr., son of rap legend and N.W.A icon Ice Cube, brought charisma and compelling stories to The Big Podcast with Shaq. Hosted by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, the episode dived into O’Shea’s unique Hollywood upbringing, tales from the set of Straight Outta Compton, and the surprising truth behind Ice Cube’s Lakers fandom, among other things.
Jackson Jr., who played his father in the acclaimed biopic Straight Outta Compton, offered a candid glimpse into the challenges of portraying a hip-hop legend while under his father’s watchful eye. “I had to learn how to act,” Jackson Jr. explained in a previous interview. “It was two years of auditioning. When it’s your father and you go through two years, you start to build a doubt. What the hell?! But I had to develop a confidence. That was something I needed for Straight Outta Compton. I had to have my father’s integrity and confidence at 17.”
Shaq, always one to inject humour, quizzed Jackson Jr. about growing up as Ice Cube’s son, and whether it’s annoying being referred to as “Ice Cube’s Son” even after appearing in his own films. “I stopped tripping on it. I wear it as a badge of honour. That’s the best coach I could ask for. The whole concept of ‘getting out of the shadow’ is built by people on the outside. You don’t think like that… you’re my dad.”
“I’ve been blessed to have that,” he added.
The discussion turned to basketball, with Shaq grilling Jackson on his father’s allegiance to the Lakers. “Three of my favourite people use to always call me to make sure I had great games: Your father, Snoop and B-Real. And the conversation wasn’t always nice.”
This episode is one of many star-studded interviews on The Big Podcast with Shaq, with recent guests like Dana White, Dr. J, Marlon Wayans, and Mark Cuban bringing their own flavour to the show.
To catch the full episode featuring O’Shea Jackson Jr., head over to The Big Podcast with Shaq and prepare for a mix of insight, humour, and unfiltered storytelling.
