Ice Cube‘s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., is stepping in to comment on the “nepo baby” conversation.
For the uninitiated, a nepo baby—aka nepotism baby—is a slightly derogatory label that describes people who followed in the footsteps of their celebrity parents. The name suggests that the stars’ more-famous parents had a major role in catapulting them to success, as opposed to others who weren’t born into fame and had to navigate the game on their own.
New York Magazine Shades Nepo Babies With Humorously Scathing Cover
The conversation was sparked by a recent New York magazine article, which donned the headline, “She Has Her Mother’s Eyes. And Agent.”
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This piece takes a deep-dive into various nepo babies who are taking over Hollywood, including stars like Zoë Kravitz, Lily-Rose Depp, Brooklyn Beckham, Maude Apatow, and many more. We should also note that some of these stars were featured on the cover with their mugs cropped onto newborn babies.
New York Magazine unveils ‘The Year of the Nepo Baby’ cover.
🔗: https://t.co/qdd7iamv1b pic.twitter.com/xN0FU5FV7M
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 19, 2022
We also have to shoutout a passage that sums up the overall vibe of this spicy article.
“This is the nepo baby’s credo: Try, and if at first you don’t succeed, remember you’re still a celebrity’s child, so try, try again.”
With all the buzz, “nepo babies” began trending on Twitter. Ultimately, this prompted Ice Cube’s son to share his thoughts.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. Tells Nepo Babies To ‘Embrace’ Their Privileged Reality
On Tuesday, O’Shea started a Twitter thread by speaking on how, while he played his father in Straight Outta Compton, he still had to audition “for two years before getting the role.”
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
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
He continued, saying that he still had to “get [his] a** up and work” in spite of his dad’s help.
“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.”
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.
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
Regarding people who are part of “generational talent/wealth,” O’Shea told them to “embrace that s**t.” Additionally, he implored them to not let others water down their professional accomplishments.
…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
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
He wrapped up his commentary by saying that he hopes everyone is “able to present opportunities for their kids to succeed.”
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.
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) December 20, 2022
Do you agree with O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s statements, or do you think Ice Cube’s son should’ve sat this one out? Additionally, what do you think about the whole nepo baby conversation?
