Ice Cube's Son O'Shea Jr. Has No Problem Being A Nepo Baby: 'A Badge Of Honor'

O'Shea Jackson Jr is embracing his privileges and isn't embarrassed to be tagged as a "nepo baby." The oldest son of famous rapper and actor Ice Cube spoke elaborately about the controversial topic during an interview.

He gave a new perspective on the sensitive discourse which has taken over Hollywood in recent times

The "Straight Outta Compton" actor has earned himself a new status after taking a different approach to addressing the "rich kid" label that his other peers seem to always get defensive about.  

Making an appearance on the "Kelly Clarkson Show," Jackson graciously aired his view about the ongoing conversation concerning "nepo babies." Donning a neon green jacket over a black t-shirt and matching jeans, the actor looked stylish as he responded to Clarkson's question about his take on the unflattering tag.

He said, "You know, I'm forever grateful for everything that my dad had to do to give me the opportunities that I have. If I were to run away from that or shy away from it in any way, in my eyes that's disrespectful to everything he had to go through."

Speaking of his famous dad Ice Cube who rose to fame as a member of the Los Angeles-based rap group "N.W.A" in the late 1980s, the "Long Shot" actor added, "He didn't work as hard as he did for me to not accept and appreciate it."

Jackson told Clarkson that he chose to wear his "nepo baby" status "as a badge of honor" in both his personal and professional life. "A lot of people, when they see me, naturally [they say], 'Hey you're Ice Cube's son.' You're damn right I am, 100% that's my hero. That's my coach," the actor said.

He, however, noted, "At the same time, the door can be open but you gotta walk through." Jackson disclosed how individuals judged him for being Ice Cube's son. He said, "I have a lot of people, they have an idea of what I'm going to be before I get to any set because of their idea of what my dad is." He further noted how people assumed he acted "entitled" due to his father's status.

"They think I'm coming to set feeling entitled, or I feel like I need to have 'a posse' of 15-20 people with me, straight rap stuff," the actor said, "But no, I'm here to work. I pride myself on my professionalism."

Although Jackson doesn't seem perturbed about being labeled a "nepotism baby," the actor has, however, made it a point of duty to differentiate between having privileges and working hard to enjoy those privileges.

Taking to his Twitter account last December, the "Den Of Thieves" actor revealed to his followers that he had to put in the work to earn the role of playing his father, in the 2015 movie, "Straight Outta Compton."

In the thread, Jackson noted how his dad told him that playing his character would happen in a "perfect world." However, that wouldn't be the case in reality. The young actor then went on to reveal that he took on the challenge and auditioned for the role for two years as he was already in college studying screenwriting.

He added, "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 going to find a team of my own. Once the door was opened it was up to me to walk through it and thrive."

Jackson nonetheless credited his success to the "love" his father had for him and the "work he put to help him get to a place of opportunity." 

He proudly wrote, "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 teaching daily." The "Cocaine Bear" actor concluded his lengthy message by encouraging other privileged kids to embrace the opportunities their wealthy parents have afforded them and be proud of their accomplishments. 

It seems other nepo babies in the Hollywood industry are speaking out and owning their narrative. Per The Blast, Kate Hudson addressed the trending controversial topic during an interview while promoting her film, "Glass Onion."

The "Bride Wars" actress stated that when it concerned the "nepotism thing," she didn't really care for it. 

The mom of three rightly defended her privileges, saying, "I look at my kids and we're a storytelling family. It's definitely in our blood. People can call it whatever they want, but it's not going to change it."