Black Nepo Babies in the Spotlight: How Talent and Hustle Define Their Legacy

Once again, X (formerly Twitter) is in shambles over nepo babies. This time, O’Shea Jackson Jr.—son of rap legend turned Hollywood powerhouse Ice Cube—had time. When someone tried to call him out for being a nepo baby, he responded: “Tellin me I had an easy life is not an insult bro lmaooo.” And honestly? He’s not wrong.

Tellin me I had an easy life is not an insult bro lmaooo https://t.co/VRLP7T5PCu

— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) March 27, 2025

Let’s talk about it. Why do we drag our own for being born into wealth like they had a say in it? Nobody gets to pick their parents. And while some nepo babies coast on their last names, the ones we respect prove they belong in the rooms they were born into. The conversation shouldn’t be about gatekeeping success—it should be about what they do with the opportunity once they get through the door.

Now, don’t get it twisted—we’re not here for the ones who grew up in luxury but still want to play “from the hood” or be a “New New” as us millennials like to say for aesthetics. This ain’t about that. We’re talking about the ones who took what they were given and ran with it, building careers that stand on their own. A last name might get you a meeting, but talent and hustle keep you in the game.