My brother and I had a lot of freedom growing up, and thankfully, we both turned out OK.

Thirteen' was really hard on my family. I wrote this movie about them and their flaws and imperfections and what it was like growing up. It was from one kid's perspective and not a well rounded one. You get older, and it's like, 'How dare I portray my father as being a totally vacant, careless schmuck?'

I think for women especially, writing and creating your own role, producing, directing - having some control over what you do is really important. We can pave the way for other women to send what messages they want sent.

I guess the older I get, the more understanding and forgiving I've become.

My Aunt Marsha ruled the family with a rod of iron. She was one wicked, mean woman.

Ice Cube's the coolest dad. A lot of parents - a lot of kids do not think their parents are cool. Oh, no. My dad's cool... You know, I was born in 1991. That's when 'Boyz n the Hood' came out. So I've always see him on TV. I don't see everybody else's dad, you know. So I've always had a sense of, you know, he's cool. He's in the light.

It was tough for my family. My father was working; my mother was working. Sometimes I was alone at home after leaving school.

Leaders are judged on merit and not on caste or family names.