A Message from Big O
For me, entertainment has always been a way of life. It started in Los Angeles, where I was born in 1976 to a family that was already deep in the game. My father, Cuba Gooding Sr., was the lead singer of the legendary soul group The Main Ingredient, and my mother, Shirley Sullivan, was a singer as well. Growing up with that kind of talent around me, and with my older brother, the Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., I was always surrounded by creativity.
I first got my start in television, and people have known me for a long time as an actor. But many might not know that music, specifically hip-hop, and comedy have also been constant passions. They're just different ways for me to tell a story and connect with people on another level, whether through a laugh or a beat. After years of building my foundation, my music career took a significant step forward with the release of my debut album, The Excuse, in 2019. That project marked a moment of taking a new leap of faith, and since then, I haven't looked back.
The years 2024 and 2025 were particularly productive for me as an artist. I released the single "Overstand Me" in October 2024, and it felt incredible to follow that up with the full album of the same name in October 2025. I also dropped the 2025 album 4 The Culture, which featured my brother Glasses Malone. In early 2025, I used my music to participate in a classic hip-hop moment with the diss tracks aimed at Cam’ron. It's a reminder that my lyrical ability is something I'll always be dedicated to.
I've also been traveling and performing with my comedy tour, "We Out Here." My comedy is a way for me to connect directly with the crowd, share my unique perspective, and bring some much-needed laughter into the world. It’s always an honor to get on stage, no mater where I am, and feel that connection.
Looking ahead, I have several film and television projects that will be coming out in 2025 and 2026. It’s exciting to be back on set and creating new characters for people to enjoy.
My journey has always been about versatility—about doing everything I do to the fullest. And I'm just getting started. I appreciate all the support from the fans who follow me from the screen to the stage to the studio. Keep watching, listening, and laughing!