Ice-T

Although one of West Coast rap’s leading figures, Ice-T (Tracy Marrow) was actually born in Newark, New Jersey.
While attending Crenshaw High School in California, Ice-T became obsessed with rap and often recited rhymes for classmates. After a stint in the Army, Ice-T began his extremely long career of recording raps for various studios on 12.” These tracks were later compiled on “The Classic Collection” and also featured on disc 2 of “Legends of Hip-Hop.” His first rap was “The Coldest Rap” in 1982; this was also the first hip hop record to use the words “nigga” and “ho,” although few recognize this early record as “gangsta rap.” Much of his music is politically oriented. In 1991, Ice-T released his classic album O.G. (Original Gangster) which is regarded as one of Gangsta Rap’s defining albums. It was also on this album in which he introduced his heavy metal band, Body Count. He has since released four other Rap albums, collaborated with Hard Rock/Metal bands, such as Icepick, Slayer, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Six Feet Under and covered songs by Hardcore Punk bands, The Exploited and Black Flag. Since 2000, he has played the role of Detective Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which shows his acting chops. His official website, www.IceT.com, shows more.