Ice-T To Play A Detective On TV
Controversial rapper Ice-T has made a career out of portraying the harsh realities of the streets. VH1's Rebecca Rankin gives us a look behind the man with so much to say.
Few artists have gained the kind of national recognition with their music as Ice-T. His gritty portrayal of life on the streets has brought him not only riches and fame -- but mountains of public scrutiny.
Considered one of hip-hop's true musical pioneers, he brought the harsh realities of L.A.'s mean streets to the masses. "When a lot of rappers was rapping about fairy tale raps, Ice-T was rapping about real," explains rapper Snoop Dogg
Orphaned at an early age, Ice-T found life on the streets -- robbing, hustling and pimping.
"The pimp is the master of the Earth. He's the closest thing to a living Earth," Ice-T has been quoted as saying.
He took his knowledge of the streets to the stage, and helped usher in Gangsta rap.
In 1992, his song Cop Killer ignited a national controversy.
"When the president says your name in anger, the [bleep] has hit the fan," says Ice-T.
From the streets of L.A. to a house in the Hollywood hills, Ice-T is a man of many worlds.
In early August the artist put out a greatest hits CD - The Evidence. He was also recently cast in NBC's Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, where he'll play a veteran detective.
Fast Facts:
- Ice-T was born Tracy Morrow on February 16, 1958 in Newark, N.J.
- His parents were killed in a car crash when he was a child.
- He moved to Los Angeles where he was raised by an aunt.
- During his teens he became a gang member.
- Claims to have been shot twice, once during an armed robbery.
- Joined the army to escape gang violence. Served four years.
- His record The Coldest Rapper, 1983, made him L.A.'s first hip-hop artist.
- Appeared in the breakdance movie Breakin'
- Landed a record contract with Warner Bros. in 1987.
- Became well known with Rhyme Pays.
- Played a cop in the movie New Jack City.
- Contributed to the soundtrack for Dick Tracy.