10 Essential Ice-T Songs
Ice-T, a trailblazer in both gangsta rap and rapcore, is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in music history. His groundbreaking debut album, Rhyme Pays, was the first Hip Hop record to carry a parental advisory label for explicit content. Additionally, Ice-T formed Body Count, a pioneering rap-metal group whose impact and controversy opened doors for bands like Rage Against the Machine and Linkin Park. Ice-T’s tracks have shaped the work of artists ranging from Biggie to Eminem and have even sparked reactions from high-profile politicians. Known for embodying the rebellious spirit of Hip Hop, Ice-T remains a vital force in the industry. Here are 10 of his most essential tracks:
10. 99 Problems
“99 Problems” featuring Brother Marquis and produced by DJ Aladdin, Ice-T, and SLJ, appears on Home Invasion (1993). Many fans today might not realize that Jay-Z’s iconic hook, “If you’re having girl problems I feel bad for you, son/I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one,” was actually inspired by Ice-T. Ice-T adapted this line from a friend’s comment for the hook of this track. The song, driven by a compelling beat, has Ice-T reflecting on various women in his life, from those with oversized assets to those fresh from Soul Train. Despite his notorious reputation and the numerous challenges he faces, including run-ins with law enforcement and financial struggles, dealing with women is not one of his concerns. While Jay-Z would later popularize the concept, Ice-T’s original track remains a standout.
9. You Played Yourself
“You Played Yourself,” produced by Afrika Islam and Ice-T for The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech…Just Watch What You Say (1989), is a notable example of Ice-T’s socially conscious approach to gangsta rap. Seymour Stein, the renowned record executive who signed Ice-T, famously compared him to Bob Dylan for good reason. Despite his role as a gangsta rap icon, Ice-T used his platform to caution against the pitfalls of a reckless lifestyle and to critique those who glamorize it without understanding its real consequences.
The track features a smooth, fresh beat sampled from James Brown’s “The Boss,” but its message is unyielding. Ice-T delivers a stern lecture to a wannabe rapper who, despite his attempts to flaunt a tough persona, lacks the street smarts to navigate life successfully. This aspiring star spends his money on superficial relationships, only to be left high and dry when his funds run out. He briefly gains fame but alienates his supporters, ends up borrowing money for drugs, and ultimately turns to armed robbery, landing himself in prison. Throughout, Ice-T emphasizes that the rapper’s downfall is a result of his own actions, not external forces. This track serves as a crucial cautionary tale about self-destructive behavior.
8. Body Count
“Body Count” by Body Count (featured on O.G. Original Gangster, 1991, and the self-titled Body Count, 1992) represents a groundbreaking fusion of rap and hard rock. Although initially met with skepticism—some even accused Ice-T of selling out for blending these genres—this track proved that the combination could be highly effective. By the time the song was released, Body Count had gained significant prominence, performing at major events like Lollapalooza, with Rage Against the Machine often opening for them. This track and its accompanying album played a crucial role in popularizing rapcore and rap-rock, cementing Ice-T’s reputation as an innovative and influential figure in music.
7. New Jack Hustler
“New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)” produced by DJ Aladdin and Ice-T (from O.G. Original Gangster, 1991) is a standout track that highlights Ice-T’s ability to craft compelling music for films, as demonstrated by his work on Colors a few years earlier. This track, created for the movie New Jack City—in which Ice-T also starred alongside Wesley Snipes—offers a sharp portrayal of the film’s main character, a formidable drug dealer. The song delves into the gangster lifestyle, capturing its opulence while also addressing its consequences. Ice-T’s lyrics reflect on the paradox of rapid success achieved through crime, acknowledging the high cost of this lifestyle: “With cocaine, my success came speedy/Got me twisted jammed into a paradox/Every dollar I get, another brother drops.” He questions whether this life is a nightmare or part of the American dream but ultimately concludes that he must continue to chase money despite the dangers. Through this track, Ice-T presents both the allure and the grim reality of the gangster lifestyle.
6. High Rollers
“High Rollers,” produced by Afrika Islam and Ice-T (from Power, 1988), delivers a potent message about the perils of the street life. In this track, Ice-T vividly portrays the high-rolling lifestyle with his characteristic sharp rhymes and smooth flow. While he describes the allure and power associated with being a high roller, he also warns of the inherent dangers. As the song progresses, Ice-T emphasizes that, despite the seemingly glamorous life, one must tread carefully. He cautions that becoming overconfident could lead to grave consequences, such as “ending up with a bullet in your head.” Featuring a compelling beat and some of Ice-T’s most memorable lines, including “Speed of life, fast/It’s like walking barefoot over broken glass/It’s like jump-rope with a razor blade,” this track stands out as one of his strongest offerings.
5. O.G. Original Gangster
“O.G. Original Gangster,” produced by DJ Aladdin, SLJ, and Ice-T, is widely regarded as Ice-T’s magnum opus and a defining work of gangster rap. The title track serves as a self-portrait, with Ice-T declaring himself the “original gangster.” Given his significant impact on the genre, this assertion is well-founded. In the song, Ice-T reflects on how he began crafting rhymes inspired by his favorite rappers, moving away from his initial focus on party tracks to delve into stories of street life. At a time when many Hip Hop records were centered on partying, Ice-T was among the first major artists to address life on the streets. This track remains one of the standout cuts from a landmark album in Hip Hop history.
4. I’m Your Pusher/Pusherman
“I’m Your Pusher/Pusherman,” produced by Afrika Islam and Ice-T for the album Power (1988), stands out for its unique message. Unlike many hardcore rappers, Ice-T never engaged in drug dealing and never promoted drug use. During the crack epidemic, he positioned himself as an advocate for sobriety. In this track, Ice-T rebuffs a junkie seeking drugs, urging him instead to enjoy good music. Sampling Curtis Mayfield’s “Pusherman,” Ice-T redefines the term “pusher” to mean someone who promotes music rather than drugs. This track contrasts sharply with other Hip Hop songs where artists like Biggie and Jay-Z reflect on their past drug dealing. Additionally, the song features a notable diss aimed at LL Cool J, marking a brief but intriguing chapter in the rivalry between the two rappers.
3. Colors
“Colors,” produced by Afrika Islam and Ice-T for the Colors soundtrack (1988), is among Ice-T’s most iconic tracks. Featured in Dennis Hopper’s film Colors, which explores gang violence in Los Angeles—a topic Ice-T was intimately familiar with—the song presents the perspective of an L.A. gangster loyal to his gang colors. Despite the commitment to the gang lifestyle depicted in the track, Ice-T uses it to caution against joining gangs and engaging in violence. Praised by many, the song was honored by VH1 as one of the greatest Hip Hop tracks ever. It stands out as an underappreciated classic, offering a rare critique of the violence inherent in gang culture.
2. Cop Killer
“Cop Killer,” released by Body Count in 1991, made a significant impact, surpassing even N.W.A.’s infamous “F**k Tha Police.” This protest song, presented from the perspective of a vengeful individual fed up with police brutality against his community, describes a violent response to injustices like those seen in the Rodney King case. The song’s first-person narrative led some to believe Ice-T himself supported violence against law enforcement, prompting widespread outrage and calls for the album’s withdrawal from stores. Various figures, including law enforcement agencies, Warner Brothers Records investors, and notable public figures like Al Gore’s wife and President George H.W. Bush, voiced their objections. This controversy highlighted Ice-T’s ability to provoke significant debate through his music. Ironically, Ice-T later portrayed a police officer in New Jack City and continues to play one on Law & Order: SVU. Despite this, “Cop Killer” remains a pivotal and influential track, resonating deeply with the era’s socio-political climate.
1. 6 N’ the Mornin
“6 N’ the Mornin’” (produced by Afrika Islam and Ice-T, from Rhyme Pays, 1987) is the track that solidified Ice-T’s place in Hip Hop. Drawing inspiration from Schoolly D’s “P.S.K. (What Does it Mean?)” with its minimalist beats and narrative style, Ice-T delivers a gritty portrayal of gangster life in L.A. The song depicts running from the police, rolling dice with friends, time spent with a partner, and engaging in shootouts. Its impact was profound, helping to establish gangsta rap as a significant genre and influencing artists from Tupac to Killer Mike. The iconic opening line, “6 in the mornin’, police at my door,” has been sampled by numerous artists, including Kendrick Lamar in “The Blacker the Berry.” This track was instrumental in the success of Ice-T’s debut album Rhyme Pays and cemented his role as a key figure in Hip Hop, despite his more recent lower profile in the genre.
Credit photo: “Ice-T and Coco at the Tribeca Film Festival” by David Shankbone is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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