Ice-T

Born Tracy Marrow, Ice-T is a former gang member soldier, jewel thief, and pimp who, after a near fatal car crash in 1989 turned rapper, author and actor. Considered one of the fathers of gangsta rap, Ice-T has released eight studio albums since 1987 when he began recording. He is famous for his political statements and he has openly condemned homophobia, anti-white and anti-immigrant bigotry amongst blacks as well was making political statements in song about issues such as police brutality, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, prison conditions and censorship. Ice-T has also expressed his opinion that black people should leave the ghetto unlike many other rappers like Chuck D and Ice Cube.

Ice-T's seminal album O.G. Original Gangster, is consider by many artists, one of the best gangsta rap albums and it also introduced Ice-T's other musical project, Body Count. Defined by Ice-T as "rock…with a rap mentality", Body Count was Ice-T delving into punk and hard rock, along with friend and guitarist Ernie C. Body Count released its eponymous debut album in 1992 including the highly controversial song "Cop Killer" and has been credited with paving the way for rapcore and rap-metal bands. Since 2000 Ice-T has played Detective Fin Tutuola in the popular Law & Order spin-off Special Victims Unit.