Tracy Marrow, professionally known as Ice-T, is a renowned gangsta hip-hop emcee, born on February 16, 1958, in Newark, New Jersey.
After his father's death, Marrow moved to Los Angeles, California, to live with his paternal aunt in the South Los Angeles district of Crenshaw, commonly referred to as South Central.
He became deeply immersed in the street life of the inner-city and eventually joined the West Side Rollin 30s Original Harlem Crips.
In 1979, Marrow enlisted in the Army, but his 4-year stint came to an end in 1983, when he left the military with an honorable discharge.
Following his departure from the Army, Marrow returned to South Central, determined to pursue a career in hip-hop music.
However, his life took a turn for the worse as he became involved in street life, taking on roles as a jewel thief and a pimp.
The nickname "Ice-T" is an homage to the infamous pimp and raconteur Iceberg Slim, and it was during this period that Marrow suffered a life-changing car accident in 1985.
The incident served as a wake-up call, prompting Marrow to dedicate himself fully to his music career.
As a musician, Ice-T played a pivotal role in the development of gangsta hip-hop and was a dominant force in the West Coast hip-hop scene, despite his East Coast origins.
His music often conveyed a sense of political awareness, critiquing racism and societal issues, similar to the style of Public Enemy.
However, his lyrics also frequently exhibited a nihilistic tone, reflecting his experiences growing up on the streets.
One of his most controversial songs, the heavy metal "Cop Killer," sparked a heated debate in the 1990s, with cultural conservatives, including Charlton Heston, advocating for his removal from his record label.
Ice-T has also found success as an actor, starring in various films and television shows, including the popular TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Ironically, he plays Detective Odafin Tutuola on the show, a character that contrasts with his earlier persona and his feud with the L.A.P.D.
Today, Ice-T resides in North Bergen, New Jersey, with his wife, Coco Austin.
