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Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption—from South Central to Hollywood
My life's been a great story / In the ultimate war / Should I ill or do right? / Make peace or go raw? —Ice-T, "Exodus"
He's a hip-hop icon credited with single-handedly creating gangsta rap in the 1980s. Television viewers know him as Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on the top-rated TV drama Law & Order: SVU. But where the hype and the headlines end, the real story of Ice-T—the one few of his millions of fans have ever heard—truly begins.
Ice is Ice-T in his own words—raw, uncensored, and unafraid to speak his mind. About his orphan upbringing on the gang-infested streets of South Central Los Angeles. About his four-year stint in the U.S. Army's famed "Tropic Lightning" outfit. About his successful career as a hustler and thief, the car crash that nearly killed him, and the fateful decision to turn away from a life of crime and forge his own path to international entertainment stardom.
Ice by Ice-T is both a tell-it-like-it-is tale of redemption and a star-studded tour of the pop culture firmament. The acclaimed rapper and actor shares never-before-told stories about friends like Tupac, Dick Wolf, Chris Rock, and an antler-clad Flavor Flav, among others. Readers will ride along as Ice-T's incendiary rock band Body Count narrowly escapes from a riotous mob of angry concertgoers in Milan, and listen in as the music legend battles the self-appointed censors over his controversial "Cop Killer" single.
Most of all, Ice is the place where one of the game’s most opinionated players breaks down his own secret plan for living, offering up candid observations on marriage and monogamy, the current state of hip-hop, and his latest passion: doing one-on-one gang interventions and mentoring at-risk youths around the country.
With insights into the cutthroat world of the street—and the cutthroat world of Hollywood�Ice is the inspirational story of a true American original.
He's a hip-hop icon credited with single-handedly creating gangsta rap in the 1980s. Television viewers know him as Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on the top-rated TV drama Law & Order: SVU. But where the hype and the headlines end, the real story of Ice-T—the one few of his millions of fans have ever heard—truly begins.
Ice is Ice-T in his own words—raw, uncensored, and unafraid to speak his mind. About his orphan upbringing on the gang-infested streets of South Central Los Angeles. About his four-year stint in the U.S. Army's famed "Tropic Lightning" outfit. About his successful career as a hustler and thief, the car crash that nearly killed him, and the fateful decision to turn away from a life of crime and forge his own path to international entertainment stardom.
Ice by Ice-T is both a tell-it-like-it-is tale of redemption and a star-studded tour of the pop culture firmament. The acclaimed rapper and actor shares never-before-told stories about friends like Tupac, Dick Wolf, Chris Rock, and an antler-clad Flavor Flav, among others. Readers will ride along as Ice-T's incendiary rock band Body Count narrowly escapes from a riotous mob of angry concertgoers in Milan, and listen in as the music legend battles the self-appointed censors over his controversial "Cop Killer" single.
Most of all, Ice is the place where one of the game’s most opinionated players breaks down his own secret plan for living, offering up candid observations on marriage and monogamy, the current state of hip-hop, and his latest passion: doing one-on-one gang interventions and mentoring at-risk youths around the country.
With insights into the cutthroat world of the street—and the cutthroat world of Hollywood�Ice is the inspirational story of a true American original.
251 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
91 people are currently reading
1,359 people want to read
About the author
Ice-T
22Ìýbooks85ÌýfollowersTracy Marrow, better known by his stage name Ice-T, is an American musician and actor.
He was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Army for four years. He began his career as a rapper in the 1980s and was signed to Sire Records in 1987, when he released his debut album Rhyme Pays. The next year, he founded the record label Rhyme Syndicate Records (named after his collective of fellow hip hop artists called the Rhyme Syndicate) and released another album, Power.
He co-founded the rap metal band Body Count, which he introduced in his 1991 album O.G.: Original Gangster. Body Count released its self-titled debut album in 1992. Ice-T encountered controversy over his track "Cop Killer", which was perceived to glamorize killing police officers. Ice-T asked to be released from his contract with Warner Bros. Records, and his next solo album, Home Invasion was released later in the fall of 1993 through Priority Records. Body Count's next album was released in 1994, and Ice-T released two more albums in the late 1990s.
Since 2000, he has portrayed NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
He was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Army for four years. He began his career as a rapper in the 1980s and was signed to Sire Records in 1987, when he released his debut album Rhyme Pays. The next year, he founded the record label Rhyme Syndicate Records (named after his collective of fellow hip hop artists called the Rhyme Syndicate) and released another album, Power.
He co-founded the rap metal band Body Count, which he introduced in his 1991 album O.G.: Original Gangster. Body Count released its self-titled debut album in 1992. Ice-T encountered controversy over his track "Cop Killer", which was perceived to glamorize killing police officers. Ice-T asked to be released from his contract with Warner Bros. Records, and his next solo album, Home Invasion was released later in the fall of 1993 through Priority Records. Body Count's next album was released in 1994, and Ice-T released two more albums in the late 1990s.
Since 2000, he has portrayed NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
December 9, 2011
I knew I was going to love this book. Ice-T keeps it real always, and who couldn't like that. I love how he came out of the ghetto, but still keeps in contact with those from the ghetto, and lives a wealthy-celebrity lifestyle. His children have their own crosses to bear and he lets them make their mistakes so they can learn. I was never a fan of his rap music, but I respected what he did. He came out during the time when rap was at its best. I still like rap, but some of this gangsta stuff isn't for me, and obviously, not for Ice-T either. When T was coming up the ranks, that's when rappers were super talented. Not that there aren't some today, but not like T's era. Tracy Marrow is one talented man--father, husband, rapper and actor, and he manages to keep it all together. His wife Coco is his right arm. He's blessed to have her. I love a woman who stands by her man, and she definitely does!
One thing he states throughout the book, there are two categories everyone falls into: Either you're a pimp or you're a ho! And depending on what stage you are in life, depends on which hat you're wearing. Lots of people get mad at him for stating the obvious, but that is one of the truest statements ever. He doesn't sugar coat the game at all. You've got to respect this brotha. I know I do. You alright in my book, Tracy! He gives some damn good advice, and people should definitely take heed to it! He knows, he's done it all--literally! This was an outstanding read! He gets 5 stars for not telling all, and stating what needed to be said! I definitely have love for Ice-T!
One thing he states throughout the book, there are two categories everyone falls into: Either you're a pimp or you're a ho! And depending on what stage you are in life, depends on which hat you're wearing. Lots of people get mad at him for stating the obvious, but that is one of the truest statements ever. He doesn't sugar coat the game at all. You've got to respect this brotha. I know I do. You alright in my book, Tracy! He gives some damn good advice, and people should definitely take heed to it! He knows, he's done it all--literally! This was an outstanding read! He gets 5 stars for not telling all, and stating what needed to be said! I definitely have love for Ice-T!
January 7, 2011
I'm probably one of the few people that have read and reviewed Ice's other book The Ice Opinion and this book was as equally informing and true as the previous. Being honest, after having read that book a few years back, the thought occurred to me to ask: "what more could this man say that he hasn't already spoke about?" Let me just clear the table and confirm that nothing in these two books is material that's been repeated or regurgitated. Without doubt, this is a solid and eye-opening read.
First, you might not know that Ice was an Army Ranger and an incredibly solid and dedicated soilder while he was doing his time in service. Yes, he did end up having to stand up in front of the C.O., but who hasn't? Legendary Marine, Chesty Puller once said that "the best soliders are often found in the brig." In Ice's case, he wasn't kidding. Ice never got involved in drugs or alcohol and never squealed on anyone either. In historical and mythical terms, he's a pretty honorable character, but the reality that you come away with from reading this book, is that Ice is anything but a character, he's a real person with his survival instincts ratcheted up on high. Ice, born Tracy Marrow, is probably the best example of social darwainism that I've ever heard about. Working your way up from the bottom, parentless, financially 'out', being bussed from one social tier to another for school, trapped in a warring culture on the brink of a social apocalypse -- you name it. "Just hold your ground and be true to yourself." That's his message and he has the life behind him to prove it. Hmm. Who also said that, about 400 years ago? I wonder. "To thine own self ..."
A few days ago, I was at Zales looking at something with my wife. At that time I was about half-way through this book, and while I was standing at the counter, all I could think about was Ice-T and his team of smash-and-grab jewelery thieves doing 'licks' all over Los Angeles and later nationwide. The story he tells isn't about ego, it's not romanticized and he's not telling you to score points with the reader or with the history books in general. This is just how it was. The funny thing is, is that there's probably a lot of us who grew up during this period of time, like myself who can absolutely relate. Even from the criminal tip. He never got caught, never went to jail, never carried a gun in those days and never had to hurt anyone innocent. I can't say the same for a lot of thugs on the street or even the white-collar criminals out there today. Ice talks a lot about his military training, how it made him disciplined and how the military mind in the civilian world is often implemented. You either become an Officer, or you become a criminal. Notice I didn't say Cop.
The amazing thing was that Ice was making a boatload more cash before he got into the rap game and was trying to manage both his criminal career and his ascendency into Rap all at the same time. Being surrounded by both Crips and Bloods on all sides, he emerged as the spokesman for both sets and was like the nuetral Switzerland. He had respect from all the big time guys and worked hard to maintain it. One of the more interesting tidbits is how he ended up over at Warner Brothers and being close with a lot of folks who had much respect for him there as a musician, and as a person. Ice also had a lot of respect for the law, even though some, who might remember this, might not think so. He tells it like this:
"There was a line and it was their job to enforce it and it was my job to cross over and back and not get caught."
When his musical career broke, I remember hearing him when I was living all the way up in Alaska and thinking how raw it was. It was incredibly clear to see that everything that came out after Ice, was inspired by Ice, because nobody had rapped about such a hard game before. When Ice Cube hit with his Amerikkkas Most Wanted album and NWA casettes were circulating, people everywhere couldn't get enough. By then though, we all knew where it started and Ice had already moved on to something else - Body Count.
The book is harrowing in places and deeply engrossing. Never for a moment does any of it come across as contrived, unrelatable or 'not real'. Ice's mantra always seems to seep from these pages to just be you and I'll be me. For that, you know this isn't going to read like a lot of the celebrity biographies do where there's just ego oozing out from the seem of the book. Forgive me if I don't care to name names, but too many of them are like that. Ice can easily tell you how when he bought a brand new Ferrari and Flava flav smashed into the back of it, you never think for a moment that he's bragging. He tells it like a young man, excited and jazzed about something cool that just landed in his lap -- and that's unflinchingly sincere in all aspects.
This isn't a white-washed version of his life, reading it you can tell. He's not holding anything back here either as he admits to many things that many people in position just wouldn't.
Regarding Law & Order, I'm one of those people that originially tuned into that show because of Ice-T and I've always felt that I'd always prefer to see more episodes centered around his character. But he has a different position on this. Like he says in the book: "I'm number five on the roster and that's a good place to be."
Through the years, I've come to appreciate Ice more and more for a number of reasons. Ice (obviously -- if you're paying attention) is a huge fan of Robert Beck, as am I, and the life that Robert Beck lived and wrote about is the story of a lot of us, myself included. When I read Mama Black Widow, I finally had found someone who was writing about the facets of my own life. Later I read Airtight Willie & Me and quickly read everything else.
For the record, this review is on the Advance Review version of the book and thus I was sadly without any of the cool pictures that will be in the final print edition or other things that are promised in the details. This book is going to get some good circulation and he deserves it.
As a side note: If you're one of those folks that like to read books like this in one sitting, which is typically fine, I would suggest not doing so with this. I would read this in stages and really spend some time thinking about what's here. I would read this book in 80 page increments so you don't just glass over the details. This is a very good book and deserves consideration.
...
First, you might not know that Ice was an Army Ranger and an incredibly solid and dedicated soilder while he was doing his time in service. Yes, he did end up having to stand up in front of the C.O., but who hasn't? Legendary Marine, Chesty Puller once said that "the best soliders are often found in the brig." In Ice's case, he wasn't kidding. Ice never got involved in drugs or alcohol and never squealed on anyone either. In historical and mythical terms, he's a pretty honorable character, but the reality that you come away with from reading this book, is that Ice is anything but a character, he's a real person with his survival instincts ratcheted up on high. Ice, born Tracy Marrow, is probably the best example of social darwainism that I've ever heard about. Working your way up from the bottom, parentless, financially 'out', being bussed from one social tier to another for school, trapped in a warring culture on the brink of a social apocalypse -- you name it. "Just hold your ground and be true to yourself." That's his message and he has the life behind him to prove it. Hmm. Who also said that, about 400 years ago? I wonder. "To thine own self ..."
A few days ago, I was at Zales looking at something with my wife. At that time I was about half-way through this book, and while I was standing at the counter, all I could think about was Ice-T and his team of smash-and-grab jewelery thieves doing 'licks' all over Los Angeles and later nationwide. The story he tells isn't about ego, it's not romanticized and he's not telling you to score points with the reader or with the history books in general. This is just how it was. The funny thing is, is that there's probably a lot of us who grew up during this period of time, like myself who can absolutely relate. Even from the criminal tip. He never got caught, never went to jail, never carried a gun in those days and never had to hurt anyone innocent. I can't say the same for a lot of thugs on the street or even the white-collar criminals out there today. Ice talks a lot about his military training, how it made him disciplined and how the military mind in the civilian world is often implemented. You either become an Officer, or you become a criminal. Notice I didn't say Cop.
The amazing thing was that Ice was making a boatload more cash before he got into the rap game and was trying to manage both his criminal career and his ascendency into Rap all at the same time. Being surrounded by both Crips and Bloods on all sides, he emerged as the spokesman for both sets and was like the nuetral Switzerland. He had respect from all the big time guys and worked hard to maintain it. One of the more interesting tidbits is how he ended up over at Warner Brothers and being close with a lot of folks who had much respect for him there as a musician, and as a person. Ice also had a lot of respect for the law, even though some, who might remember this, might not think so. He tells it like this:
"There was a line and it was their job to enforce it and it was my job to cross over and back and not get caught."
When his musical career broke, I remember hearing him when I was living all the way up in Alaska and thinking how raw it was. It was incredibly clear to see that everything that came out after Ice, was inspired by Ice, because nobody had rapped about such a hard game before. When Ice Cube hit with his Amerikkkas Most Wanted album and NWA casettes were circulating, people everywhere couldn't get enough. By then though, we all knew where it started and Ice had already moved on to something else - Body Count.
The book is harrowing in places and deeply engrossing. Never for a moment does any of it come across as contrived, unrelatable or 'not real'. Ice's mantra always seems to seep from these pages to just be you and I'll be me. For that, you know this isn't going to read like a lot of the celebrity biographies do where there's just ego oozing out from the seem of the book. Forgive me if I don't care to name names, but too many of them are like that. Ice can easily tell you how when he bought a brand new Ferrari and Flava flav smashed into the back of it, you never think for a moment that he's bragging. He tells it like a young man, excited and jazzed about something cool that just landed in his lap -- and that's unflinchingly sincere in all aspects.
This isn't a white-washed version of his life, reading it you can tell. He's not holding anything back here either as he admits to many things that many people in position just wouldn't.
Regarding Law & Order, I'm one of those people that originially tuned into that show because of Ice-T and I've always felt that I'd always prefer to see more episodes centered around his character. But he has a different position on this. Like he says in the book: "I'm number five on the roster and that's a good place to be."
Through the years, I've come to appreciate Ice more and more for a number of reasons. Ice (obviously -- if you're paying attention) is a huge fan of Robert Beck, as am I, and the life that Robert Beck lived and wrote about is the story of a lot of us, myself included. When I read Mama Black Widow, I finally had found someone who was writing about the facets of my own life. Later I read Airtight Willie & Me and quickly read everything else.
For the record, this review is on the Advance Review version of the book and thus I was sadly without any of the cool pictures that will be in the final print edition or other things that are promised in the details. This book is going to get some good circulation and he deserves it.
As a side note: If you're one of those folks that like to read books like this in one sitting, which is typically fine, I would suggest not doing so with this. I would read this in stages and really spend some time thinking about what's here. I would read this book in 80 page increments so you don't just glass over the details. This is a very good book and deserves consideration.
...
March 9, 2015
In Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood by Ice-T, readers learn how he became an early rap icon, originator of gangsta rap and now a television star.
After reading this memoir, I have a whole new respect for the man. Although he knew the crimes he committed in his younger years, were wrong he proved he could rise above his upbringing and make a better life for himself. I wish I could have listened to it in audio format because I think it would have been even more enjoyable hearing Ice read it himself. Although I do admit that as I read along it was his voice that was playing in my head.
I love reading about the history and how things and people get their start. Ice takes his readers back to the beginning of rap music and the culture surrounding it. We learn about how this west coast rapper would go on to make a name for himself in the New York scene and rise beyond it. He also gives a glimpse into his personal life sharing personal pictures.
My rating for Ice: A Memoir is 4 stars out of 5, as I couldn’t put it down. However I wish that he would have given a better timeline of the events in his life, by mentioning the year he was referring to. I would recommend this book not just to Ice-T fans, but to people who enjoy music history as well.
For my full review on Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood, visit my blog:
After reading this memoir, I have a whole new respect for the man. Although he knew the crimes he committed in his younger years, were wrong he proved he could rise above his upbringing and make a better life for himself. I wish I could have listened to it in audio format because I think it would have been even more enjoyable hearing Ice read it himself. Although I do admit that as I read along it was his voice that was playing in my head.
I love reading about the history and how things and people get their start. Ice takes his readers back to the beginning of rap music and the culture surrounding it. We learn about how this west coast rapper would go on to make a name for himself in the New York scene and rise beyond it. He also gives a glimpse into his personal life sharing personal pictures.
My rating for Ice: A Memoir is 4 stars out of 5, as I couldn’t put it down. However I wish that he would have given a better timeline of the events in his life, by mentioning the year he was referring to. I would recommend this book not just to Ice-T fans, but to people who enjoy music history as well.
For my full review on Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood, visit my blog:
January 5, 2017
Surprise! This is really good.
I have a whole new respect for Ice T. aka Tracy Marrow. First of all let me say, this book was not even remotely on my radar but it might be life changing. Or maybe this just my reaction as a new excited reader of the Memoir/Autobiography genre. I think it was what Ice had to say and not my over enthusiasm and voracious hunger for this genre that is a new discovery to me.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil it for any future readers. But I will say I really enjoyed learning some new facts about Ice. Technically it wasn't learning new facts, I will venture to say that unless you have read this book or watched an interview where he told some in depth tidbits about his life, you probably have no idea who Ice is. Because he's not who we thought he was from a few videos, movie cameos or prime time TV series characters. This book is about a man you thought you knew.. but you don't. Any you may have underestimated his depth by what the media let us see.. but he's a much more complex character and it was good to see this. He's very candid with his life story. Of course, I'm sure he hasn't told his public every single thing but what he does tell leads you to adopt a brand new respect for the man, his struggle, his journey, his hard work or as he would say, his hustle. Ice T. one of the OG's of West Coat rap, did you know he's not really even from L.A.? He talks about some life and death close calls. Did you know he was a Vet? It's all just so interesting. And all the lessons he learned from it all, he shares in this book. He's not perfect. He admits he's made a lot of mistakes but one thing I noticed that is inspirational to me is his ability to try. Regardless if it fails or goes well, at many turning points in his life, in classic Ice vocab he'd say, "F*** it. Let's do it." That is his success. He wasn't afraid to say ____ it and just try. He also has about 50 quotes or pearls of Ice wisdom at the end of the book. I may try to print them out. Some are funny. Some are common sense and some are good advice.
4 Stars. I definitely recommend this book. Life is full of lessons and everyone's life has something to teach in the telling. This guy is so much more than the rapper we grew up with or saw on videos. For those of us who know of him, you feel inspired and say, respect. For those who have a pre-judgement by who you think the man is.. read this and see if you don't change your mind about not just him but people who look like him, come from where he's from or just people who you have preconceived notions about in general.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil it for any future readers. But I will say I really enjoyed learning some new facts about Ice. Technically it wasn't learning new facts, I will venture to say that unless you have read this book or watched an interview where he told some in depth tidbits about his life, you probably have no idea who Ice is. Because he's not who we thought he was from a few videos, movie cameos or prime time TV series characters. This book is about a man you thought you knew.. but you don't. Any you may have underestimated his depth by what the media let us see.. but he's a much more complex character and it was good to see this. He's very candid with his life story. Of course, I'm sure he hasn't told his public every single thing but what he does tell leads you to adopt a brand new respect for the man, his struggle, his journey, his hard work or as he would say, his hustle. Ice T. one of the OG's of West Coat rap, did you know he's not really even from L.A.? He talks about some life and death close calls. Did you know he was a Vet? It's all just so interesting. And all the lessons he learned from it all, he shares in this book. He's not perfect. He admits he's made a lot of mistakes but one thing I noticed that is inspirational to me is his ability to try. Regardless if it fails or goes well, at many turning points in his life, in classic Ice vocab he'd say, "F*** it. Let's do it." That is his success. He wasn't afraid to say ____ it and just try. He also has about 50 quotes or pearls of Ice wisdom at the end of the book. I may try to print them out. Some are funny. Some are common sense and some are good advice.
4 Stars. I definitely recommend this book. Life is full of lessons and everyone's life has something to teach in the telling. This guy is so much more than the rapper we grew up with or saw on videos. For those of us who know of him, you feel inspired and say, respect. For those who have a pre-judgement by who you think the man is.. read this and see if you don't change your mind about not just him but people who look like him, come from where he's from or just people who you have preconceived notions about in general.
September 21, 2021
This was not in my norm for reading choices. I did find his story to be fascinating and his delivery of the details was straight forward and without apology. I liked the read and enjoyed the content. I found Ice to be an engaging peek into an interesting life.
October 8, 2019
The only thing I have in common with Ice-T is we were both born in Newark NJ and we both write books. Otherwise... I was especially enthralled with his early life and the major heartaches he had to overcome and the pain he suffered at such an early age. Most kids would not recover, and end up on the streets like all of his friends did. In jail. Dead. A life of crime. The fact he rose above and is living his dream is amazing.
July 13, 2012
Comes across as a sincere and insightful account of the most real 'OG'.
"Darlene was up front in my career; she did all my album covers. She wasn’t just my girl in real life; she was essential to my image. But understand: I was very much about not having anything fake. If it ain’t your girl, don’t put her in the video. She’s wearing my chain with the gun pendant on the album cover. That’s my car. Maybe I was naïve about this shit, but I didn’t know you could lie. I didn’t know you could fake. I really didn’t believe it was okay—especially with rap. I got a song where I say:
I don’t rhyme about guns I ain’t shot
Hoes I ain’t caught
Or shit I ain’t bought
The game to me is too fucking deep
If I did I honestly believe
I’d die in my sleep �
To me, coming from that hustler’s lifestyle, it was like: Why would you have a model? How fake is that? Why would you have girls in your video that you don’t even know? That’s fake, brother. Everybody in my videos was my friend. When we shot the “High Rollers� video, I said, “The gats in the promo shots ain’t props.� And they damn sure weren’t.
We all used real money—wasn’t no fake cash. It was real. Because I was rapping about real shit."
"Darlene was up front in my career; she did all my album covers. She wasn’t just my girl in real life; she was essential to my image. But understand: I was very much about not having anything fake. If it ain’t your girl, don’t put her in the video. She’s wearing my chain with the gun pendant on the album cover. That’s my car. Maybe I was naïve about this shit, but I didn’t know you could lie. I didn’t know you could fake. I really didn’t believe it was okay—especially with rap. I got a song where I say:
I don’t rhyme about guns I ain’t shot
Hoes I ain’t caught
Or shit I ain’t bought
The game to me is too fucking deep
If I did I honestly believe
I’d die in my sleep �
To me, coming from that hustler’s lifestyle, it was like: Why would you have a model? How fake is that? Why would you have girls in your video that you don’t even know? That’s fake, brother. Everybody in my videos was my friend. When we shot the “High Rollers� video, I said, “The gats in the promo shots ain’t props.� And they damn sure weren’t.
We all used real money—wasn’t no fake cash. It was real. Because I was rapping about real shit."
August 17, 2011
Ok! Can I just say that I loved this book?!?!
This book really surprised me. I checked out the audiobook thinking this would be a quick, entertaining, mindless read/listen. I was wrong, it was quick, entertaining, but so compelling and informative. Obviously I know nothing about growing up on the streets, but really felt like Ice-T gave a very detailed, clear explanation of how growing up on the streets was for him. This book was written in a vernacular tone and it was so appropriate. I loved that he dropped f-bombs in his book!! It kinda made me feel like I was sitting down with Ice-T for a drink and had just asked him to tell me about his life. Ice-T is much more interesting than I could have imagined. He was a gymnast!! WHAT?! I felt like "I had no idea Ice-T was so cool!" Anyways...if you are an Ice-T or Law & Order SVU fan, check it out. Also...if you listen to the audiobook, check out the book too just so you can see the pictures he included in the book.
Unfortunately Ice-T does not read it, which would have made it that much more amazing. However, the narrator who does read it did a really great job!
This book really surprised me. I checked out the audiobook thinking this would be a quick, entertaining, mindless read/listen. I was wrong, it was quick, entertaining, but so compelling and informative. Obviously I know nothing about growing up on the streets, but really felt like Ice-T gave a very detailed, clear explanation of how growing up on the streets was for him. This book was written in a vernacular tone and it was so appropriate. I loved that he dropped f-bombs in his book!! It kinda made me feel like I was sitting down with Ice-T for a drink and had just asked him to tell me about his life. Ice-T is much more interesting than I could have imagined. He was a gymnast!! WHAT?! I felt like "I had no idea Ice-T was so cool!" Anyways...if you are an Ice-T or Law & Order SVU fan, check it out. Also...if you listen to the audiobook, check out the book too just so you can see the pictures he included in the book.
Unfortunately Ice-T does not read it, which would have made it that much more amazing. However, the narrator who does read it did a really great job!
February 20, 2017
I first heard about Ice T through the band Body Count, but I wasn't much of a fan of his music. I picked this up out of curiosity mostly and was glad I did. When you read a book like this you never know what to expect. As an artist he's influential and was a cornerstone of gangster rap, but there are a variety of people reading this that came in through various stages of his career so it covers every aspect and for the most part doesn't hold anything back.
Like it or not, Ice is a role model, and when you hit that moment of realisation you almost have to put the book down. His honesty is what makes this book so good. Even if you aren't a fan, you can't help but Iike the guy despite his criminal past. It's the kind of biography you don't see very often, and that's what makes it so good.
You may not like him all the time, but this life story is one you can learn from and even share it with others who need someone to look up to. Ice isn't perfect, but he has matured and grown beyond the life he was heading toward. Definitely a book that will surprise you and that doesn't happen very often in biographies.
Like it or not, Ice is a role model, and when you hit that moment of realisation you almost have to put the book down. His honesty is what makes this book so good. Even if you aren't a fan, you can't help but Iike the guy despite his criminal past. It's the kind of biography you don't see very often, and that's what makes it so good.
You may not like him all the time, but this life story is one you can learn from and even share it with others who need someone to look up to. Ice isn't perfect, but he has matured and grown beyond the life he was heading toward. Definitely a book that will surprise you and that doesn't happen very often in biographies.
July 2, 2011
Whether you love or hate Ice T, I recommend his memoir to you. His word on redemption and peacemaking is so unique, hopeful and philosophical. At times ICE may read as a little unintentionally humorous, as the amateur critics on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ have pointed out. It doesn't matter. Ice T's experience and what he's able accomplish in the day-to-day do. Personally, the Ice T/Wife Coco show is off-putting, but he is also the executive producer of the A&E reality show about conflict resolution between warring gangs in L.A. He's a good man, who will take artistic and professional chances and acknowledge he has his flaws without fishing for the public's final approval.
April 20, 2017
Wanted a little bit more than just 20 or so pages on his career in Body Count... And for it to cover their other 4 (at the time) albums and not just the "Cop Killer" controversy we're all so familiar with at this point... but all in all a fascinating, insightful and comprehensive tale.
September 3, 2017
I admit that the only version of Ice-T I'm really familiar with is from Law & Order SVU. I knew he was a rapper with a history but that's about it. This memoir was so good. Ice talks about growing up without parents, basically being gangster-adjacent (my term, not his) as he never officially picked a side or was initiated, keeping on the drug and alcohol free path, becoming a young father, joining the army, his brief time AWOL, honorable discharge, near death car accident, becoming an infamous rapper, actor, husband. His life story is amazing and told in such an honest way and in a voice that I can only imagine as being typical Ice. This was probably one of the best and most fascinating celebrity memoirs I've ever listened to. I only wish it could have been narrated by Ice-T himself, and it was so good that if the publisher ever makes that happen, I'll listen to it again.
February 24, 2023
I really loved this book. I love the way he portrays his time as a criminal and doesn’t glorify it but straight up just says he was doing what he had to to get by. I loved all the stories he told about his youth, making music, and his dating life. This was just really good and I look forward to reading his other book!
August 31, 2020
Hard to put down! A lot of wisdom, experience, and perspective in this. I loved hearing him reminisce about Body Count playing with other bands in the 90s LA punk scene.
August 7, 2017
This is the book for you if you've ever wanted to not only know how the jewelry theft and pimp games operate, but also chart the evolution of gangsta rap from its inventor and first mainstream star.
Ice drops a lot of advice. Never forget: one down bitch is worth ten funky hoes, and slow motion is better than no motion.
Ice drops a lot of advice. Never forget: one down bitch is worth ten funky hoes, and slow motion is better than no motion.
August 16, 2020
I am a fan of Ice-T from his New Jack City movie days and really enjoy him as Fin on Law & Order: SVU. I picked the book up because I like his Hollywood roles, I was interested in learning more about him, and I wanted to be able to booktalk it to the teens who are undoubtedly going to be interested in it.
So for teens: yup, they will love it! The length of the book is perfect; longer tomes would seem preachy and would scare off readers he will reach with these 240ish pages. He talks frankly about his time in & with gangs - when muscle not firearms ruled the streets. Ice-T also talks briefly about the car accident that nearly killed him and became the catalyst for turning his life around. We learn of his hip-hop career and his Hollywood/New York acting career, including a poignant story about Tupac.
His co-writer let Ice-T's voice come through: the language is harsh (there is a lot of "foul language") but it is true to the streets and how teens actually speak. Lyrics from several of Ice-T's songs are sprinkled throughout the story and at the beginnings of each section.
Booktalk pointer: Encourage teens to flip to the last chapter, Daily Game of Life, for a list of 50 life-tips. Reading this last bit will not ruin the rest of the book as reading the last chapter often does.
Why I only gave it 3 stars: I felt there could have been more and I really wanted more. The perfect example of this was his recollection of his performance in Milan that turned riotous. The description was vivid; I felt like I was running by his side as he made his escape. THAT was what I was hoping for in this book, that level of detail, that level of recollection. I truly felt like everything was touched on and brushed over - but few incidents had the detail and emotion that the telling of Milan incident relayed.
I think Ice-T met his goal here. He spends a good deal of time speaking about gangs, performing gang interventions, and mentoring youth. This book sums up a lot of information in an easy-to-read format that will convey valuable messages - especially the message that the best hustle is a legal hustle.
But he left this fan wishing he had gone a bit deeper and shared just a bit more of the stories ... guess that is the sign of a good hustle, eh? Leave them wanting more!
So for teens: yup, they will love it! The length of the book is perfect; longer tomes would seem preachy and would scare off readers he will reach with these 240ish pages. He talks frankly about his time in & with gangs - when muscle not firearms ruled the streets. Ice-T also talks briefly about the car accident that nearly killed him and became the catalyst for turning his life around. We learn of his hip-hop career and his Hollywood/New York acting career, including a poignant story about Tupac.
His co-writer let Ice-T's voice come through: the language is harsh (there is a lot of "foul language") but it is true to the streets and how teens actually speak. Lyrics from several of Ice-T's songs are sprinkled throughout the story and at the beginnings of each section.
Booktalk pointer: Encourage teens to flip to the last chapter, Daily Game of Life, for a list of 50 life-tips. Reading this last bit will not ruin the rest of the book as reading the last chapter often does.
Why I only gave it 3 stars: I felt there could have been more and I really wanted more. The perfect example of this was his recollection of his performance in Milan that turned riotous. The description was vivid; I felt like I was running by his side as he made his escape. THAT was what I was hoping for in this book, that level of detail, that level of recollection. I truly felt like everything was touched on and brushed over - but few incidents had the detail and emotion that the telling of Milan incident relayed.
I think Ice-T met his goal here. He spends a good deal of time speaking about gangs, performing gang interventions, and mentoring youth. This book sums up a lot of information in an easy-to-read format that will convey valuable messages - especially the message that the best hustle is a legal hustle.
But he left this fan wishing he had gone a bit deeper and shared just a bit more of the stories ... guess that is the sign of a good hustle, eh? Leave them wanting more!
February 25, 2014
I've been a really big Ice-T fan since his first album, so I'm not the hardest sell when it comes to hearing about his life in his own words. He's always come off as intellectual, straightforward, unflinching, and hard hitting but also has a very well developed sense of humor that never fails to come out in interviews and in person.
So I was very unsurprised by the frankness of this book. I knew most of the more publicized things but there was so much that I didn't know, but remembered when prompted, that brought me back to the time where he started. He's definitely not just some loudmouth or boaster. He outlines his life meticulously regardless of what it makes him look like, or how unsavory the revelations are, and that is truly appreciated because too many people hide the one thing that makes them great and that's their unique frailties and humanity. No such problems here.
It goes from his early upbringing in NJ to his move out to L.A., his adolescent years, and his high school years, where he shows you the events that changed his life and how easy it is to get hooked up into fast money and the dangers that are inherent in it. You find out how little space there is between fame and ruin many times as life threatening situations are spelled out within, but what always shines through is what Ice himself changes about himself and his thinking as a result. His personal growth. It continues through his success in Hip Hop, to his career in film and TV, to his relationships, and to where he is now.
As I said before, it never gets preachy, overbearing, or boring. I think it's paced well for something not written by a ghost writer which means none of the amateur writing issues while still not paying the price of loss of authenticity. If you are a fan of Ice already, a fan of the genre, a fan of the lifestyle, or just a casual reader, there is something here for everyone and in the end there can only be respect and confirmation that Ice has always been and will always be real, raw, and refreshingly genuine.
So I was very unsurprised by the frankness of this book. I knew most of the more publicized things but there was so much that I didn't know, but remembered when prompted, that brought me back to the time where he started. He's definitely not just some loudmouth or boaster. He outlines his life meticulously regardless of what it makes him look like, or how unsavory the revelations are, and that is truly appreciated because too many people hide the one thing that makes them great and that's their unique frailties and humanity. No such problems here.
It goes from his early upbringing in NJ to his move out to L.A., his adolescent years, and his high school years, where he shows you the events that changed his life and how easy it is to get hooked up into fast money and the dangers that are inherent in it. You find out how little space there is between fame and ruin many times as life threatening situations are spelled out within, but what always shines through is what Ice himself changes about himself and his thinking as a result. His personal growth. It continues through his success in Hip Hop, to his career in film and TV, to his relationships, and to where he is now.
As I said before, it never gets preachy, overbearing, or boring. I think it's paced well for something not written by a ghost writer which means none of the amateur writing issues while still not paying the price of loss of authenticity. If you are a fan of Ice already, a fan of the genre, a fan of the lifestyle, or just a casual reader, there is something here for everyone and in the end there can only be respect and confirmation that Ice has always been and will always be real, raw, and refreshingly genuine.
April 12, 2013
Long before he was Detective Tutuola on Law and Order SVU Ice-T was an orphan, a West Coast transplant, an army soldier, a criminal and the godfather of West Coast gangsta rap.
This is a very interesting, very easy to read, very thoughtful look back on his life. Ice-T keeps it real. He discusses all of his life, mistakes included. Orphaned at a young age and sent to live with relatives in Los Angeles, Ice has been on the streets, in the army and on the red carpet. He talks about his celebrity lifestyle, his celebrity friends but also his gang life and the friends he's lost to death and to jail. He's a man who has clearly pulled himself up and out but who still goes back, still chills with the guys he knew back in the day.
I like rap music. I like the flow, the amazing use of words and in reading this book I learned a bit about the history of gangsta rap (which is not really my favourite in the genre but respect to the O.G.'s) I love the use of the language and this book is written in Ice-T's own words so it has that raw yet melodic feel to it.
Made me wish I was way more urban and gritty than my upbringing left me.
Now don't get it twisted...he may have lived his life in a large way doing some stupid things but he ain't no stupid man. He gets out there laying it out for young people who think that gangsta is the way to go.
"Read everything you can get your hands on, absorb all the knowledge at your fingertips. Education is a beautiful thing. But remember, the most important thing to do is to THINK. Don't think the way I do or follow everything I say, because then it'll just be ONE of us thinking."
Real talk, man...that's some real talk.
This is a very interesting, very easy to read, very thoughtful look back on his life. Ice-T keeps it real. He discusses all of his life, mistakes included. Orphaned at a young age and sent to live with relatives in Los Angeles, Ice has been on the streets, in the army and on the red carpet. He talks about his celebrity lifestyle, his celebrity friends but also his gang life and the friends he's lost to death and to jail. He's a man who has clearly pulled himself up and out but who still goes back, still chills with the guys he knew back in the day.
I like rap music. I like the flow, the amazing use of words and in reading this book I learned a bit about the history of gangsta rap (which is not really my favourite in the genre but respect to the O.G.'s) I love the use of the language and this book is written in Ice-T's own words so it has that raw yet melodic feel to it.
Made me wish I was way more urban and gritty than my upbringing left me.
Now don't get it twisted...he may have lived his life in a large way doing some stupid things but he ain't no stupid man. He gets out there laying it out for young people who think that gangsta is the way to go.
"Read everything you can get your hands on, absorb all the knowledge at your fingertips. Education is a beautiful thing. But remember, the most important thing to do is to THINK. Don't think the way I do or follow everything I say, because then it'll just be ONE of us thinking."
Real talk, man...that's some real talk.
August 10, 2011
I have loved Ice-T on Law and Order SVU, and most recently his reality show "Ice Loves Coco." When I saw that he had a biography, I immediately wanted to read it. I was pleasantly surprised that it was filled with Ice's wit and humor as he has on his reality show. He seems so down to earth and after reading his book, I can see why. Ice grew up as Tracey Morrow in New Jersey. Unfortunately, his parents both passed away from heart attacks within a short time of each other. He was sent to live with his aunt in Los Angeles who was the only living relative. He immediately got involved with the wrong crowd of South Central which included gang activity and robbery. He also had a daughter at a young age. Wanting to break away from this lifestyle, he joined the military and served four years with an honorable discharge. Not wanting to work a 9 to 5 job, he started DJ-ing at local clubs and found that rapping was something he wanted to do. He formed his own band Body Count and was in a full films. The first one being New Jack City with Chris Rock. He goes on to talk about his the mother of Little Ice and his relationship with his first and only wife, Coco. I loved Ice's swagger and dialogue as well as the Daily Game of Life at the end of the book. I found Ice very endearing and would love to spend time with him "just chillin'" Highly recommended.
June 2, 2014
Ice-T wrote about his early life, and losing both of his parents when he was a young child. He was sent to live in California, with an aunt and uncle he didn't know. Their children were grown up, and they didn't seem too interested in starting over to raise another child. They didn't show Ice any affection, and they didn't guide and teach him.
Ice-T grew up in an area of L. A. that was full of gangs. He managed to stay out of the major gangs. He and two friends formed their own gang of three. When he got older he dated a girl, with family members who were gang members. He hang out with those gang members. He did commit crimes, but said he didn't believe in carrying guns. He had to be tough growing up.
Ice-T swears a lot in this book, which was natural for him and the way he grew up. At least he didn't take the Lords name in vane. He uses the f word a lot, and the s..t word many times. He peppers what he says with swear words.
Ice_T wrote that the entertainment industry saved him. He reached out to his old buddies, and helped many after they got out of prison. He calls himself a peace maker. He reached out to feuding gang members, and brought them together to work out their problems. He believes in using his money to help other people. He gives talks to kids from elementary school to college age students to try to help them turn away from crime.
Ice-T grew up in an area of L. A. that was full of gangs. He managed to stay out of the major gangs. He and two friends formed their own gang of three. When he got older he dated a girl, with family members who were gang members. He hang out with those gang members. He did commit crimes, but said he didn't believe in carrying guns. He had to be tough growing up.
Ice-T swears a lot in this book, which was natural for him and the way he grew up. At least he didn't take the Lords name in vane. He uses the f word a lot, and the s..t word many times. He peppers what he says with swear words.
Ice_T wrote that the entertainment industry saved him. He reached out to his old buddies, and helped many after they got out of prison. He calls himself a peace maker. He reached out to feuding gang members, and brought them together to work out their problems. He believes in using his money to help other people. He gives talks to kids from elementary school to college age students to try to help them turn away from crime.
February 9, 2023
I thought it was too brief. I know Ice is holding back. This could've been the definitive rap memoir. I don't think Ice is one of the greatest rappers of his generation, but he was always the most legit--he was a real criminal--and became a pretty good actor. Ice always represented himself adroitly and became the consummate Horatio Alger story of a bootstrapping, rags-to-riches orphan. It's just that this story develops in the gang-ridden L.A. of the '80s-'90s.
However, Ice does have some valuable insights about life, women, hustlin', the differences between pimpin' and hoin', and how to reconcile your old renegade ways with your new-found straight-lacedness.
That, and he writes like he talks. Which is great.
Some helpful Ice-isms in in life: "The hustler's question is: How bad do you want it? Then go get it motherfucker! Get of your ass and move!"
"As you grow, the game you play gets more advanced. Never let minor league players pull you back to their level."
"Money alone cannot make you happy. Money only creates options. Happiness is psychological."
"People are stupid."
However, Ice does have some valuable insights about life, women, hustlin', the differences between pimpin' and hoin', and how to reconcile your old renegade ways with your new-found straight-lacedness.
That, and he writes like he talks. Which is great.
Some helpful Ice-isms in in life: "The hustler's question is: How bad do you want it? Then go get it motherfucker! Get of your ass and move!"
"As you grow, the game you play gets more advanced. Never let minor league players pull you back to their level."
"Money alone cannot make you happy. Money only creates options. Happiness is psychological."
"People are stupid."
September 30, 2011
Ice-T has led an intriguing life. He was an orphan by age 11, and, though born in New Jersey, was sent to live in South Central. After a stint in the military, he was a gang member and hustler who, after a near-fatal auto accident, decided to change course. He became a hip-hop star who fought the federal government over his lyrics. He went on to become a movie and television star (has SVU really been on 12 seasons?!?!). Now as a faithful husband and father, he confronts his earlier life and tries to talk young people out of following some of his paths.
This memoir has the cadence of listening to Ice tell his story to you personally. In other words, there's lots of 4-letter words and the rhythm of street language, but it's interesting, thoughtful, and inspiring. He is a very sharp man, and when he compares Hollywood to his life hustling, it's easy to see the connections. He tells some compelling stories and he doesn't mince words. Any fan of his or of hip-hop generally should read it, but even if you're not, it's a fascinating book.
This memoir has the cadence of listening to Ice tell his story to you personally. In other words, there's lots of 4-letter words and the rhythm of street language, but it's interesting, thoughtful, and inspiring. He is a very sharp man, and when he compares Hollywood to his life hustling, it's easy to see the connections. He tells some compelling stories and he doesn't mince words. Any fan of his or of hip-hop generally should read it, but even if you're not, it's a fascinating book.
September 23, 2015
Filled with nuggets of wisdom ranging from gang life to the secret of a happy marriage (it’s all about admiration), this astute memoir is marked by breathtaking honesty. "Clean readers" who avoid tough topics and salty language will probably disagree, but any reader with a curious mind will enjoy the ride. As for me, I’m dying to chat with him about some of the social issues affecting our youth because, well, I’m a policy person and I think he’d have great insight.
For the full review, visit .
For the full review, visit .
December 12, 2014
This memoir was surprisingly good. Tracy Marrow (Ice-T) has definitely led a storied life. From life as a South Central thief to a Hollywood star, Ice-T proves that with determination you can rise above unfortunate circumstances and live a respectable life. His story is worth reading. Aside from the gang terminology and street language, which I suppose is necessary to tell the story, it is smartly written and a quick and easy read. I learned there is a lot more to this man than what he has projected in real life as a hard-line gangster or in character on the screen.
June 26, 2011
I completely and totally enjoyed this book. I think the only times I put this book down was because I knew I had other things to do, had to take care of my little men, or I was really tired. It was a hard book to put down and when I was doing other things, this book was always creeping up telling me to read it..lol..Whether you like Ice T or not, it's very much worth reading...Especially the men...of every age...But it seems to be more directed at teens and young adults.
May 4, 2017
This book was written in the tradition of the writing of one of Ice T's most influential figures, Iceberg Slim. If you've read and enjoyed any of Iceberg Slim's book you'll love "Ice" . This is a surprisingly entertaining and well told story of a contemporary star who grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same high school and shared the same intimacies of experience as myself. This book is a true representation of what it's like to grow up in the neighborhood. Great reading.
February 1, 2016
Only way it would have been better is if Ice T read it himself.
June 30, 2016
One of the best memoirs I've read yet. So much real talk.
July 28, 2011
I think there are five things that are integral to this, the semiautobiographical tome of Ice-T:
1. His upbringing.
2. His need for adrenaline in connection with crime while growing up.
3. Anti-feminism.
Apart from his use of gender as an extremely jaded, stereotypical form of view - notably on his first album covers - his views on "pimpin'" and how women like pimping (as opposed to men, I see) is sadly telling. Also, his views on his daughter as opposed to none of the above applied to his son are telling, even though it's quite the joke:
4. His ability to take the piss out of himself and to have a good view on things.
5. A big dash of narcissism.
I'm glad to say that Ice-T is very straight-forward in this book. Everything basically is what it is, and he doesn't duck issues by blaming others; he doesn't even lean into the fact that his parents both died when he was young, even indicating that/they might be to blame for his early adolescent choices in life. True, they might be, having cold-fronted him in a variety of ways (see point #1 above).
At the same time, he makes valid points as how come a lot of damaged childhoods end up with gangs:
Yeah, I was detached. But looking back on my childhood, I don’t think there was an attachment. In other words, even when I was a little kid and I’d fall off my bike, skin my knees and want to cry, there was nobody to really cry to. So I learned to suck it up really quick. I’d hit the ground, dust my ass off and not show anybody that I was fucked up. I wasn’t one of these kids who was always coming home with hurt feelings, running to hug my mother. None of that clingy, emotional shit was my reality. I grew up in a nonaffectionate household. I think kids are trained to know what they’re going to get, and once they get a taste of it, they’ll always want more. It’s like that shit with Pavlov’s dog. If you cuddle a kid a lot, he’ll want more cuddling. If you don’t, he’ll just accept that as his reality. He doesn’t look for the added affection. Everybody in the family was bugging out that I didn’t cry when my father died. They remembered how I hadn’t shed a tear for my mother, either. But I just wasn’t built like that. Wasn’t wired like that. I didn’t have an ounce of self-pity in my bones. It didn’t hit me, Damn, I’m an orphan. Even as a twelve-year-old kid, I knew I was going to have to make it on my own, and my survival instincts were kicking in.
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Ice (Ice-T)
- Highlight on Page 26 | Loc. 389-405 | Added on Saturday, July 23, 2011, 05:40 PM
There's also what I think is a very important aspect to his life, discipline, life on the streets and the view of that, crime and his later, more legit way of life: his four years in the military:
And yes, there are a lot of funny sides of the book, both legit and not:
...and:
All in all, a nice read. There's a lot of preachiness in the latter part of the book but then again, he's over 50 years old. And he's got a lot to say, and has so far lead an exceptional life, being one of the grandfathers of rap and gangsta music; he's been first in quite a few fields, and has a living acting career, not to mention his seminal hardcore band Body Count.
A recommended read.
1. His upbringing.
MY FATHER, who was a church-going, nine-to-five guy—did his best to raise me on his own after my mother died. My aunt who lived right behind us helped to raise me, too. My father also had a housekeeper named Miss Sanoni—she was from the Deep South—and she would come over every day and cook these Southern dishes for dinner. So they all chipped in to raise me. Well, raise me? That’s kind of a stretch. Wasn’t too much raising going on. Just like my mother, my father wasn’t much of a talker. He was more of a supporter. The bills were paid. I ate. Nurturing? Naw. That wasn’t my pops� style. Nobody in my immediate circle talked to me much. Nobody asked about how I was feeling. That’s the main reason that, these days, I talk to my kids a lot. I talk to my wife a lot. But in my house as a kid, there was just not a lot of conversation. My parents and my aunts weren’t made in that let’s-talk-it-out mold.
2. His need for adrenaline in connection with crime while growing up.
From the minute we woke up, we were constantly scheming to rob someplace. Pulling licks. We’d stand around, playfully taunting each other. “What? You scared of money? Nigga, you scared of money?� That one phrase sent more people to prison in my neighborhood than anything else.
3. Anti-feminism.
Apart from his use of gender as an extremely jaded, stereotypical form of view - notably on his first album covers - his views on "pimpin'" and how women like pimping (as opposed to men, I see) is sadly telling. Also, his views on his daughter as opposed to none of the above applied to his son are telling, even though it's quite the joke:
But now that I’ve transformed, Tesha’s starting to look for guys that are more like the new me rather than the old me. When she was growing up, I was hustling. That’s who I was. I was doing dirt every day. She went after those criminal-minded guys. Now that I’m on TV—who the fuck knows? Maybe she’ll go after an actor.
4. His ability to take the piss out of himself and to have a good view on things.
Here’s one real jewel from the game. Pimps and hoes don’t fall in love, they make love. I like to use the strip club example because most men won’t cop to having been with a hooker, but they will admit they’ve been to the strip club. When you’re in the club, that girl giving you lap dances, looking into your eyes, doesn’t love you. She’s making love to you. Your dumb ass thinks she loves you and you give her all your money. Sorry. She doesn’t give a shit about you, dog. The big bosses at NBC don’t love me; they make love to me. They act like they love me because my fucking show is making money. I’m putting millions of dollars into their bank account. I’m a top-shelf ho, but I’m still a ho.
5. A big dash of narcissism.
In retrospect, I understand: Dude is a child. As a child you don’t really have guidance. Maybe he doesn’t know about the ground-breaking artists who laid the foundation for him. Maybe he doesn’t know enough to pay homage to those men. Or maybe he isn’t capable of making better music. I mean, it’s not his intent to destroy hip-hop. Soulja Boy doesn’t know me from a can of paint. Good luck with his career. Good luck to everything he’s trying to do.
I'm glad to say that Ice-T is very straight-forward in this book. Everything basically is what it is, and he doesn't duck issues by blaming others; he doesn't even lean into the fact that his parents both died when he was young, even indicating that/they might be to blame for his early adolescent choices in life. True, they might be, having cold-fronted him in a variety of ways (see point #1 above).
At the same time, he makes valid points as how come a lot of damaged childhoods end up with gangs:
Yeah, I was detached. But looking back on my childhood, I don’t think there was an attachment. In other words, even when I was a little kid and I’d fall off my bike, skin my knees and want to cry, there was nobody to really cry to. So I learned to suck it up really quick. I’d hit the ground, dust my ass off and not show anybody that I was fucked up. I wasn’t one of these kids who was always coming home with hurt feelings, running to hug my mother. None of that clingy, emotional shit was my reality. I grew up in a nonaffectionate household. I think kids are trained to know what they’re going to get, and once they get a taste of it, they’ll always want more. It’s like that shit with Pavlov’s dog. If you cuddle a kid a lot, he’ll want more cuddling. If you don’t, he’ll just accept that as his reality. He doesn’t look for the added affection. Everybody in the family was bugging out that I didn’t cry when my father died. They remembered how I hadn’t shed a tear for my mother, either. But I just wasn’t built like that. Wasn’t wired like that. I didn’t have an ounce of self-pity in my bones. It didn’t hit me, Damn, I’m an orphan. Even as a twelve-year-old kid, I knew I was going to have to make it on my own, and my survival instincts were kicking in.
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Ice (Ice-T)
- Highlight on Page 26 | Loc. 389-405 | Added on Saturday, July 23, 2011, 05:40 PM
I was deep enough in the life to understand one crucial thing about the gang life: The flip side of the violence and negativity is the love. And that’s some extreme love. Extreme love. I only realized this recently: When I got to Crenshaw High, that’s the first time I’d ever heard someone say love to me. My aunt never said she loved me. My mother and father were never big on that word. You get to Crenshaw, and you got a male friend saying, “Cuz, ain’t nothin� never fin� to happen to you, homey. You safe, cuz. I love you.� That’s some heavy shit. Like a lot of the homeys, I was getting something I wished I’d gotten from my father. When I was a little kid and something happened to me, I didn’t want my dad to call the police. Fuck that. I wanted to say, “Go get ’em, Dad!� Of course, hardly anybody has it like that in real life, but every little kid wants to believe that his pops is Superman. And that protection you get from the gang is something most people in the ’hood don’t get from their families. To me, it’s interesting that some of the kids who came from big families, families with four or five brothers, didn’t need to join the gangs. Because they had that unconditional protection. “Yo, don’t fuck with me—I got a couple of brothers that will come see you, nigga.� I didn’t have that big family structure. And like everybody else, I wanted that feeling that someone had my back. Yes, the first I really heard love expressed was with the Crips. Not only heard the word “love,� but saw it firsthand. Saw it manifested. Saw that if you fuck with one of us, you fuck with all of us. That’s very enticing. That’s very attractive to a young brother. It’s human nature. We’ve always had armies and tribes, teams and squads. That sense of loyalty, brotherhood, love—it’s very primal, it’s at the core of what it means to be a human. And it’s authentic love—as real and as deeply felt as any love out there—but it’s just misdirected in gangs.
There's also what I think is a very important aspect to his life, discipline, life on the streets and the view of that, crime and his later, more legit way of life: his four years in the military:
There’s something civilians often don’t realize about the military. You’re really only trained to do two things: Kill people and take over shit. You’re not coming home with too many other useful skills, unless you plan on becoming a police officer. Today, we’ve got young vets touching down from Iraq and Afghanistan who’ve killed a shitload of people, and if they’re not properly reprogrammed to come back into society, it’s not like that “kill switch� is an easy thing to turn off...
And yes, there are a lot of funny sides of the book, both legit and not:
We snatched all the furs and disappeared into the catacombs, moving too fast for any pursuit. We got outside and were laughing because we’d got away so easily. As I looked at the mountain of mink and fox coats, I was already doing the mental calculations and figured they were worth maybe $50,000. We could sell them that same night for about $10,000. We started loading and stuffing all the minks into the trunk, backseat, and front seat and got into our car. We couldn’t see out the windows because the mink was piled all the way up. The driver had to clear a little rectangular space so he could see where he was going. When we pulled away in the car, people kept staring at us and laughing, because we looked like a fucking furball driving down the street.
...and:
Now, looking back on it, this is what I learned: Yes, you have the right to say whatever you want in America, but you have to be prepared for the ramifications of what you say. When I yelled “Cop Killer,� I did not prepare for the fallout. I’d been dissing rappers for years; they didn’t do shit. Then I dissed the cops—and they came after me like no gang I’ve ever encountered. Then Charlton Heston, Tipper Gore, and the President of the United States himself came after me.
[...]
When this shit happened, when Charlton Heston went into that shareholders meeting, thirty million dollars went into the balance. Charlton Heston, as the head of the National Rifle Association, impacted the Warner Bros. bottom line. He stood there in the meeting reading my lyrics like it was a page from the Planet of the Apes script. I GOT MY 12 GAUGE SAWED OFF I GOT MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF I’M ABOUT TO BUST SOME SHOTS OFF I’M ABOUT TO DUST SOME COPS OFF � He didn’t even know what he was talking about. “These are the lyrics to ‘Killer Cop,� � he said. “Oops, I mean ‘Cop Killer.� � He’s so outraged, yet he doesn’t even know the name of the record? It was some crazy, hypocritical bullshit.
All in all, a nice read. There's a lot of preachiness in the latter part of the book but then again, he's over 50 years old. And he's got a lot to say, and has so far lead an exceptional life, being one of the grandfathers of rap and gangsta music; he's been first in quite a few fields, and has a living acting career, not to mention his seminal hardcore band Body Count.
A recommended read.
July 16, 2018
What a ride! Ice-T doesn't hold back in this one, and who would have expected him to anyway?
I would have had this finished in one day, but I stopped for a few hours to write and record a song. Trade offs, right?
So luckily for Ice, there's a statute of limitations on a most types of crimes, the types of crimes he committed as a youth and young adult. The story of how he goes from a kid in the Jersey suburbs to an orphan youth in south central is sad and raw. He tells in great detail what type of environment he had to deal with on the daily.
What I learned about that shocked me the most, since I didn't already know, was that Tracy Marrow, prior to becoming Ice-T, was Airborne Ranger qualified in the U.S. Army. To sum up what that means; he was a legit bad ass prior to becoming a bad ass rapper.
If anything was consistent through his narrative, it's that Ice is always on the hustle and always looking ahead, not behind. I am sure he left out plenty of other entertaining stories to keep the book a certain length, but what he does describe gives you an intimate glimpse at what kind of man he is and how he got to be that man.
It's no fairy tale, but like the dude says, "It ain't about the come up; it's about the comeback."
I would have had this finished in one day, but I stopped for a few hours to write and record a song. Trade offs, right?
So luckily for Ice, there's a statute of limitations on a most types of crimes, the types of crimes he committed as a youth and young adult. The story of how he goes from a kid in the Jersey suburbs to an orphan youth in south central is sad and raw. He tells in great detail what type of environment he had to deal with on the daily.
What I learned about that shocked me the most, since I didn't already know, was that Tracy Marrow, prior to becoming Ice-T, was Airborne Ranger qualified in the U.S. Army. To sum up what that means; he was a legit bad ass prior to becoming a bad ass rapper.
If anything was consistent through his narrative, it's that Ice is always on the hustle and always looking ahead, not behind. I am sure he left out plenty of other entertaining stories to keep the book a certain length, but what he does describe gives you an intimate glimpse at what kind of man he is and how he got to be that man.
It's no fairy tale, but like the dude says, "It ain't about the come up; it's about the comeback."
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