| Ice-T, whose given name is Tracy Morrow, was born
February 16, 1968 in Newark, New Jersey. He was an only child and
when he was very young, his parents were tragically killed in an
auto accident. After this event, he learned how to take care of himself
and how to survive hard times. With no family able to care for him
in New Jersey, Ice T went to live with relatives 4,000 miles away
in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, these relatives were not ready to
care for a family member. To them little Tracey - Ice T- was a burden,
a feeling they did not hide from him.
Ice-T’s foster home was in the very rough South Central
Los Angeles. He lived in ghetto surroundings and witnessed,
sometimes participated in violence and gangster activities.
Ice-T was a member of a Los Angeles gang which, as it did
for other members of gangs, provided the kind of love and
ties that other kids find within their family. Ice-T once
commented, “I first found the word love in a gang,
I learned to love in a gang, not in a family atmosphere.” 1
Through these experiences in his youth, Ice-T began to be
obsessed with rapping while he was in high school. He is
looked on as the first Los Angeles hip-hop superstar and
many consider him one of the founding fathers of gangsta
rap. His performances reflect the violent experience of the
L.A. streets. His rhymes portray ghetto life and his words
convey incisive commentary on the accompanying social injustices.
But it isn’t just what Ice-T raps about that has gained
respect for the rapper, it’s how he raps. His words
are clever and biting, expressive and intelligent. He has
garnered heaps of criticism and controversy for his sexism
and violence, and he has become widely respected and admired
for his charismatic rhymes.
Ice-T has branched out to launch his own record label, to
release groundbreaking rap albums, and to tour with his band.
He has become an increasingly visible public figure, speaking
out about censorship in the media and on college campuses.
He has written a book (The Ice Opinion, St martin’s
Press), and has lectured in prisons, high schools and colleges
as a spokesman for American youth.
Ice –T is also an accomplished movie Actor. He has
appeared in numerous independent and documentary films as
well as full length movies.
Ice-T lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Darlene, and his
daughter Letesha and son Tracy Morrow, Jr.
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