A star was unveiled in honor of Ice-T on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, the day after the rap pioneer-turned-actor turned 65.
He was joined by Ice-T’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” actress Mariska Hargitay, series creator Dick Wolf, and legendary rapper Chuck D at the party at 7065 Hollywood Blvd. , between La Brea and Sycamore streets.
The star is 2,747. since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with 1,558 stars.
Ice-T was born on February 16, 1958 in Newark, New Jersey. When he was 13, his parents died and he was sent to live with his aunt and stepfather in Los Angeles.
He earned his stage name by reciting portions of Iceberg Slim’s novels while his friends would tell him, “Hey, hit up some of Iceberg’s novels, T.”
Ice-T became interested in hip-hop music during his two years in the US Army. After his release in 1979, he first tried his hand as a DJ and took the stage name Ice-T after Iceberg Slim. However, his rapping got him more attention, which led him to pursue a career as a rapper.
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Ice-T began recording singles in 1983 and released his debut album, Rhyme Pays, in 1987, which was certified gold by the music industry trade group, the Recording Industry Association of America. Ice-T formed Rhyme Syndicate Records in 1987, which released a string of West Coast rap records.
Their 1991 album O.G. Original Gangster” is considered one of the defining albums of gangsta rap. He also fronted his heavy metal band Body Count, with whom he toured on Lollapalooza’s inaugural tour in 1991, which brought him new fans.
Their 1992 debut album Body Count featured the single “Cop Killer”, which drew criticism from elected officials, the National Rifle Association and various police pressure groups.
Ice-T is a four-time Grammy nominee and two-time Grammy winner. He won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his first nomination for “Back On The Block” in 1991. His other Grammy Award came in 2021 as part of Body Count for Best Metal Performance for “Bum-Rush”.
