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Ice-T

Ice-T is the stage name of Tracy Lauren Marrow, an American rapper, actor, and producer born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1958.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ice-T is the stage name of Tracy Lauren Marrow, an American rapper, actor, and producer born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1958. He rose to prominence in the late 1980s as a gangsta rap pioneer and later became widely known for his acting role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Early life

Ice-T was born Tracy Lauren Marrow in Newark, New Jersey, in 1958. Sources note that he later moved to Los Angeles, where his early experiences shaped his music and public persona.

Music career

He emerged in the 1980s as an underground rapper and became known for influential gangsta rap releases. His debut album was Rhyme Pays, and later songs such as "Colors" and "Cop Killer" became especially well known.

Body Count

Ice-T formed or became associated with Body Count, a heavy metal band that blended rap and metal influences. The group drew controversy over politically charged lyrics, especially "Cop Killer" in 1992.

Acting career

Ice-T built a parallel career as an actor in film and television. He is best known for his long-running role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which began in 2000.

Key facts

  • Ice-T is a pioneering figure in gangsta rap, emerging in the 1980s with his debut album Rhyme Pays.
  • He fronted the metal band Body Count, which sparked controversy with the song "Cop Killer".
  • His acting career includes a long-running role as Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
  • Ice-T was born in Newark, New Jersey, and later moved to Los Angeles.
  • His work spans music, acting, songwriting, and production.
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Canadian context

Ice-T is relevant to Canadian readers as an internationally recognized hip hop and television figure whose music and acting have had broad North American cultural influence.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ice-T's real name?
His real name is Tracy Lauren Marrow.
What is Ice-T known for?
He is known as a pioneer of gangsta rap and for his acting role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
When was Ice-T born?
He was born on February 16, 1958.
What was Ice-T's debut album?
His debut album was Rhyme Pays, released in 1987.
What is Body Count?
Body Count is Ice-T's heavy metal band, known for controversial songs including "Cop Killer."

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice-T
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, debut album, career overview
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ice-T
    Supports: Biography, real name, occupation, notable songs, Body Count, gangsta rap prominence
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musicians/ice-t
    Supports: Early life, debut album, acting role on Law & Order: SVU
  4. TeachRock — https://teachrock.org/people/ice-t/
    Supports: Gangsta rap influence, Los Angeles move, continued recording and performance with Body Count