Ice-T not only invented gangster rap, he has lived it. Ice-T is the original embodiment of L.A. Hip-Hop, and a cultural icon. Through his music, his book (The Ice Opinion, St. Martin’s Press), and his lecture tours of America’s prisons, high schools, libraries, and colleges, Ice-T has become an influential spokesman for America’s youth, regardless of color.

Born in New Jersey, Ice-T was an only child whose parents died when he was very young. He became involved in the Los Angeles gang scene before spending four years in the army.

His first break came when the producers of the film Breakin’ asked him to rap in the movie. He went on to become rap music’s original gangster, writing songs like “Six in the Mornin” and “New Jack Hustler.”

Ice-T formed Rhyme Syndicate Records in 1989 and released a string of groundbreaking West Coast rap records. He subsequently formed the thrash metal band Body Count with close high school friend and guitarist Ernie C. Body Count’s debut album contained the controversial single “Cop Killer” and was the most critically acclaimed act on the highly successful 1991 Lollapalooza tour.

While his politics were grabbing headlines, Ice-T’s film and television career was taking off with roles in New Jack City, Ricochet, Trespass and Johnny Mnemonic, all while building a flourishing television career.

As an artist, his reach has crossed from music into film and television, and interactive media. He is the voice of “Madd Dogg” on one of the hottest selling video games, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas as well as a character in the new video game Scarface.

Ice-T currently stars in the 9th season of NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Detective Odafin Tutuola. This is his fourth project with executive producer Dick Wolf after the 1997-98 series Players, NBC’s Exiled: A Law & Order Movie, and several memorable guest-starring appearances on Wolf’s gritty cop series New York Undercover. Ice also created and produces for A&E the original real-life series “The Peacemaker,” following gang mediator Malik Spellman as he oversees tense moments of mediation between rival gangs.