Ice-T

 Ice-T, born Tracy Lauren Marrow on February 16, 1958, in Newark, New Jersey, is a multi-talented American artist known for his contributions to hip hop, heavy metal, acting, and various ventures in the entertainment industry.

Tracy Lauren Marrow was born to Solomon and Alice Marrow. Solomon, of African-American descent, worked as a conveyor belt mechanic. After a move to upscale Summit, New Jersey, Tracy, known as Ice-T, became aware of racial issues at the age of seven. His mother's advice to ignore negativity shaped his outlook. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when his mother died of a heart attack during his third grade, leaving Solomon to raise Tracy alone. After Solomon's death when Tracy was thirteen, he lived with relatives in View Park-Windsor Hills, Los Angeles.

In high school, amid the rise of gangs, Tracy stood out by abstaining from alcohol and drugs. Influenced by cousin Earl's interest in rock music, Tracy developed a passion for heavy metal.

At seventeen, Tracy began receiving Social Security benefits due to his father's death. Financial struggles led him to sell cannabis and steal car stereos. After his daughter's birth, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1977. Tracy's interest in hip hop emerged during his military service, and he received an early honorable discharge in 1979.

Post-military, Tracy aspired to become a DJ, adopting the name Ice-T in tribute to Iceberg Slim. However, financial pressures led him back to crime, robbing jewelry stores. Legal issues and a near-fatal accident shifted his focus, and Tracy decided to pursue a career in rap.

In 1982, he collaborated with producer Willie Strong on "Cold Wind Madness," his first single. Tracy's early releases, like "Reckless" (1984) and "Killers" (1984), gained attention. He was inspired by Schoolly D to create his first gangsta rap song, "6 in the Mornin'" (1986).

Tracy signed with Sire Records, releasing his debut album, "Rhyme Pays" (1987), followed by "Power" (1988) and "The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say!" (1989). His 1991 album, "O.G. Original Gangster," is considered a defining work in gangsta rap.

His heavy metal band Body Count was formed in 1990. The controversial track "Cop Killer" led to disputes with Time Warner. Ice-T left Sire/Warner Bros. Records, releasing "Home Invasion" (1993) under Rhyme Syndicate. His albums in the late '90s included "VI – Return of the Real" (1996) and "The Seventh Deadly Sin" (1999).

Ice-T began acting with small roles in "Breakin'" (1984) and "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo" (1984). His major acting debut came in "New Jack City" (1991). He continued with roles in "Ricochet" (1991), "Trespass" (1992), and "Surviving the Game" (1994). Since 2000, he's portrayed Fin Tutuola on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," becoming the longest-running male series actor in history.:

Apart from his music and acting, Ice-T has been involved in television. Notable projects include the reality show "Ice-T's Rap School" (2006) and the E! reality series "Ice Loves Coco" (2011).

In 2013, Ice-T entered podcasting, co-hosting "Ice-T: Final Level" with Mick Benzo. The podcast covers various topics and features behind-the-scenes segments of Law & Order: SVU.

Ice-T's career has spanned decades, marked by his influence on hip hop and his contributions to various forms of entertainment. His journey from a troubled upbringing to a multifaceted artist reflects resilience and adaptability.