Ice-T, renowned rapper and frontman of Body Count, has never been one to mince words. In an exclusive interview with Metal Hammer, the genre-blending icon revealed the one thing he'd change about heavy metal: its obsession with subgenres.
"I'd get rid of all the categories they've decided to split rock into," Ice shared. "I got so tired of all these different hybrid categories, I created my own for Body Count: grindhouse. That's what we do. Other than that, I wouldn't change much."
This straightforward stance is classic Ice-T, advocating for simplicity and authenticity in a music landscape often overwhelmed by labels. The conversation also delved into his favorite albums from the two genres that have defined his career: rap and metal. For metal, he didn't hesitate to spotlight the genre's originators.
"My favourite metal album is the first Black Sabbath album – it's the one I probably listened to the most growing up," Ice revealed. He even connected it to his other musical identity, explaining, "I've actually sampled songs from Sabbath on my rap albums – and rock, too. I used Black Sabbath for [solo rap track] Midnight."
Switching gears to his rap roots, Ice named Eric B & Rakim's Paid in Full and Public Enemy's Yo! Bum Rush The Show as essential influences. "Those records were very important to me, particularly in the creation of the Ice-T records," he explained.
Body Count has continued to bridge genres with boldness and innovation. Their latest album, Merciless, dropped via Century Media on November 22, featuring a powerful cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb." The track even earned a national spotlight during a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, while reflecting on Body Count's long history, including the uproar caused by their controversial 1992 single Cop Killer, Ice-T didn't sugarcoat the reality of controversy in the music business: "I got news for people: anybody who thinks controversy is a way to make money, it's not. You get a lot of buzz, but now you need lawyers. So don't just say something stupid and then backpedal. If you're going to say something, stand on it."
