Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Dated? Yes. Still one of the all time classics.
Much better than I thought it would be. Solid 4 stars.
One of the better 90s rap records. I think a lot of 90s hip hop tends to sound the same as every other record around the same time (part of that being that a lot of them just used the same producers since they were popular), but Ice-T actually does a decent job having his own identity (mostly), keeping his flow clean, and talking about real issues. I also appreciate that there aren't a lot of skits here. Biggest gripe is the length, this would have been increidble if it was about 30 minutes shorter. Not as good as other hip hop records from the time, but clearly deserving of it's spot on the list.
This is a good album. However, it is a little too long. Ice T has good flows and lyrics. The production sometimes leaves some to be desired, but I guess that’s what happens when you compare this to Dre and his other contemporaries. Also laws around sampling in the early 90’s are wild. How did everyone get rights to sample When The Levee Breaks like on Midnight? Highlights were New Jack Hustler, Bitches 2, O.G. Original Gangster, Midnight, and Body Count.
Sick
OG indeed!
When I visited America in the early nineties you could still buy bootleg cassettes on the street. I got this and the second NWA album for not very much. Not listened to it all, and providing you don't really listen to it as music and think of it as an audiobook with beats it's still got a lot to give. His flow, though without much in the way of poetry, is alway engaging.
Didn’t love the first song was a lot of layers that didn’t seem to blend well. But in context of the album I get why. First impression is fucking great. Love a bit. Ziplock, “you should have killed me last year” as an opener is so good. The rest is solid. Mic Contract, i loveee the back beat, no idea if it’s sampled or not but his flow over it is amazing. You can really tell he’s one of the original gangster rappers, that set a standard. Mind over Matter, “it’s not how much you say, it’s what you say.” he’s comfortable in this pocket of rapping and he knows how to use breaks, he fills them with a big sound/ samples of talking or singing. New Jack Hustler, is high energy, the tempo is so fast. Yet he’s rapping with the same amount of clarity. You can catch every word. He’s not fucking around, you will know he works hard and does it his way. I love this energy, he says “They’ll be another one after me” at the end, to me that shows he’s cool with opening doors for others. He also knows his influence. Ed, I could live without. Bitches 2, maybe he’s a feminist?? lol he’s basically saying it’s not just women that are bitches. He talks through men he’s known that “Went out like a bitch.” Love this story telling it’s top tier and the instrumentation is really complimentary. Can’t forget the chorus vocals either. Straight Up, is political, simple as that. It’s about knowing who he is down to his brown marrow and knowing how he was/is seen and treated. His flows all over it are switching up and done flawlessly. O.G., the title track, obviously doesn’t disappoint. “Rapping’ bout hard core topics, Over hard core drum beats.” He’s a self explanatory man. I admire him for it. He’s honest, he writes his experience and makes it very clear that even when he tries to fake it, the pen won’t let him. Evil E, asking where the raps are about sex is iconic, they are giggling they’re gossiping. And i love it. And im a woman. Fly By, he’s rapping so fast Spotify lyrics can’t keep up. Again he’s a legend, it’s very clear. Midnight, is terrifying because it’s such a scary story told very well. It kinda drags in tempo which makes the whole thing more intense. Fried chicken was needed after that and now i want some. M.V.P.s it’s a whole track of Ice just naming people that he has respect for, calling them players of the game. No one does this in 2025. Maybe no one else did this in 91. Respect is important to him, probably a big reason why he’s the O.G. Lifestyles, “I ain’t human no more, I’m a superman”. Talking back then about how difficult fame is, i fear not much has changed. Body Count, “Rock and Roll is black music” he didn’t sell out at all. He just loves music, and feels bad for anyone that doesn’t feel the same. Again ICON, this screamo track shows his versatility and open mind. This is punk. Prepared to Die, a spoken word track, no backing just his voice punching through. Escape, another political song, talking directly to his people. “You should have killed me last year” repeated again in this song. He knows his possible influence on people, and he knows the system doesn’t like that. Street Killer, the have the sound of jazz coming through on this one. Pulse, they tried to ban him, they tried to make him stop, he wasn’t done. I think this album is important to him and must have been really cathartic to make. He was just trusting his artistry. The Tower, “who has the power, the whites the blacks or just the gun tower.” Ya Shoulda, he says this album was completed JANUARY 15th 1991, I am listening to this album 33 years later to the day!!!! I am one of those people that believes in shit like that, like I was meant to hear it today and im really glad 1001 albums generated it for me today. He ends this album sending peace to everyone. And also a bigggg fuck you to the American systems. At the end of the day he’s a man that is a product of his environment and he has masses of talent. He took all he was and put it into his art. I may not listen to the album all the way through again but I will remember to show tracks to people and mention him when talking about legends. It may make me sad that he talks about murder and violence so casually but who am I to find it difficult to hear, he lived through it! I went from knowing nothing to admiring within one album that’s pretty powerful.
Ice-T мені ніколи не подобався, але це тому, що я чув більш піздні його альбоми, що м'яко кажучи, далекі від ідеалу. Але цей альбом, справді, став для мене "прихований діамантом". І хоча лірично цей альбом не відчувається як щось особливо, то "технічно" - це чистий "естетичний кайф". Він сповнений просто блискучими семплами. Такими, за які я і обожнюю олдскульний хіпхоп, адже зараз не часто зустрінеш такий прискіпливий підхід до продакшену. Тут ми чуємо винахідливі скретчі, використання звуків з "живих" джазових композицій, качаючі фанкові біти, та навіть семпли Black Sabbath у треку "Midnight". Тобто, як ви вже зрозуміли, альбом вийшов неймовірно "еклектичним", адже тут, Ice-T, взагалі, не притримувався ніяких жанрових обмежень. А на треку BodyCount - ми можемо почути, тих самих Body Count) Та і загалом, треки дуже гарно запам'ятовуються і весь альбом не відчувається затягнутим. Та що казати, якщо навіть "скіти" тут зроблені винахідливо і не відчуваються як філери. І якщо ви завжди думали, що "хіп-хоп це не моє" - вам, однозначно, варто послухати цей альбом.
Yes yes, not my bag but i gave it as much respect as everything else.
At times comically bad, but at times surprisingly good, Ice Tea is definitely the Original Gangster. He sounds like the old vet, boasting about how he’s got it. For the most part he does 6.8/10
I don't like thir type of music
I definitely like old school rap better but still not enough
"O.G. Original Gangster" is the fourth studio album by American rapper Ice-T. Gangsta rap. Yes, sir. Seven producers were used including Afrika Islam, Beastmaster V, Bilal Bashir. DJ Aladdin, Nat the Cat, SLJ and Ice-T. Guest appearances were made by Body Count (Ice-T's heavy metal band), Prince Whipper Whip, Donald D, Evil E and Randy Mac. The album reached #15 on the US Billboard 200 and critically was praised with some stating it as his best. The album starts out with Ice-T describing himself and LA being the home of the bodybag in "Home of the Bodybag." Gun shots. Sirens. "Pimpin' ain't easy." The album really gets going on the fourth song "Mic Contract" with hard beats. It's funky and groovy. The melody is a sample of a Dyke & the Blazers' song and the drum betas from the 5th Dimension. Ice-T tells the story of a mic contract like a gangsta drug deal. They slow it down on "Mind Over Matter." Ice-T getting after people who doubted him. There's faster beats and rappin' on "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)." He'd rather be a new jack hustler keeping money in garbage bags from his drug deals. "O.G. Original Ganster" gets a groove going from James Brown's "Funky Drummer." Ice-T is the O.G. but now you need to bring guns not a knife to fight. "Midnight" famously samples "Black Sabbath" by Black Sabbath as there's a gansta fight with cars and cops. "Escape from the Killing Fields" also takes shots at cops. There sirens and scratching. Ice-T pleading to get out the hood (fields) right damn now. "The Tower" might ne the most musically innovative song on the album as it samples the piano from the movie "Halloween." It's creepy as Ice-T whisper raps about who was the power in prison, the whites, blacks or the gun tower. There's a lot to take in on the album. Ice-T straddles the line of idolizing the gansta life while also criticizing the life and inner city. He covers a lot of ground - his LA neighborhood, the gansta life, the rapper life and social commentary on prisons, cops, the government, Iraq War, Tipper Gore, CIA, FBI and George Bush. Most of the songs do work with clever sampling, funky and changing beats and Ice-T varying his rap delivery. I thought the Body Count song sounded like a sped-up version of the Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz." Take as you may. Overall, it's a very good album and definitely captures the time and place of the early 90's in LA.
Good album. Not great, has some really good songs but not enough to push it to a 4 for me. Not sure I’d listen again.
A fun listen. Not in the top tier of 90’s rap, but to me 90’s rap is like pizza - even mediocre pizza is still good.
The beats are real good for the age of this
“I’m the original gangsta” Ok..?
I'm not familiar with this album. I note that many reviews reference the anger and violence of the lyrics and give it a low rating. But context is everything, this album accurately reflects the anger and reality of racism, poverty and disenfranchisement for many black people in LA during that period. As Ice T himself admits in the, one of many stands out tracks, OG original gangster: "I try to write about fun and the good times But the pen yanks away and explodes and destroys the rhyme Maybe it's just cause of where I'm from L.A. (*bang!*) that was a shotgun.." I can remember the riots that followed the murder of Rodney King in 1992 and this album reflects the rising tensions due to police/LAPD attacks on the Black community of LA that led up to the events of '92. I think this album is brilliant and wish I had come to this sooner. 5 stars all the way!
This didn't slap in the same way a previous Ice T album did, but all the same I enjoyed it. I think it was a few songs too long and there was some filler in there we didn't need. But still! Good stuff.
This was okay, had some nice beats in it and generally a cool sounds, some of the lyrics felt pretty dodgy to me but overall it was a good album.
Was not expecting to like this at all but I stand corrected!
Not bad.
I didnt kno Ice T was like that
Eh
It's just some great gangsta rap, if that's your thing then this will be your thing. And this is definitely my thing.
I only know Ice T from Law and Order SVU. So this is where it all started... Classic 90s west coast beats right out of the gate on Home of the Bodybag. Interesting, I never realized that Pusha T didn't coin the "I'm your pusha" line. This changes everything... Gotta say, this is less a song and more a spoken word poem, but the beat and various elements are pretty dope. Mind over Matter is a low-key solid lazy rapped jam. His vocals here are almost uncomfortably forward and clean. New Jack Hustler is also a great. high energy runner. I love the production work here -- simple, but so goddamned effective. The drums are propulsive; the shimmering effect in the background gives additional motion/surveillance vibes; and the interleaved elements (piano flourishes, vocal samples) are fantastic. Bitches 2 features yet another great instrumental. Love the drunk trumpet wandering in and out woven with smooth bassy segments. Straight Up Nigga is surprisingly modern in his voiced opinions about living ones own life: "She want to be lez he want to be gay, but that's your business I'm straight, so nigga have it your way." Oh fuck, Midnight samples Black Sabbath. Did not have that on my BINGO card, but it is hella dope. This is surprisingly dark - bordering on horrorcore in the way it is composed -- especially with the chopped & screwed elements. Worth it just for this lol. Kind of weird that he did a posse cut before the last track. But as far as shout outs go, I actually really liked M.V.P. The instrumental is cool and the way he used echo, etc. to punctuate was actually fun. The Tower sounds straight up like 21 Savage in the deadpan delivery. The Psycho sample is pretty wild. This was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Having been introduced to Ice T by way of Law & Order SVU, I (for some reason) assumed that his musical career was not to be taken seriously. This album puts that assumption into serious question... While this runs extremely long, it is surprisingly coherent and quality start to finish. Ice T demonstrates not only a wide range of lyricism and dynamicism to his vocal delivery, he also clearly shows detail in beat selection and production. This album does well on the quality of its instrumentals alone; the fact that the rapping is also good is a bonus. Standouts to me were all those I mentioned previously. One thing I forgot to touch on was his foray into hardcore with Body Count. Far from the first time the two worlds collided, but this is done so earnestly here that it is impressive. I enjoyed the song and found it to have a very Sabbath infused mid/back-section. This was a fun ride and were it a bit better curated I think this would easily be a 5. With the additional "fluff" I'm at a very high 4 (9.3).
Really enjoying the bouncy, clean production in the beats that really nail that 90's hip-hop sound. I also really like Ice-T's flow and annunciation. The interludes with the girl interviewing/presenting a report is pretty funny. Bitches 2 was a standout for the story it told and the beat had me dancing while making coffee. Easy 4, thought about a 5 but it was a bit long and fell into the background until that rock song came on. Very enjoyable album and one of my favorite gangster rap albums we have listened to on this list.
90s Gangsta rap is not really my jam at all. Some of these songs an skits were too ridiculous to take seriously
Never really listened to Ice T, mostly just saw him on TV, but always a sukka for some gangsta rap. Mic Contract reminds me of Ice Cube. Tried listening to the lyrics as much as I could in this while working and there were some gems. Midnight goes hard. Just want to shoutout James, Jackson, Brandon, and Tim. Y'all are true PLAYERS. Body Count takes a wildly different turn holy hell. Definitely a bit too long, but super enjoyable and different. Not having heard anything from Ice T and just knowing his background on TV I didn't expect much, but this goes hard af.
Wicked
Another classic hip hop albums from the early 90s. Nice beats, okay flow, but it's nothing remarkable.
Albums como este hicieron a la gente pensar que el rap era musica de maliante, la verdad el rap de esta sona nunca me gusto tanto y esta no es la excepcion, 34/100
не
There are a lot of really powerful moments in here, but the whole message is diluted by some of the tracks that have not aged as gracefully.
I wasn’t really a fan of his flow/delivery and the beats were nothing special.
I liked first impressions, but otherwise . 1
Not for me
Hype as hell, but it’s a bit too long and there are some weak points. Wish it was a bit more tight.
Good Album and crazy to see in what direction the genre went. (3.5/5.0) It is really disappointing to see all the 1 Star ignorant straight Rap/Hip-Hop Haters while Rap-fans most of the time, at least on this platform don't straight up judge by genre. We don't need to act like every English rock band that nobody heard from on this list is solid. And the oversaturated 80s Sound on this list... But maybe im too young to understand the general hip hop hate lmaoooo
Simply one of the greatest hip hop records of all time. The beats, his voice and flow, and the NARRATIVES he writes - perfection
I cant believe detective Tutuola made this album.
I was surprised how much I liked this album. Almost every song was a banger. The only downside I have is it could have been shorter. It felt a little long once I got to Body Count. Still, the first half of the album is full of some great rap. Thid album is so close to a 5
It was fine. I did notice a nice inclusion of brass instruments.
Pretty cool Mustve been insane in 91
Looking at the track listings and awful titles of the songs this is going to be a very hard listen. Favourite song: Least favourite: Album artwork: I wont be hanging this one up at home.
Vinyl turntable and cassette deck, y’all are players.
original gangster original gangster? seems a bit redundant i.t. ice t
Ghetto trash.
We get it - you're hard. You're a bad boi. You're angry. You don't like the cops But jesus this was too much. Repetitive and too long Beats were decent, and I really liked the guitar on Body Count. The rest of it was bad 2 ⭐️
Decent old school album. I think I would have probably rated it lower if I didn't already have an appreciation of old school hip hop. A couple standouts, not because they are better than the rest, but because they are very different than the rest of the tracks: Midnight. This one has an oddly 'ahead of its time' beat. Body Count. A metal track lol
Ice-T doesn’t really rank in my favorite hip-hop artists, but I was glad to listen to this. I think I unfairly overlook him - this album is an important link between the progenitive rap of the 80s and where things were heading. Really good.
I listened to this album on the way to work, stuck in traffic due to icy conditions. Normally, I’d be in no mood for music, but somehow O.G. Original Gangster cut through my foul mood. Maybe it’s because I grew up watching pro wrestling, but the swagger and over-the-top braggadocio on display made for a surprisingly enjoyable listen. I don’t know if I’d revisit it, but as a first-time experience, it was a pleasant surprise. Standout Track: As a metalhead, I should say Body Count, but I actually loved the spooky vibe and storytelling of Midnight. Score: 3/5 (a high 3)
Yet another undeserving rap album. Very disillusioned with this album generator just now. It's throwing up rubbish I never want to listen to lately! Wish there was a zero star rating!
Really really bad. I am proud of what hip hop has become, but man, going back to these old gangsta rap albums is rough.
Ice-T hard as fuck. Bodycount, bitch. But this shit is too long.
Favorite Track: Body Count
Man, I could write a whole essay about how good this album is. The rhymes, the beats, the lyrics. Besides another rapper named Ice and one called Hammer this was my introduction to proper rap music. Rented this from the library back when you had to actually buy music to hear it. Since purchased on vinyl which is unfortunately not the full album. May not be for everybody but this shit is my jam.
3.4 2x catchup 11/18
3.5
This is on the high side of 3. Perfectly listenable old school hip hop that doesn't really change my life.
From memory a 5 star album, but turned out to be a bit too juvenile for me. There are some great tracks though (OK, no I'm Your Pusher, but OG contains of course a fair share of Ice T classics).
The best bits reminded me of Public Enemy, the worst bits made me want to turn it off. Without the stupid dialogue intermezzos and other filler tracks this could have been a pretty decent album. Right now, three stars is the best I can do.
Musically not very interesting and way too long.
Great album.
Overall I liked it. The beats are not better than most of the other rap of the time, but they are distinct. Like the punk/hard rock influence in the music. 3/5 Might listen again
Great beats, too much language for my taste
Classic gangsta rap that holds up in terms of production and flow, if not lyrically
★★★★½
At least the guy is a half-decent actor.
I genuinely liked this album and I'm shocked. It is definitely not meant for me a white boy from middle America, but at the same time it's directed to me? It's so interesting how much he can change the tone even within the same song. It's hilarious to see how he ended up, but taken as a snapshot, it's a great time capsule of 1991 and frightening how relevant it still is.
The beats are pretty run of the mill for the times and the flows are alright. I'm not a hip-hop guy at all, so this album isn't very appealing to me. I can't even tell if this is an essential release or not, it just sound like every other rap album of the era. Key tracks: Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous
This is fine, overall average.
Good. But way too long.
Yeh not bad. Dads need hip hop too
ICE T is a good rapper, except now he's a cop!!!
some good stuff
Tiukkaa sanaa ja funkkaavat beatit! Old school! 4/5
joitain hyviä biisejä (mind over matter erityisesti), mut tyypillisen ysäri-rap-levyn tyyliin liian pitkä et jaksais kuunnella kokonaan putkeen. 2.5/5
This was awesome, ziplock is great
I dont think id ever really heard Ice T rao, despite being familiar with his music. This album was good overall- he doesnt have as technicially proficient a rap style as some other rappers Ive heard in this list, but his sound and flow is solid. Where he really shines is his messaging and the thought he puts into his songs. He has an inisghtful view on the experiences of a black youth growing up in the ghetto and his issues with incarceration and racism. Overall- solid album. Id probably give it a 3.5/5 but not quite a 4
truly OG, but also from a time gone by
Damn near perfect album tbh
big ass slay man
A lot of old school rap tends to be a little too repetitive and this is no exception. This is probably one of the best examples of it though. 3.5 stars
1991 was a watershed moment in music. Grunge exploded, hip-hop broke into the mainstream, and genres from jazz to electronic evolved in unprecedented ways. This was also a pivotal year for hip-hop: The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest pushed jazz-rap forward, while De La Soul, Public Enemy, and the underground sounds of Cypress Hill infused the genre with creative, politically charged, and darker Latin influences. In this landscape, Ice-T’s O.G. Original Gangster serves as a fascinating bridge between late ‘80s and early ‘90s rap, standing as a high point for gangsta rap. The album solidifies Ice-T’s reputation as a candid storyteller of street life, violence, systemic issues, and police brutality. His portrayal is raw and rooted in survival, often reflecting gritty reality rather than glorification. Musically, the album dives into funk, rock, and jazz influences, all laid over hardcore beats with relentless yet catchy intensity. Ice-T’s rapping is gritty and conversational, defined by vivid, almost journalistic storytelling rather than lyrical complexity. His style is foundational—direct, no-frills, and packed with authenticity. His delivery commands attention, offering raw, straightforward narratives without metaphor or introspection. Compared to the intricate flows of artists like Nas, the introspective style of Tupac or the conversational style of Jay-Z, Ice-T’s approach remains uncompromisingly blunt. Every line hits with purpose, and his voice carries a power that's hard to ignore. Considering how many times Ice-T curses the police on this album, I can't help but chuckle that he would later go on to play a cop on Law & Order. Talk about becoming that which you hate! Did/Do I own this release? No. Does this release belong on the list? It exemplifies gangsta rap well, though other albums from the same period may represent the genre more fully. Would this release make my personal list? I find myself more drawn to the intricate rhyme schemes and flow changes of later rap. Will I be listening to it again? It was an enjoyable listen and made me feel vaguely menacing while driving, so sure.
Too god damn long, but there are a few good songs like "Midnight"
I was living in Long Beach when this came out. I listened to this a lot that year. Drove up to Hollywood to see Body Count play at the Cathouse. Good times. Solid gangsta rap.
Classic rap album. More artistic than I would have guessed
Some smart commentary on life in America that still seems as timely today as it was over 30 years ago.
I enjoyed a lot of this, but some of it falls pretty flat some 30 odd years later.
Starts off real hard, but runs out of steam in the second half.
Dope record! I played the shit out of this when it came out! Holds up okay, lyrics are always a question but overall it's still full of bangers!
Very enjoyable
It's well done and melodic. I am not the audience for this, not by time or place or gender or age, but these are passionate & skilled rhymes.
It's a 2.5, didn't love it and will probably not listen to anything on it again, but there's passion in it. It's too long for me listening but I like the variety & sprawling ambition for a rap album in 1991. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
A bit too long, but a real treat among other 90s hip hop on the list. A lightheartedness and sense of humour that makes Ice T stand out from his peers.
Nice classic album. Loved the story about Body Count.
I really like the classic rock samples
Decent, but a mixed bag overall. Some tracks are great, some tracks sound pretty dated and have not aged well. The interludes made me think of Mister Rogers.
This was really great, though overlong. Damn, Ice T is really really good at this, wonder if he’ll ever come back to rap.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Waaaaaaaay too long, though. Body Count was cool. The whole thing was cool. The track where he just talks about other rappers and how much he likes and respects them is an interesting contrast to today’s rap landscape. Overall, I don’t think this being shorter would’ve helped it or the length hurt it. It’s just a solid four, and I’m surprised because we’ve gotten this era of rap album before and they haven’t been this good and I was not initially excited about it. Also, he predicts that he will never win a Grammy and that Mandela will never win a Nobel prize. Both these things were wrong, and I think within in the next year or two. Did Ice use reverse psychology?
Like it far better than I expected going in. Surprised this one never hit my radar given the timing should have worked better for me as a youngin. 4/5
Some classic beats and flows, but I wouldn't say it aged super well. Definitely comes off a bit corny at times but still a good album overall.
This album is honestly incredible.
Not my thing
I wanted to like it, but I didn’t. :(
Managed about 1/3 of the way through. Suffered from the classic shite that all 90s rap albums seemed to have to include: - pointless small skits (to put "first impression" as track 2 is honestly mindboggling stuff) - unnecessary introductions at the beginning of numerous tracks (Mind over matter etc.) - general mysoginy, offensive for shock factor etc. The only thing saving it from 1* is I had Ice cubes debut last week so at least there's some perspective. 1.5*
Some good flow and and a couple standout tracks, but man this felt like it was never gonna end
a pretty great album that is sadly still relevant today. a lot of important subjects covered here. and ice-t's flow is great - sometimes it's hard to remember he was even a rapper and not just some fresh-mouthed actor. my only gripe here is that there are a handful of songs here that are not as energetic as the others and they aren't as fun. and the rock song is ... interesting. but as a whole, I enjoyed it!
Not totally sure why this is on the list, maybe the mix of rock with the Body Count introduction. Overall this sounds like your average 1991 gangster rap album. Competent enough but there are better lyrics, lyricism, and production on similar albums of that era (Ice Cube comes to mind). I liked the beat on “midnight”. 2.5
2.4 OG was a banger. Some of the lyrics and skits feel like a parody, 30+ years after it was released. Body Count is dope
Te lang, een beetje lomp, maar vette beats, verhalen, en toch zeker ook wel divers.
Ice tea.. What's with these people man, lemonade, read the sign, lemonade. read it. ................... delicious
Dated. And yet for reasons even I haven’t been able to comprehend I actually was entertained by most of it. Body Count was an unexpected tangent that I definitely didn’t see coming back in the day. And who would have foreseen Ice-T being a mainstream television actor?
No thank you
Not the worst rap album I've heard. It tells a story, even if it's a lot of crap. And as rap goes, it's easy to follow, and hear what he's saying, so that's always a plus. But I still wouldn't choose to listen to it again.
That risk song was a surprise. Not in a great way, but good for you Ice T. Crossing genres.
Oh man
Terrible album
good album i like it
Good samples. Good rapping. Good album. I like how he dedicated an entire track to just have a British lady endorse him without any background music.
FINALLY A RAP ALBUM 10/10 I LOVE FJJS ALBUM SO MUCH MY FAB SONG IS PREPARE TO DIE
the worst thing CD's did for music was let artists think we wanted albums to last over an hour. We did not. Side, note...this would still bore me if it lasted 30 mins
this slaps, despite its length it never felt repetitive or sluggish and I audibly chuckled at several points. Ice T's mind is a wild place to be, A+
Yes really liked this a lot. Moved me to explore more og rap
Liked this more than I expected to. Very West Coast, very 90s hip hop and I thought that the production has surprisingly held up really well! Dragged a tad in the middle / towards the latter part of the album, but solid solid album. 7.5 / 10
What made this album qualify for this list? Pure rubbish from the get go. Half a song is a dude running his mouth that LA is the home of the body bag. Another is this dude giving a monologue about an ongoing war in his community while shouting out the various gangs in the 90s. Also calling yourself an OG while you haven’t been formally initiated into any gang for that matter might actually be the saddest thing to do with the album as a whole. Listening to Yoko Ono screaming her way through her “performance” at MoMA for 10 hours might be better than this shit.
extra star out of respect. could i write poetry to this? n
Even though it was considered extreme at the time, the violent lyrics seem almost cartoonish now. Especially considering Ice-T's later ironic and iconic turn as a detective on TV's "Law & Order." The album as a whole doesn't hold up musically or lyrically against contemporaries like Public Enemy or N.W.A.
Alright. but I prefer my hip-hop more lyrical.
Respect to Ice-T for pursuing his rock/metal hip-hop and acting dreams. Here's a kid from New Jersey that moves to LA at around 12 years old and makes a name for himself in music and more. That said, this OG record is too long and some of the songs have not aged well (mostly in the lyrics, but sometimes in the sound of the music itself). Not enough forward momentum or hooks — usually you can let go of one or the other but things are rough for listeners when you let both slip once you've established the genre you're working in. Combine that with some production choices that make this at times a sonically unpleasant album to hear definitely drags the final score down to a middling 3 despite a good effort on a number of tracks.
Although I never paid too much attention to this era of hip hop, Ice-T stood out for me, especially considering it’s West Coast. West Coast hip hop always seemed sleazy, over-commercialized, and too polished, while East Coast had that raw, gritty, DIY feel that I usually gravitate toward. Ice-T, however, feels different. Maybe he was at his peak before the West Coast sound really became solidified, but he’s always walked his own path, maintaining that rawness and edge that I appreciate.
Saai... Een ouwehoeralbum met nul muzikale variatie en een boel kinderachtig imponeergedrag. En veel te lang, dat spreekt vanzelf. Donder toch op met je argressieve geblèr.
Van begin af aan is het duidelijk. Dit wordt een klassiek rauw rap album. Dat vind ik zelf altijd wel fijn. Het eerste nummer laat ook horen in welk hoekje binnen het genre we het moeten zoeken. De rap wordt begeleid door een flinke (wederom rauwe) beat. Nog iets meer in mijn straatje. Daarna wordt duidelijk dat we weer kunnen sample-spotten. Binnen de geschetste afbakening schiet het album toch nog heel wat kanten op. Af en toe heeft het de dubieuze kwaliteit van een Osdorp Posse plaat (Midnight). Maar vaker doet het mij denken aan bijvoorbeeld Public Enemy (Lifestyles of the rich and infamous). Hij breekt de plaat nog een keer met een metaal-plaat ter promotie van zijn andere band. Best een prima nummer. Al met al heel fijn plaatje om te luisteren.
Waar ik deze week LL Cool J zei bedoelde ik Ice T, stop de tijd! Al klinkt het allemaal een beetje zoals "Momma said knock you out". Stoere kinderachtige mannentaal. Maar wel op een breakbeat en dat maakt het in ieder geval een aantal nummers luisterenswaardig. Ice T flowt er lekker overheen. Het is typerend voor die tijd vrij kaal qua geluid, hoogstens een sample of een riffje dat repeterend onder de beat door meandert. Als echte gangsta gooit Ice T er af en toe zo'n mitrailleurdrum doorheen, want een drive-by-shooting op zijn tijd hoort er bij natuurlijk in da hood. Wat ik ook wel tof vind, is dat hij dus een metalfan is. In nummer 14 Midnight bijv zit een Black Sabbath sample. En we horen het eerste nummer van zijn metalband Body Count. Ook al duurt het zoals gewoonlijk iets te lang, ik vond dit toch wel grappig om te luisteren. En laat ik dan gewoon lekker weer eens een keer een bonuspuntje uitdelen, voor de fijne breakbeatjes en met name de metalinvloeden.
Undeniably an influential album for gangster rap but I wasn't too pleased by it. Although 80s and 90s rap is more up my alley than the modern garbage that's out today, this one wasn't exactly notable in terms of lyrical composition and rhythm. There were some points of the album where I was into the backing instrumentals.
Sorry - not my taste
3.64
Þessi plata var ekki mikið fyrir mig. Rapp er ekki skemmtileg tónlist í mínum eyrum og mér finnst rapparar vanalega vera með yfirborðskennda stæla. Samt var Ice T af og til fyndinn þannig að húmorinn togar þessa plötu aðeins upp
I say this every time I get one of these classic rap albums, but old 80s/early90s rap sounds so dated and quaint, it's hard to take it seriously. The bottom line with this album is that it's better than I expected it to be, but it's WAY too long. No goddamned reason for this to be 24 songs and over an hour. A microcosm of the album is the song Body Count. Ice-T slipped in a hard rock song by his rock band on a rap album. That's creative, and interesting, and brave! The song is more than 5 minutes long - that's too long! I'll give it a 3. It is catchy, but man. Too long.
Some catchy beats on this. I like Ice-T's voice and how much variety there is on this album, but I can't listen to Gangsta rap without cringing at the lyrics
New jacket hustler er da ret cool. De første 20 minutter hørte jeg meget fokuseret, og med høretelefoner på. De sidste 50!! Minutter hvor interesseren var væk blev det til pløret baggrunds støj. Så hip hopen på listen har ikke imponeret endnu. Jeg overvejede at skippe mig igennem til sidst... Det kan ikke være mere end en 2er...
Uh se mig jeg er så sej og har en fed bil, villige damer og en pistol. Hold nu kæft! Måske er jeg blevet gammel, men jeg syntes gangsta rappere er nogle små usikre drenge der gemmer sig bag store ord. Eller også er det bare dumme.
Not as good as I remembered
Classic album from Ice T. I love the versatility Ice T shows in this album. He does some pure gangsta rap, some true hip hop spitting, and even introduces the rock group Body Count he started. While there is a lot of talk of violence and misogyny, there is also a good amount of counter balance with talks of struggles of the black experience, current affairs at the time, and even abuse children suffer.
Like most gangsta rap, this could be a great instrumental album.
Good beats, smooth styling.
Not really my kind of hip-hop/rap, but it was alright.
8/10. Either I'm starting to get more into rap, or I'm simply getting better rap albums in this project. This is a really sick, and dope album!!! :) Perhaps I'm simply biased, since Ice-T has a photo of him with Lemmy Kilmister as one of his photos on Spotify.
I like this era of hip hop. This is a good album!
Stupid. Built for accountants to get money
I think this era of hip hop is my favourite. This album was mostly rap but there was real variety with the odd funny interlude track, some spoken parts, and even a rock track (Body Count). He swings from extremely serious to funny interludes to places in between, which works, and the music is consistently good. The lyrics are often quite centred on gun violence but he explains many times throughout the album that this is his reality in the place he lives. Fave Track: Mind over Matter Rating: 5
endearing early 90s hip-hop with a surprising amount of progressive politics, lamentations of the street life, and skits that aren't terrible. a bit drawn out, but holds up surprisingly well. 3.5/5
Impossible to listen to when you have an explicit lyric filter on Spotify. Nothing but questions from a 9 year old. Questions you can’t answer. Still - inspirational rap. 3.4
I don't hate it - lots of emotion, mostly decent lyrics and some humour. Still too much "I'm so tough" for me to really get into
Some angry 90s rap
Albumi #32, 29.08.2024 Ysärin alun länsirannikon gangsteriräpin yksi klassikoista. Muutama laadukkaampi kappale, mutta ehkä hieman epätasainen levy.
Classic ice t, I prefer his body count facet
I grew fatigued by this pretty quickly. I'd rather listen to Body Count.
Liked Body Count & Black Sabbath's sample
One of the greatest old-school rappers in my opinion. Also, the song Body Count was the start of the band with the same name, which is fucking great, therefore this record is great just because of that alone.
It’s better than I thought it would be, but I thought it would be terrible. It is within the range of rap/hip hop that I like, but I like it when the artist rhymes at a real high level - Ice-T could be better
I like the political messages + the honest moments in the album
Ended up really liking this one.
3.4 - It was good, but I'm feeling like a lot of these 90's album sound the same but just different rappers on them
A bit cheesy, very repetitive, but also quite a lot of fun, like the musical version of the movie Bad Boys. I giggled when Ice-T said "I fucked her" at the end of the "Evil e - What About Sex?" bit. Then the a capella section about Nelson Mandela at the end of "Prepared to Die" - kinda corny but also kinda powerful. Fave Tracks: Bitches 2, Escape from the Killing Fields 3.5/5
Ice-T is both hilarious and poignant. Great old school hip hop with killer lines and a great message. The Body Count song is also fucking awesome, some much needed variety that kept the later half of the album sound more fresh
This used to be my favorite album as a teenager, but today I found it super annoying. His voice grated on my nerves.
This is prime 90’s rap. Ice T is elite. Would pay to see doc or Annette listening to this (the 9th song on the album in particular)
Led Zeppelin sounds fresh still, this album from 1991 sounds dated. Old skool rap that definitely didn't stand the test of time. Flagrant use of the "N" word didn't help, nor make this record cool. Personally, I like my Ice T with a slice of lime better...
It’s not the worst old of school rap but it’s certainly not the best. It’s a bit bloated at over an hour too. It’s definitely a moment in time for rap but it doesn’t hold up, and it’s not as charming to go back and listen to as some other artists from the era
Not my music
OK so I'm not qualified. Most rap I've heard does not qualify a s music in my book. Its interesting at times as a spoken word storytelling as an extension of the oral tradition. This album, being early in the rap/hip hop genre, seems toned down in a lot of what was to come. The "look at me , I'm biggest badass in the hood" tracks are there. The storytelling of encounters and drug deals etc is there. The raps that are visual and feel like a tour tour in a car through the hood are there. But its all subdued compared with other albums and artists that came later. I guess this is important for pointing the way but I'm not sure if even fans of the genre find this album compelling still. 1.6
This is kinda boring. 2/5
Another rap album
Smart, fun, funny, musically enjoyable, but also an angry gut punch. Obviously several recurring themes of O.G. haven't aged well, and you can't entirely ignore that. But the content remains overwhelmingly, distressingly relevant, like Street Killer. On its own terms, this album is dope.
Bon, le grand retour du Rap à Rabais, ça faisait un bout qu’un hasbeen simili-gangster vienne me postillonner à deux pouces des oreilles des propos misogynes et franchement macho
I tend to sigh when rap albums make their way onto my list cause I just struggle to find it enjoyable and something I can happily listen to. This wasn’t the worst but I just don’t think I can rate it beyond 2 😬
3.5
Schlimm!
It was fine. I thought it felt a bit jokey.
Best album of the week so far?
Literally (one of) the OG. Listening to Ice T’s lyricism, is very reminiscent of my boy Marshall Mathers. Guaranteed Ice had some (if not a lot) of influence on young Slim and other mc’s. Big fan! How many copy rights did this man buy for this album..?! Sheeeeeeesh
4.0
I get the significance of this album. not my cup o tea...
West Coast gangster rap is (op een enkele uitzondering na) echt een tak van sport binnen de Hip hop dat volledig langs me heen gaat. En met een reden. Het is me allemaal net iets te vluchtig. Ik waardeer de tragere, grimier boom bap gangster rap uit het oosten veel meer. ICE-T is indeed misschien wel de original gangster rapper, maar niet perse origineel qua stijl. De eerste helft van de plaat beweegt nogal in cirkels, waarbij voortdurend nummers over gang violence, met een repetitieve beat, elkaar opvolgen. De tweede helft is wat interessanter, vooral toen er opeens een Black Sabbath sample werd gedropped. Dat hoor je zelden, en toen begreep ik eindelijk de vermeende gelijkenissen tussen deze rapper en Public Enemy. Maar waar Public Enemy met het charisma van Chuck en de energie van Flavor zelfs in de wat minder wacky songs het niveau hooghouden, was dit album overwegend saai ondanks de grafische thema's. Nee, West Coast gangster rap gaat denk ik nooit m'n cup of tea worden. 5,5/10 Highlights: Midnight M.V.P.s
Not really my thing De OG West Coast hiphop sound klinkt altijd wel iconisch. Maar als ik er echt naar moet luisteren vind ik het eigenlijk nooit zo boeiend. Ice-T rapt over Bodybags en street-homicides en tja, kan ik niet zo veel mee. "Ice-T in the motherfucking house, you know what I am saying" 5/10 Highlights Mind over Matter
Home of the Bodybag 2.8 First Impression n/a Ziplock 3 Mic Contract 2.8 Mind Over Matter 3 New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme) 2.9 Ed 2.7 Bitches 2 3 Straight Up Nigga 2.8 O.G. Original Gangster 3 The House n/a Evil E-What About Sex? n/a Fly By 2.7 Midnight 3.6 Fried Chicken 2.7 M.V.P.s 3 Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous 3 Body Count 3.2 Prepared to Die n/a Escape from the Killing Fields 3.3 Street Killer n/a Pulse of the Rhyme 3 The Tower 3.1 Ya Shoulda Killed Me Last Year n/a Score: 2.977777778
I’ll be honest, I did not have high hopes when I saw the name Ice-T. Because for someone who is proclaimed as “one of the original gangster rappers”, I rarely hear his name brought up in the conversation of this era of that genre. Not nearly as much as people like Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, or even 50 Cent. And you know why I think that is? Probably because he is known better for his acting career than the actual music he put out. And after hearing this, I can understand why that is the unfortunate truth. Here’s my issue with this. When you have a song like First Impression, that talks about how you are “the epitome of antidisestablishmentarianism” and “embody the entire spectrum of the urban experience and struggle”, I would hope that those things would be communicated through the music. It’s clear you are trying to make those aspects of yourself known to the listener. Now I’m sure that statement is mostly hyperbole, but there is a part of me that believes he fully meant it. And that bothers me, because I felt none of that during the listening experience. This feels like gangster rap for those who have never ventured out far enough to find anything better. You don’t have to go very far. If we are speaking about strictly conscious political based hip-hop, Fear of a Black Planet literally came out a year earlier. What more could you ask for? Chuck and Flav are infinitely more charismatic and entertaining than Ice-T is. That’s another issue with this. It just does so little to feel unique. The beats are okay. Probably the best and most consistent part. I like the usage of rock and funk samples, but in comparison to what other producers were already beginning to do, it falls flat. The Low End Theory would come out only 4 months after this. Plus The Chronic and The Pharcyde debut would release the next year. The most interesting thing he does on this is Body Count. It caught me so off guard, I kind of just sat with my head in my hands for a second. It’s so fucking ridiculous, it’s almost admirable, but it’s objectively a pretty terrible song. Joining the cast of Law & Order was probably a smart decision on his part. Because it was more career defining, and likely more enjoyable than anything I heard here. Rating: 4/10
Little long but had fun with this one! 3.5/5
I like Ice-T, but I know him entirely from Law and Order SVU which, with that in mind, makes this whole album hilarious. Like he’s singing about killing people but to me he’s just the nice man from TV, I don’t doubt he’s a legitimate badass OG, but like I can’t not like him.
This isn’t exactly my kind of music, but I understand the cultural significance of it. While I’ve knocked other albums for being well produced, the overall result was they had nothing to say. This album is well produced, and you can feel the message Ice-T is trying to give. There are times where it feels exaggerated and it’s likely fictional, and it often over glamorizes violence and disturbing things, but it feels like that was the point. The only way to cut through the noise was to be brash and hope that people heard you. I also enjoyed the Body Count song. If Body Count isn’t in this collection, I’ll have to make a note to listen to some on my own time.
First time listen. So hard. So different than what rap has become. "It was a bucket, but fuck it, it had to do" "He went out like a bitch..."
Yeah
Ok immediate thoughts: that first song is stupid it sounds like a middle schooler went crazy on garage band but throw money at em. Also I mostly know ice t from the few episodes of law n order svu that I’ve seen. Overall album was not bad but don’t see myself revisiting any of the songs. 5/10
3/10 - It was just bad. Although him giving directions was pretty funny and he continued the tradition of rappers spending an entire song on shouting out random people. The rock song came out of no where but it was alright.
Midnight and body count were pretty cool. Otherwise pretty similar sound to Public Enemy, which means mid
Liked this, but there are others I like more.
I think this is a good album for the list and is a high water mark for this music at this time. Time has not been kind to the bitches and guns type of rap, but a listen confirms the beats are strong, the flow is smooth and the message is angry.
Another album that benefits from the fact the first Rap album I heard was Eminem's Slim Shady. I didn't like this all that much but it is night and day better than Eminem. Still just 2 stars or D+ for me.
I know it’s iconic. Not my genre.
A quirky album for me. I have no issue at all with the language or subject matter (well, the misogyny was a bit painful), but I just don’t think Ice-T is a top tier rapper. To me, he sounds like he’s just reading his lyrics; his flow is weak compared to other emcee’s of the time. Except on “New Jack Hustler”; he nails that flow and I remember playing that cut to death when the movie came out. And while I can understand it could be hard for some to get beyond the outrageousness and language, Ice-T actually has a lot to say about his experience growing up in South Central L.A. One other highlight was the production from the album was top level… just wish I vibed with his rap style a bit more.
Quality.
I am still stunned to discover the heavy metal group Ice T is associated with. Excuse my ignorance. Wow. Also, this album was pretty solid, especially moving through many shorter vignettes.
Typical 90s hip hop/rap. Filler goes on too long. Decent spread tho, “hustler” the best of the lot. Although hearing Sabbath and Zep mixed on “Midnight” was quite good
Body Count is one badass song. I like the genre crossing of this album and the artist following his own vision. The poetry is well done and mixes both in your face lyrics with thoughtfully expressed socioeconomic realities.
🎧This is really good shit. On some of these songs Ice-T sounds like Rakim (who gets a shoutout along with a few dozen others on M.V.P.s). Rock song Body Count is a little out of place here.
Double edged sword here. The lyricisim on this album is very good, although I'm not sure, for it's time, that it represents any kind of advanced status. The beats and tracks however did not age well at all, and nothing for nothing, this guy never was ot will be any type of gangstar.
Lots of cool stuff going on in the production. The vocals are a bit mediocre though.
Nope
p664. 1991. 1 star. Rap, so wrong audience. All the usual tedious, macho, misogynistic foul mouthed cliches. Might have been fresh and shocking at the time, now it just sounds dated and obnoxious. And at 1hr 12m it outstays its welcome reaaaaall soon.
I keep trying, but I can't do anything with rap and hip hop. This album is no exception. I played a few tracks and quickly moved on. 1/5
Sehr gut produziertes Hip Hop Rap Album. Ich bin eigentlich kein großer Fan dieser Musikrichtung. Aber wenn man inzwischen kapiert hat, dass Rap nicht gleich Rap ist, dann wird man einer. ICE T ist hier ein großes Werk gelungen
Great flow, good songs, bad skits, sexism. Yup, it's a 90s hip-hop record...
Man this tape didn't leave my tape player for close to a year. I still think it's fantastic! Fantasticly produced. Fantastic order. Great beats, great songs, great rhymes. Great message on all the songs. I'd love to hang out with T. OG aged well and I still enjoy listening/singing along to it. Sad that nothing has really changed in America. I was 16 when it came out and I'm 50 now and I see and hear the same problems. I had been a fan of Ice since the Breakin' days and I always will be.
I like this a lot more than modern rap.
Rap stcuk in the early eighties made in 1991, absolute idiot this dude also
What a trip. For some reason I always ignored Ice-T's work, and I really shouldn't have. Intelligent lyrics, variety in beats and wonderfully politically engaged. Loved Midnight in particular.
Super fun
The last track is WILD
**Review of "O.G. Original Gangster" by Ice-T** Released in 1991, "O.G. Original Gangster" is the fourth studio album by Ice-T, a prominent figure in the evolution of hip-hop. This album is notable for its raw depiction of street life, incisive social commentary, and innovative musical production. Ice-T's work here has left a lasting imprint on the genre. Below, we'll delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, concluding with an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics Ice-T's lyrics in "O.G. Original Gangster" are sharp, unflinching, and reflective of the harsh realities of urban life. His storytelling prowess shines through tracks like "Midnight" and "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)," where he paints vivid pictures of the violence, struggle, and desperation endemic to the streets. Ice-T's delivery is assertive and confident, commanding attention and driving his messages home with force. The album's title track, "O.G. Original Gangster," is a manifesto of Ice-T's journey and credibility in the rap game, juxtaposing his past life as a gang member with his present status as a successful rapper. The song "Body Count," featuring Ice-T's metal band of the same name, is a cross-genre experiment that addresses police brutality, a theme that resonates deeply in today's social climate. While many tracks focus on the gritty side of street life, Ice-T also delves into introspection and social criticism. "Escape from the Killing Fields" highlights the struggles of escaping the cycle of violence and poverty. "The Tower" addresses the penal system's failures and the cyclical nature of incarceration for African Americans. The lyrics across the album are a blend of aggression, reflection, and a call to awareness, making it a comprehensive narrative of Ice-T's worldview. ### Music Musically, "O.G. Original Gangster" is a rich tapestry of sounds, incorporating elements of funk, rock, and heavy metal, alongside traditional hip-hop beats. The production, handled by Ice-T and DJ Aladdin, is both innovative and eclectic, merging hard-hitting drum patterns with funky basslines and piercing guitar riffs. Tracks like "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)" and "O.G. Original Gangster" exemplify the album's dynamic production. The former uses a haunting piano loop and a powerful bassline to create an ominous atmosphere, while the latter features a prominent funk influence with its catchy bass riffs and rhythm. "Body Count" stands out musically due to its fusion of rap and heavy metal, showcasing Ice-T's willingness to experiment and push genre boundaries. This track laid the groundwork for his subsequent venture into the metal genre with the band Body Count. The production quality is consistently high, with each track carefully crafted to complement Ice-T's lyrical content. The beats are varied and engaging, avoiding the monotony that can sometimes plague rap albums. DJ Aladdin's scratching and sampling add a layer of authenticity and respect for hip-hop's roots, while also pushing its creative boundaries. ### Production The production of "O.G. Original Gangster" is a testament to Ice-T's vision and DJ Aladdin's technical prowess. The album's soundscape is diverse yet cohesive, maintaining a balance between innovation and accessibility. The production techniques employed are advanced for their time, incorporating multi-layered samples and live instrumentation. One of the album's production highlights is its use of samples. For example, "Mic Contract" features a sample from "Synthetic Substitution" by Melvin Bliss, a popular break in hip-hop, which gives the track a classic yet fresh feel. "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)" samples "Theme from Shaft" by Isaac Hayes, linking Ice-T's contemporary gangster narrative with the blaxploitation era's thematic elements. The mix and mastering of the album are polished, ensuring clarity and punch in the sound. The use of live instruments on certain tracks adds depth and a unique texture to the overall production. Ice-T's collaboration with DJ Aladdin and others resulted in a sound that was both groundbreaking and influential. ### Themes "O.G. Original Gangster" is rich with themes that explore various aspects of urban life, systemic issues, and personal identity. The album's primary theme revolves around the gangster lifestyle, with Ice-T providing a candid look at the allure and dangers of this world. This theme is explored not just in terms of glorification but also with a critical eye towards its consequences. Social commentary is another significant theme. Ice-T addresses police brutality, systemic racism, and the failings of the criminal justice system. Tracks like "The Tower" and "Body Count" are particularly poignant in their critique of how society marginalizes and oppresses African American communities. The theme of survival permeates the album, with Ice-T often reflecting on his own experiences and the broader struggles of those in his community. "Escape from the Killing Fields" and "Midnight" are narratives of perseverance and the quest for a better life despite overwhelming odds. Identity and authenticity are also crucial themes. Ice-T uses the album to assert his credibility and authenticity in the rap game and the streets. The title track "O.G. Original Gangster" serves as a declaration of his realness and a challenge to those who question it. ### Influence "O.G. Original Gangster" has had a profound impact on the hip-hop genre and beyond. Ice-T's fearless exploration of controversial and socially relevant topics set a precedent for future artists to use their platforms for advocacy and social commentary. The album's success helped to solidify gangsta rap as a dominant subgenre in the early 90s, influencing countless artists and shaping the direction of hip-hop. The fusion of rap and metal on "Body Count" was particularly influential, paving the way for the nu-metal movement that would emerge in the mid-to-late 90s with bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit. Ice-T's willingness to cross genre boundaries demonstrated that hip-hop could be versatile and expansive. The album also had a cultural impact, influencing discussions around censorship and freedom of expression. Ice-T's provocative content, especially on tracks like "Body Count," drew significant attention and controversy, contributing to the broader conversation about the role of art in society. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth:** Ice-T's lyrics are vivid, insightful, and impactful, offering a raw and honest portrayal of street life and social issues. 2. **Musical Innovation:** The album's blend of funk, rock, and hip-hop, along with its pioneering use of live instrumentation and sampling, set it apart from contemporaries. 3. **Production Quality:** High production standards, with a clear, punchy mix and creative use of samples and live instruments. 4. **Thematic Richness:** Explores a wide range of themes with depth and nuance, from gangster life and survival to social justice and personal authenticity. 5. **Cultural Influence:** Played a significant role in shaping the direction of hip-hop and influencing future artists across genres. **Cons:** 1. **Controversial Content:** The album's explicit content and aggressive themes may not appeal to all listeners and have led to censorship and controversy. 2. **Niche Appeal:** While groundbreaking, the fusion of rap and metal on tracks like "Body Count" may not resonate with purists of either genre. 3. **Dark Tone:** The consistently dark and gritty tone of the album may be heavy for some listeners, lacking lighter, more uplifting tracks. 4. **Polarizing Style:** Ice-T's assertive and confrontational delivery might polarize listeners, attracting as much criticism as praise. ### Conclusion "O.G. Original Gangster" stands as a landmark album in Ice-T's career and in the history of hip-hop. Its lyrical brilliance, innovative production, and fearless exploration of controversial themes make it a powerful and enduring work. While its explicit content and dark tone might not be universally appealing, the album's influence on music and culture is undeniable. Ice-T's bold storytelling and willingness to push boundaries have cemented "O.G. Original Gangster" as a pivotal record that continues to inspire and challenge artists and listeners alike.
Not one of my preferred genres but I'll give it a go. It just seemed boring to me, hard to get through. Did there need to be this many tracks? Quality over quantity. Generic beats. As for the lyrics... Repetitive, bragging, angry.
Insanely good
This album is really funny! It’s odd that now he’s better known for playing a cop, but he had a lot of fun making this
Outstanding
As is the case with most Ice T I've listened to, the passion is clear and visceral but majority of the production choices have aged in a way that takes a lot of sting out of how hard it hits. While Public Enemy's instrumentation still sounds over the top and ferocious and almost off-putting, California hip hop was largely based around loud and heavy-hitting kick and snare beats, which cause Ice T's music, despite having a similar ethos, to not have the same level of bite that other acts had. That being said, this then falls into the category of "try and experience what it would've felt like at the time", and Ice's passion and pure anger pulls through so hard that this incredibly easy to do. To contemporary hip hop of the day, this was heavy metal, nothing exemplifying this more than the song Body Count, which he later named his metal band after. So while the beats fall short in a modern context, the aggression and love radiate out from this album like a glow and you end your experience with that passion planted inside you. And I think in this regard I can't view this album as anything but a complete success.
Ice T? The SVU actor?
Exceeded expectations but I still don’t feel the pull to go back to it immediately.
A nice look at early hip hop but it all sounded the same. Stick to SVU
Never actually listened to Ice T before. Interesting to hear this west coast style after recent archetypal examples of east coast rap (GZA, Nas, Public Enemy). My gut reaction is that I think I enjoy West Coast hip hop more than east, as it has more of a catchy fun vibe. the lyrics are simpler and more repeatable which makes them easier to participate in. That being said this album didn't do much for me and I doubt I'll seek it out to play again. It was certainly fine (he had some funny lines and moments) but nothing stood out as needing to hold onto and revere. Def liked the sound and vibe and his delivery. Also: Cube > T >>>>>>>>Vanilla
Favourite tracks: midnight; home of the body bag; bitches 2; body count
Sick !!!
I’m not much of a rap connoisseur, but I liked the music tracks and found the raps interesting.
His flows are so smooth. There’s some 5 star moments, but I can’t say it’s all there.
I love him when he raps. I love him when he tweets.
Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.
Nice oldschool rapshit
Not my style, but pretty funny
God, 90s hip hop is so overblown and long. Does anyone think there's actually 72 minutes of quality music on this? I mean, it's fine at best. I got news for you buddy
4/5. Early 90s rap at it's best.
I thought this album was kind of serious. Not bad
Das mag ich gar nicht
Classic rap album which I loved in my youth. Still a great listen!
I call this style of music “Dr. Suess Rap” Do you like green eggs and ham? I could not give a mother-f**king damn Would you eat them with a fox? I’ll put you in a freaking box.
Most rap's not my thing (there are some notable exceptions - Snoop, Run DMC, Fat Boys, Beastie Boys, et al.). I was on the fence b/w 1 and 2 the whole time - was this just crap or was there something redeeming about it musically? I had literally JUST decided it made it across the threshold to a 2 as the last song ended. And then the bullshit rant at the end to close the album. What a fucking loser. Fuck Ice T. And Fuck his homies who have been locked up for good reason the whole time he's been alive. Keep your politics out of your music - you and every other idiot musician who thinks just because you have a microphone means you have a platform. Stay in your lane.
Absolutely brilliant
Just my cup of T 🫖
Will need to revisit. Only got through a couple songs
Pretty ironic he plays a cop now
Great album! it hits that sweet spot of transitioning from 80's to 90's rap, best way I can summarize it. Ice T keeps it real this whole album and like his contemporaries at the time doesnt mince words about authority. my only issue is the length, and some of the experimentation he tries falls flat (Body Count) but I respect the man for just going for it. I'd give a 4.5 if I could
I can’t believe I’m giving this album 5 stars but I fucking loved it. It’s like Straight Outta Compton but good! “Throw me in jail, I won't even try to make bail Put me in the gas chamber and watch me inhale” is a HARD line. Also I thought there were only 2 good rap album skits “Deez Nutz” and “Ken Kaniff”. But then I heard “Evil E-What about Sex?” and knew I had to amend my list. Nothing funnier than gangsters BEGGING to hear about a sexcapade and big titties
A landmark album in gangster rap. Smart and brutal. Still problematic at times and Ice T’s flow has always been kind of goofy to me.
Not for me but I recognize he said a lot very effectively.
Oh yeah, OG!
3.5 stars. I feel like if the album started in the middle, and included some of the better songs of the latter half, it would have been a great album. "Rich and Infamous" is an entertaining and insightful song. "Body Count" is a really cool mesh of punk rock and rap. "Pulse of the Rhyme" is great. "New Jack Hustler" has a great beat. Even "Prepared to Die" is a really cool spoken word interstitial. There are other intriguing moments on the album, with vulgar images of brutality and Ice T's visceral disdain for haters and government agencies. However, at over an hour long, there are plenty of edits that could've been made. Some songs seem to drag on, especially with Ice T's simplistic flow and rhymes. Many bars aren't very impressive, and especially the more braggadocios songs come off as corny. Some really cool stuff on here, but not an album I want to keep spinning as a whole.
Du bon old school hip-hop du WC. Pas autant mémorable qu'un Dre ou un Snoop, mais ça reste dans les meilleurs albums de cette époque que j'ai eu. 7/10
His flow is fine. His lyricism is slightly above average. The tracks feature some great bass lines, but are pretty average beyond that. I was never the target audience of Gangster Rap. So I'm ignorant when it comes to his historical significance. If he has a legit claim to being the O.G., he'd been passed by, artistically, by this point. Doesn't stand up to Ice Cube's music from 91-92.
Just does nothing for me
Classic hip hop that I’ve grown to respect during these voyages.
This one filled my "bad hip-hop" bingo card pretty quickly; cringe braggidoccio, mysogeny, annoying skits, 20 mins too long and dated production. Don't see this one as essential at all. How did this make the list, but no MF Doom?
Rating: 6.5/10 Good album overall. The production was great and a lot of Ice-T's rhymes, flow, and delivery were great as well. The lyrical content got repetitive/redundant after a while and many of the songs after the first third were not that interesting. Too many skits and this album is about 30 minutes too long, there is a really great album among all of the filler. Favorite songs: Home of the Bodybag, Mic Contract, Mind Over Matter, New Jack Hustler, Bitches 2, Straight Up Nigga, Pulse of the Rhyme. Worst songs: all of the skits.
A true OG, Ice T has made himself into an icon via hard work and smart decisions. Now he fills my Twitter feed with ice cold facts about life. Lots are things he preaches about here on this album. I think this might be our second album of his but I’m glad we’ve gotten a few.
My first Ice T album, and it's great. I know him more for Law and Order and his tweets, even his role in Rick and Morty, but now I see why he's in the position he is: he's got it. The raps are hard, the rock edge is cool too. He's in a lineage of activist West Coast rappers, a lot like NWA. A few too many skits on here, but that's a product of the generation. This is a really strong album, glad we got it. Favorite tracks: Ziplock, Mic Contract, New Jack Hustler, Bitches 2, OG Original Gangster, Midnight, MVPs, Escape from the Killing Fields (probably #1 on here), Street Killer. Album art: Hard. Framing is dope, pictures are dope, font is dope. This is an era classic. 4/5
I love rap but this album is just lame imo. The skits add nothing. Ice-T's flow is choppy as he annunciates each syllable. The lyrical content adds nothing to rap as a whole. It's just more braggadocio and acting hard. The highlight of the whole album is a guitar section on Body Count as it's really the only thing that stands out.
This is pretty good. It's angry and full of bravado, and the songs are all decent. But I don't think I'll be revisiting much, as there are better albums in this genre.
Pretty painful to sit through - there's not too much going on musically so I'm forced to listen to the lyrics, and then I just despair for society.
killa
Good music
"We all we got" if you know that reference you know what I'm about to say. I bought this album back in the day, after watching New Jack City. Haven't listened to it in years (or seen the film, for that matter) but it was amazing back then and still stands up now.
Surely a classic but I agree with critics that the album has too many filler tracks like so many other albums too. They also have the overdone style of the time by ending a verse with the words of the title track.
Like many of the hip hop albums of the 80’s and 90’s it’s overstuffed with style and vibes on a hilariously bloated track list. 3.5/5
I did not think I would like this at all. Most of the gangster rap I've listened to, I thought it was boring, repetitive and annoyingly macho; this is almost a parody of that though, which lots of really good tongue in cheek wordplay and irreverent choices. Ironically, as what seems to be one of the main points of influence for 90s gangster rap, the influence of Beastie Boys is undeniable, and the production gains a lot from that. I had a lot of fun listening to this.
1 - Odio el Rap
I think I somehow like Ice-T as an actor better than a rapper.
OG rap has really similar beats and flows
not a fan of this type of music.
”Yo, kick some more of that by Ice, T”
всё слилось) надо либо немного дольше и тщательнее каждый трек слушать в изоляции либо писать лучше! это не сслп вам
started off strong but there is only so many tracks about how hard ice t is i can listen to cars money women i shoot people in face bla bla me tough fk police NNN
This is my first Ice-t listen, pretty good. I think I'm now on his dick
Was a struggle to listen to so didn't listen all the way through.
This first track is a pretty weak way to kick things off holy cow. This is like a parody of gangsta rap. Lonely Island could've done this. Did they do this? It's so hard to square 80s/90s Ice-T with today Ice-T. He seemed impossibly hard when I was in my teens but this all seems so put on. Even though dude had a helluva life. I don't feel like represents much of it so much as it represents a good way to sell a lot of records at the time. Is it too much to ask for a new Ice-T record that just covers dudes life? Both of his parents died of heart attacks when he was super young and he rented an apartment off their Social Security and sold weed and stole car radios to make ends meet. And that's just one sliver of what happened to this dude. Anyway, I liked The Iceberg more than this.
I have an instinct to like Ice-T the mam, purely through his utter lack of filter and sense of fun on social media. I also like Body Count enough to own a couple of albums. This? It's pretty good. Woefully dated in places, but admirable insofar as so much of the production, writing and performing was helmed by the man himself. It needs more variety to sustain interest over an hour plus, but in short bursts, O.G. Original Gangster is bracing. Highlight is the track from the New Jack City movie!
Is this really the same Ice T from SVU? The one from Rick and Morty playing a literal Ice T? This goes pretty hard and I like Ice T's flow a lot, but the standout traits of this album to me are the beats and rhythms, along with the lyrics. It's often funny and clever, and has a steady identity throughout. My favorites here are O.G. Original Gangster, Straight Up N***a, Midnight, New Jack Hustler, and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. An album that completely caught me off guard, and I love that.
That was dope
Some of the bars are really weak. I think overall there's some interesting samples and highs on this album, but there's better rap albums out there.
Very much of a specific time but highly listenable, with an authoritative and compelling flow. Tough as hell vibe with a hard rock sensibility that hits you like a hammer. "Body Count" is worth the cost of admission several times over. Fave Songs: Body Count, Mic Contract, Midnight, New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme), Escape from the Killing Fields, The Tower
Not my thing but good to listen at this iconic artist and album. Raw!
Unexpectedly good, skits actually match with the song, different genres and even social commentary beyond gangster
better than i expected. but wayy too long
Like pretty much all gangsta rap much of it hasn't aged well but he's got some rhymes. I also love the irony that the original gansta Ice-T plays a police on a show literally called "Law and Order"
Het album begint vervelend met die James Brown saxofoon squeek sample, hekel aan. Ik vind dit wat lastig. IJsthee kan goed rappen, maar toch verveel ik me de tering. Een uur en een kwartier is ook wel aan de ruime kant. Ik heb ook niet echt de tijd om lekker voor de verhalen te gaan zitten, terwijl hier wel verhalend gerapt wordt. Ik voel hem niet helemaal. De relatief simpele beats maken de boel extra langdradig, dat staat me wat tegen. Wel goed, niet heel leuk. Door de lengte geef ik 2 sterren, als het de helft korter was waren het er 3 geweest.
Sounds like old school gangster rap with that Law and Order guy rapping
Thoughts before listening: I know Ice-T but I've never actually listened to one of his albums, and looking over the tracklist I don't recognize any of these songs. I'm sure this will be fine, but probably not really my thing. Review: This is just okay. I can't relate to this at all, and I'm not really into Ice-T's brand of rap. There aren't a lot of pop hooks here and most songs have a similar sound. There is definitely a Public Enemy influence to the music on this album, but PE are much more interesting, especially with their lyrics. Best song on here is "Body Count" which was Ice-T introducing his rock band...and I like him as a metal singer more than a rapper. This is a 2-star album.
I have had a hard time with gangster rap, I like rap but I’m not very gangster so I find it hard to relate. I did however appreciate Ice T’s humility, at one point it seems he actually admits he’s not the hardest but he’s still portraying himself to be quite hard and I kinda believe it. I ended up enjoying this quite a bit actually, Ice T knows his strengths and leans on it and it works really well, his writing is top tier, and the beats balance it well. I’m typically not too into the interludes as I find they take away from the album but I’m this one they provide context and depth so I’m for it in this case. I listened to this during a run and it kept me entertained throughout, really skilled rap album and I appreciate it. One gripe I have is that John Carpenter didn’t get a sample credit on The Tower, who knew the Halloween track would blend so well with hip hop. 4 stars
1hr12min. You’ve lost me already.
So much, anger and violence… I can’t really like it.
It can be a widely varied album, especially when it comes to flow. At one point, Ice is using a flow that reminded me of Biz Markie, and then later gave him a shoutout, so maybe it's not too far-fetched. The beats are still solid, but after everything, it's still jam-packed at 72 minutes. It can be a little hard to hear another song about guns and drugs, but luckily the lyrical content is also varied as well. I don't think I'd listen to this all the way through again, but it's at least solid. Favorite tracks: "Lifestyles Of the Rich And Infamous", "Straight Up Nigga", "New Jack Hustler"
Hits hard. Great great rock grooves