Ice-T

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Ten years ago I used to listen to rappers flow
Talkin' bout the way they rocked the mic at the disco
I liked how that shit was goin' down
Dreamt about ripping the mic with my own sound
So I tried to write rhymes something like them
My boys said, "That ain't you, Ice! That shit sounds like them."
So I sat back, thought up a new track
Didn't fantasize, kicked the pure facts
Motherfuckers got scared cause they was unprepared
Who would tell it how it really was? Who dared?
A motherfucker from the West Coast, L.A
South Central, fool, where the Crips and the Bloods play
When I wrote about parties, it didn't fit
"6 N' the Mornin," that was the real shit

[Hook]
O.G. Original Gangster

[Verse 2]
When I wrote about parties, someone always died
When I tried to write happy, yo, I knew I lied
'Cause, I lived a life of crime Why play ya blind?
A simple look and anyone with two cents would know I'm
A hardcore player from the streets
Rapping bout hardcore topics over hardcore drum beats
A little different than the average though
Jet you through the fast lane, drop ya on death row
Cause anybody who's been there knows that
Life ain't so lovely on the blood-soaked fast track
That invincible shit don't work
Throw ya in a joint, you'll be coming out feet first
So I blast the mic with my style
Sometimes I'm ill and other times buckwild
But the science is always there
I'd be a true sucker if I acted like I didn't care
I rap for brothers just like myself
Dazed by the game in a quest for extreme wealth
But I kick it to you hard and real
One wrong move, and your cap's peeled
I ain't no super hero, I ain't no Marvel comic
But when it comes to game I'm atomic
At dropping it straight, point blank and untwisted
No imagination needed, cause I lived it
This ain't no fucking joke, this shit is real to me
I'm Ice-T, O.G
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[Verse 3]
Two weeks ago I was out at the disco
Two brothers stepped up to me and said, "Hey yo, Ice
We don't think you're down. What set ya claiming?"
E drew the Glock, yo my set's aiming!
Dumb motherfucker, try to roll on me, please!
I'm protected by a thousand emcees
And hoodlums and hustlers and bangers with jheri curls
We won't even count the girls
Cause they got my back and I got theirs too
Fight for the streets when I'm on Oprah or Donahue
They try to sweat a nigga but they just didn't figure
That my wit's as quick as a hair trigger
"He's not your everyday-type prankster."
I'm Ice-T, the original gangster

[Hook]

[Verse 4]
So step to me if you think that you're ready to
Got on your bullet proof? Well mine's going right thru
This ain't no game to me, it's hollow fame to me
Without respect from streets, so I don't claim be
The hardest motherfucker on earth
Catch me slipping, I can't even get worked
But I don't slip that often, there's a coffin
Waiting for the brother who comes off soft when
The real fucking shit goes down, take a look around
All them pussies can be found
They talk a mean fight but fight like hoes
I'm from South Central, fool, where everything goes
Snatch you out your car so fast you'll get whiplash
Numbers on your rooftop for when the copters pass
Gangbangers don't carry no switchblades
Every kid's got a Tec 9 or a hand grenade
Thirty-seven killed last week in a crack war
Hostages tied up and shot in the liquor store
Nobody gives a fuck
"The children have to go to school!" Well, moms, good luck!
Cause the shit's fucked up bad I use my pad and pen
And my lyrics break out mad
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!
[Hook]

If there's one song that defined the gritty streets of South Central L.A. and the rise of gangster rap in the early 90s, it's Ice-T's iconic track, "O.G. Original Gangster." Released as the lead single from his fourth album of the same name, this powerful anthem not only became a top 10 hit on the US Rap Chart in the summer of 1991 but also achieved pop crossover success in Australia and New Zealand.

Ice-T, known for his raw and unfiltered storytelling, takes us on a journey through his own personal experiences on the streets of South Central L.A. In "O.G. Original Gangster," he reflects on his past, shedding light on the evolution of his music and the realization that he should be writing about his own truth rather than attempting to emulate the party rappers of the 1980s.

One of the defining aspects of "O.G. Original Gangster" is its expert use of sampling. Ice-T incorporates elements of the 1973 song "Synthetic Substitution" by Melvin Bliss, cleverly infusing the old with the new to create something completely unique. By incorporating this iconic sample, Ice-T pays homage to the roots of hip hop while creating his own distinct sound.

With its gritty lyrics, heavy beats, and unapologetic delivery, "O.G. Original Gangster" became an anthem for the streets. Ice-T's powerful storytelling and fearless approach to tackling controversial topics propelled him to the forefront of the emerging gangster rap scene. This song not only solidified his place as a pioneer of the genre but also showcased his undeniable talent as a lyricist and performer.

When "O.G. Original Gangster" hit the airwaves, it captivated audiences with its raw energy and authenticity. Ice-T's distinctive voice cuts through the mix, demanding attention from the listener. His delivery is filled with conviction, drawing the audience into his world and sharing his truths. Through his lyrics, he paints a vivid picture of life on the streets and offers a glimpse into the realities faced by many in South Central L.A.

It's not just the lyrics that make "O.G. Original Gangster" stand out; the production value is equally exceptional. The heavy beats, punctuated by expertly executed sampling, create a sonic landscape that perfectly complements Ice-T's powerful delivery. The use of the "Synthetic Substitution" sample adds a layer of nostalgia and connects the song to the roots of hip hop, while the modern production techniques keep it fresh and relevant.

What sets "O.G. Original Gangster" apart from other tracks of its time is its authenticity. Ice-T doesn't hold back or sugarcoat his experiences; he lays it all out for the listener to hear. This level of honesty and vulnerability resonated with audiences who craved music that reflected their own realities. Through his music, Ice-T became a voice for the marginalized and shed light on the struggles faced by many in his community.

Beyond its impact on the rap scene, "O.G. Original Gangster" also served as a cultural touchstone. It captured the spirit of an era marked by social unrest and the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities. Ice-T's unfiltered storytelling allowed listeners to connect with the realities faced by many in South Central L.A., sparking conversations and inspiring change.

Even today, "O.G. Original Gangster" stands as a testament to Ice-T's influence and enduring legacy. Its timeless appeal and powerful message continue to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place as a true classic in the hip hop canon. Whether you're a fan of Ice-T, a lover of authentic storytelling, or a student of rap history, "O.G. Original Gangster" is a must-listen track that showcases the raw power of music to inspire, inform, and connect.

• Release Date: May 14, 1991
• Artist: Ice-T