Surviving on the Inside | Ice T | TEDxSingSing

Ice gives advice to those on the inside fitting with the theme of community.
Through his music, his books and his lecture tours at colleges including Harvard, Princeton and Stanford, Ice-T has become a cultural icon recognized the world over.
Born in New Jersey, Ice-T quickly learned the art of survival. As an only child whose parents died when he was very young, Ice-T became involved in Los Angeles gangs 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 1991 self-titled debut contained the controversial single “Cop Killer.” Body Count was the most critically acclaimed act on the highly successful 1991 Lollapalooza tour and continued to tour worldwide. Ice-T received a Grammy Award and was voted Best Male Rapper in Rolling Stone’s 1992 Readers Poll.
Ice-T parleyed his music career to acting roles in “New Jack City,” “Ricochet,” “Trespass” and “Johnny Mnemonic,” all while building a flourishing television career. Since 2000, he has portrayed NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He has numerous independent and documentary film roles to his credit and most recently starred in the popular E! reality series “Ice Loves Coco.” He has also branched out into producing, directing and writing.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@eldonturner278]

Ice is an elder statesman of hip-hop. A true visionary, business man and example of what it takes to transition from hood to good.

[@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551]

perfect comment

[@noamanpatel3784]

Jay Z stole the 99 Problems concept from Ice-T

[@hypolyxa7207]

Ice-T does not get the appreciation that he deserves.

[@forray_forever]

+Alexander Dinesen He is wise. I love his Twitter for the things he says, he says them so well

[@martianshoes]

A lot of hustlers get introspective when they get older, a lot of them realize they are deeper people than they knew. I think Ice is one of the deepest....and his perspective is hard to match.

[@jabbacoola1]

Ikr I grow up listening to him and back in the day he was the hardest things going but when you make it out they say you went soft or your fake.Take a look at my channel I have a song call "Try" it's about my life no B.S.

[@DystopianJoe]

he does from me

[@desijattdj]

STUART PIKE and me !

[@garywallace4440]

Ice T I must say your tedtalk made me reevaluate a decision I thought was written in stone. It saved my life and theirs.

[@wumanizer]

How he save two lives?

[@stevegwizzle3560]

Yeah tell us

[@shughl1]

He is one of the few who actual gave back. I have personally seen him at Boys and Girls Clubs, neighborhood unity schemes and so many other things. He really is from it and tries to give back to it.

[@KarlLind]

This needs a billion views, serious knowledge here. ICE T, you are a true G.

[@georgeconstantino8563]

He is the real O.G.

[@imnotgayyy8489]

George Constantino an old gay?? How rude!!

[@Thorcooper1]

Karl Lind Films O.G = Original Gangster

[@greatamerican6593]

One the coldest intelligent brother s of our time who never sold out. Much love to the ice mic. True mastermind.

[@jneroo226]

Isn't he married to a white female? I would say that qualifies.

[@slurmmckenzie1513]

@@jneroo226 for selling out?!

[@tracevicente]

@@jneroo226 that is ridiculous.

[@uncletheoneshotkid3001]

@@jneroo226how is that selling out

[@DeadUgly1]

20 years on and im still getting pumped listening to Body Count.

[@Vahe345]

"a sucker is a sucker and eventually he will see somebody it doesn't have to be me" That is some true words ice!

[@georgeconstantino8563]

This is one of most unrated and under view TED talks. Deep, Raw, Honest & Unflinching! ICE-T Thanks!!! You are the KING of O.G for showing people can transcend street life.

[@swellofthespeakers]

I still can't get through a week at work without listening to Ice-T. The Home Invasion album is as relevant today as it was in 1993.

[@alrab37]

Ice T is the fucking man! I've been bumpin his music for over 28 years,

[@rasalghul2153]

was that a song at the end or a freestyle ?

[@PhoenixProdLLC]

Allen Bowling that's because you are intelligent!

[@StoicLifestyle666]

Ice T. has always been a good interview and lecturer. People tend to forget that Ice was the first mainstream rap " street " artist to do big time talk shows. He's been on them all.

[@MexicanAmericanPhilippines]

It's what all these mumble rappers are missing. .it's like 8 yr Olds rapping

[@garveyjean-simon4945]

Ice always knew how to tell a good story. I remember him in Arsenio Hall interviews. Always articulated, and detailed every word that came out his mouth. A true wordsmith.

[@donbigileone]

Ice-T has wisdom, that's why I think he's the dopest rapper of all time.

[@gordonowens7794]

This is the kind of rap I like real, intelligent and unflinchingly truthful. I had teachers that talked to me not as a child but as an equal I have forgotten some of their names but not their faces or words of encouragement.

[@mentaltfladdrig]

I love it how the audience Laughs when he is serious. "i dont call the police, i'm from a different era. we're gonna pay you a visit if you cross us" *insert laugh here* They don't understand that he is serious, and that he Is in fact a true criminal. Just because he plays a puerco on tv doesnt mean he's all that home-y, yknow? He's Still Ice-T, the jewelery robbing thug (said with respect!) that he was when he started his career, only his MO has changed. (That is my 2 cents, i'm wrong tho. Still love how they actually laugh at the things he say :P)

[@nastyevilninja]

They laugh because they know he's NOT joking!

[@GINA-gy5nx]

If you listen to the poetry he specifically said he was lying.

[@deshawnedwards7713]

Smh@u. ..Maaaaannnn. That shit was very deep ice. . 👍💪💪. Gotta love you. ...

[@chereestrickland2750]

😁 Amazing, so deep... REAL TALK! THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@mikeasara6013]

I swear I felt like that when I was a teen, before minute 1:20

[@chereestrickland2750]

That's REAL!!

[@deshawnedwards7713]

Che'ree Strickland​.. That's y I like him spit knowledge. Raw & uncut. The Truth. ..... It's hurts but it changes your mind sett.

[@chereestrickland2750]

People need more of that!!

[@SmokingX94clouds]

Some knowledge for all homies

[@mackcapone933]

WHY ICE T IS SO NOT NOTICEABLE MAN NEVER GOT THE PROPER RESPECT TRUE OG

[@joshburns4611]

He's too real. He refuses to sell out. That's why he doesn't get the respect he deserves. That's fine by me. He's still reaching people. That's all that matters. That's the sign of a true artist.

[@romant142]

Josh fuckin right

[@craigstrachan]

listening to Ice-T a lot of what he says makes a lot of sense .coming from a ghetto frame of mind to being a star in hip hop and television he's pretty much done it all but he stays humble to the stuations that life handed him and he adapted with the times .been a Ice-T fan for years from hip hop to his metal band Body Count to Law And Order SVU and his movies as well. 1 of the truest cats ever .he stays real to what he's about and though he plays a cop on tv it's how he sees what a cop should be . loved his last BC album .hope he does another 1 soon . RESPECT AND SALUE TO A TRUE O.G IN THE GAME.

[@kppteam]

Ice for president.

[@hypolyxa7207]

+kppteam Nah, he already got out of crime.

[@busterhymen6000]

Ice is a transformed pimp and now you want him to go back in the game but this time as pristitute? N♡ggah is you crazy?

[@kirbysir675]

of gangsta rap

[@ggwp7263]

Isn't Ice a republican? He's atleast on their side on gun rights and free speach.

[@johnb5057]

@@ggwp7263 T aint no damn republican foh

[@lashaydavis8593]

Ice T is dropping that science. I enjoyed this talk it was so informative and funny.

[@williepsycho]

The day i got to step on stage with ICE T was one of the best shows in my life.

[@folksbell5817]

williepsycho you lying? Please tell this story

[@menensa]

"My face is just f..up and stuckup with me growing up. This face is like don't f.. with me" 😂😂

[@geoffstockton]

When he says "This is really like therapy for me" the closed captions read "This is really like THEIR beef with me" LMAO

[@ALiM4Do4SelfMusic]

Ice is The Man.....ALWAYS HAS BEEN.

[@rasalghul2153]

Ice T OG...... One of the realist, respect !!

[@pkj77]

i do not like Rap or hip hop, but Love Body Count....reason i am listening to his wise words her

[@romant142]

pkj77 isn’t body count rap and rock?

[@danfield6030]

Roman T .....it is a Heavy Metal group ........everyone knows that. lol

[@bodoque_csm]

This is criminally underviewed

[@phoenixincarnate8288]

So glad I got to see him in concert. He was most excellent live and had no problem being in a mixed music show that had few rappers, though there punk funk RHCP were there too. And personally, I'm glad he cast a little shade on the current state of popular/mainstream rap and hip hop saying, "I don't know what they're doing now... that booty shakin' stuff..."

[@GorVala]

Ice T for president 2022, im 100 % for it. This would be best thing sense sliced bread I promise.

[@seanmaccormack9548]

kiora from newzealand love you ice I'm 42 now damn time slips by those days so real bestest of the adrenaline days I don't show any puffed up ego no more wear mines in the inside, true to the Word ICE T you are true OG peace to all the gangstas coz we gotta love.

[@lugcastillo]

I wish i could identify the people who gave this a thumbs down!

[@Houston343]

I've been a police officer in Texas for 31 years. I've always loved Ice T's music and his mind.

[@KingDavidBarksdale74.14]

Thanks for tour feedback. How do you personally feel about his so g Cop Killer and so go like it.

[@KingDavidBarksdale74.14]

Thanks for your feedback. How do you personally feel about his so g Cop Killer and so go like it.

[@Houston343]

It doesn’t bother me, he has so many great songs and fills his lyrics with real life circumstances. If a person decides to kill a cop, they will be judged accordingly.

[@KingDavidBarksdale74.14]

@@Houston343 You don't think it was wreckless and could easily inspire killing? At the very least, that song is hate speech and bullying.

[@echoman1975]

I respect this man and have always liked his movies. Like Body Count too.

[@jhijhi85]

Ice is hip-hop, still got heat, still got a lot of life lessons to share

[@thecraplordsell4575]

Campean Calin And metal

[@hamansutra]

Big up to Ice. Most powerfull tracks: squeeze the trigger, colors and TheTower

[@RogueBoyScout]

Squeeze The Trigger is the most played song on my Google Play account. I worked out I have listened to it on a average of every 2.5-3 days... And I don't use it every day LOL...

[@dr.everythingb.alright303]

This is one of the best talks I've ever seen on the mindset of the streets, and ideas on how to rehabilitate it.

[@TWN321]

That New Jack Hustler verse was the most profound verse Ice wrote...

[@tonyjones1560]

I said to my mom once, "you'd be absolutely surprised what you can adapt to in order to stay alive." Especially when you're young. I learned it the military not the streets, but I suspect the face of war in either place isn't so different and the mentality produced is virtually the same.

[@christinegelabert1651]

@Tony Jones did you know that Ice-T IS a veteran! Check out the Airborne with Richard Ojeda podcast that was just posted like a day ago. I think you'll REALLY enjoy it~Ojeda was dual forces in the military. I forget what his rank was...cuz you know how they transfer over and change titles once you redo your contracts to reenlist. So I forget which order he was in each force but his career was OVER 20 years between the Army and the Marines. Ice-T gets into a few new projects not just his past. It's an hour long and it was a great video

[@markflores9055]

ICE! I love you for always making me think. I used to have to find places to buy your albums at 10 years old that OG album changed my life. At ten years old you revealed to me a natural law MIND OVER MATTER mentalism my mind is a granade CATCH! You taught me that my mind is my greatest weapon so long as you stock up on ammo and you learn to load your own to keep from firing blanks. Thousands of shots later from the bottom of my heart I say THANKs!

[@VanXHydrA]

I dig that line about Quicksand, that would be a badass name for a metal song. So we'll said.

[@dejaeviz]

i'm a 50 year old metal musician. I had 3 Huge influences on me growing up .. musically, stylistically, socially .... Prince, Metallica, and ICE-T "Six in tha' mornin' police at my door, fresh adidas squeak across the bathroom floor ... "

[@gwendolynjohnson4743]

I feel you Ice T, I have the samelook on my face everyday. People always ask why don't you smile I simply say if I start smiling run. Lol. I have a good heart and all but everybody don't get to see it. I've always liked your look. Just being real.

[@whyme8848]

i aint never thought id rally for a guy 60+ other than my dad👌 T is the truth

[@spencertullis4297]

He And I have a lot in common. Grew up in south central and the system. But I'm 46.

[@eastafrika728]

Ice T is really the Original Gangster and could write rhymes, arguably the best storyteller in Hip Hop.

[@hemigod2]

Ice you are perfect the way you are which is why everybody loves you. the Way Bob Marley was Perfect the way he was , you are the same way. he in his own way and you in yours. you are a living legend

[@perpetualjon]

It's damn embarrassing to have something so simple and basic have to be pointed out to me from this talk. But Ice is right. It's not a matter of race, it's a matter of condition. When there's nothing to lose, when there's no hope, then lawlessness becomes a very appealing option -if not seemingly the only option out. I can definitely relate as I've been there myself. The lengths you're willing to go to when you're in a state of desperation are vast... This principle should be at the forefront of any proposal for a solution and yet it feels so devoid of understanding in our criminal justice system in the US. I hope more people in higher places of influence hear this talk and take it to heart.

[@RobJD]

His name is Tracy. That's amazing, he even referenced boy named Sue. I have a similar ambiguous title. What an inspiration

[@MrSilus2000]

I don't think i've ever heard a better description of why kids do what they do growing up in these rough paces.

[@gordonowens7794]

I like that IceT says don't look at me or what I have...look past the facade, he is giving a young person the rare opportunity to see in advance the outcome of bad decisions.

[@matgorelsp]

Ice-T is a master mind.

[@westcoastundergroundmusic]

ice t great talk. what a O . G. he grew up without parents & Many of his friends ended up in Prison glad he overcame the temptation & survived

[@mozfonky]

you're beautiful Ice

[@AlvinWilliams407]

Yo I was a class clown at school but my father didnt raise me so I live with my mom and my life is changin abit.

[@williamcagliostro9506]

I need to contact Ice Tea about a time we met in the past. Please help me contact him.He will surly want to hear from me.

[@AmbiCahira]

I truly appreciate lyrics with content! I loved this talk a lot. Very genuine!

[@vociferousrich3316]

Brilliant. ive followed Ice since the 90s. its crazy because i was and still am into real gangster rap even though im nearly 40 years old and im a massive SVU fan aswell. keep up the great work Ice. love you brother.

[@menensa]

This is real talk.

[@brianjackson3885]

ice t wisdom in the game is soo underappreciated these little dudes think he some actor nigga was a real gangsta

[@Ken-bp3ql]

Dude is a real one

[@carinanunez8936]

Hats off to a great man, a real triple OG. You made everything outta nothing. Respect 💯💯💯 Born and raised in South Central glad one of us made it out. Much more blessings to you...thanks for being my pusha'🎶🎵🎧

[@ArchieThomas3seesea]

In the song My Life Billy Joel sang I never said I was a victim of circumstance.

[@maxpowers1321]

This awesome person is like an Aristhoteles of LA

[@social_inequality3836]

Stoic

[@lamarbrown3531]

LWPOP

[@PhoenixProdLLC]

Ice is awesome!

[@maureen8930]

Ice T is a very smart guy and very Cool 😎

[@Mastamindzmuzik]

If there is a problem we can come see you. Knock on your door!!! ha ha ha! I love it! S.M.G.

[@tilwedie23]

Ice has seen more in one day, then most will in their lives. Ice is a legend. 🥇

[@divinestyler]

Iceberg, always real and kicking knowledge.

[@folksbell5817]

This is art! I wish I could frame this and hang it on my wall.

[@patphilosopher]

This was way more interesting than i first thought, alwways knew Ice-T as a rapper and from his metal band Body Count. He's quite eloquent for a guy from the hood, could listen to him for an entire hour if not more.

[@TopKnoxMedia]

Ice T is amazing this video should be viral🙏

[@ansonmallory6340]

Love ice t, but he has no idea.

[@seanmaccormack9548]

kiora from newzealand love you ice I'm 42 now damn time slips by those days so real bestest of the adrenaline days I don't show any puffed up ego no more wear mines in the inside, true to the Word ICE T you are true OG peace to all the gangstas coz we gotta love.

[@TheAsphyx666]

"Hip-Hop, when done correctly, it's like poetry." Damn right it is, and T, you're doing it correctly.

[@floorlamp]

One of the best TEDx talks ever.

[@mf-cv4ve]

Really have to love the guy!!

[@davegnr1984]

Surviving the game.

[@EricAllenGriff]

True Wisdom.

[@nastyevilninja]

He's just a completely enchanting figure. I've been to a few Body Count gigs, and was blown away not just by the music or atmosphere, but by the way Ice would just stop everything in the middle of a song and go off on a talk/rant, both humorous and inspirational. He can do something to an audience - every single person in those gigs came out turned into some kind of little Ice T.

[@joeg1062]

all these young punks should start learning!

[@Ainiewainy]

I agree that at 18-19 it's so hard to make rational decisions. I got pregnant by mistake, miscarried sadly and after that I was like "I'm gonna get pregnant again as soon as possible". Not really any money, living with the in-laws, still in school. Thank God I soon realised that even though it was my hearts dream, it was not smart. I'm now 25 and still not a parent, sadly I got too sick to get pregnant. But now I do have a house, an income, stable relationship (same person I got pregnant with at 19), still want the baby, but now at 25 I am able to make more rational decisions. I want that baby badly, but I need to be free of medications, and capable of fully taking care of me. I'm still too sick. So that dream has got to wait for now. But if I get pregnant by mistake again, I would be so happy..

[@kimbelry2012]

Best Ted Talk I've seen.

[@ityou5874]

He was in the army too.

[@dkyelak]

I have been on a Body Count binge for a week and this popped up. Ice t is one fascinating man!

[@ramsaran18]

Bumborawssclaut IceT, dropping jewels and Tutankhamun crowns contemporaneously for the Proletariat thief and the Capitalist investor.

[@poisongodmachine3]

That rap at the end became a Body Count song, released 2 years after this.

[@ja2415]

ice T--ORIGINAL GANGSTER..... SIX IN THE MORNING AND U PLAYED YOURSELF.......👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnswanson2133]

I have been on a body count kick the last week or2 so my feed has been alot of Ice T. Every video I watch I come away with more respect for the person. The message in this video is pretty relatable to me. I know how things go inside the walls. A positive message can go a long way with someone who just needs to see that it doesn't have to always end up in failure.

[@WreckingKrew00]

That was FANTASTIC. Ice -T's rap is phenomenal talking about the street life. He also possesses incredible memory recall when he raps.

[@hordesCoffee]

Ice T I here you. As for me,after my charge and 14 years has past. I'm still labeled as a Post Criminal. The community I live in are always circumspect and some just won't let go and move on. And then there are those that use my past as there meal ticket to influence others negatively. But, being a Criminal wasn't my choice and I doubt I could have controlled it either. Some people weren't even here to see what happened and what I did, so they don't know the circumstances. But, the law is designed to punish those that deserve punishment and to change your mind. However, not when they use it for themselves. And all that does for your future and there's will be resentment. I only broke the law 1 time. It was bad, yes? I'm not denying it. It, doesn't stop there for law enforcement and cop's. There will always be Police Officers and detectives that will hound you, make you look bad, and try to influence others to stay away from him or her. Those are called dedicated people with way to much time on there hands ✋️. Always jabbing at you like a knife 🔪 never try to look over it. And say, you messed up, but you've been given a chance to do better. I've always stated this? It takes 2 to Tango, im not the only one that got violent. I, guess I hang around ppl like me, because. I'm not constantly being judged.

[@RickMichaels-if5eq]

Ice-T is very intelligent! I always loved how he breaks down life whether through his music or being on talk shows! He’s always been real! I let him educate me!🕶️✊🏾

[@Cannamom420Mimi]

Much respect for Ice-T. He truly is a genuine soul. I know people in the industry who have worked with him & say he really is genuine. UNDERRATED! He is an amazing artist … rapper, poet, actor, etc… out there motivating & inspiring others. Taking his time to try to help others, while healing himself too 🤗 Again… Much respect to him & sending positive vibes to him & his family.

[@markflores9055]

You guided my fragile mind to be a master and a PIMP! Thanks again Nightmare Walking!

[@nathanmccloud3572]

Youngsters need this in their ear everyday from a elder statesman

[@djalrock]

I met ice years ago in the middle of a festival and I said hi, and he was so nice I must of talked to him for bout half hour, what a nice dude