0917. Ice-T
O.G. Original gangster

One of the top three most vicious sounding rappers, Ice-T was the first in hip hop to get a Tipper Sticker (on his debut, no less). This is his fourth release and well, the Parental Advisory label's right where it ought to be.

He both lashes out at the system, individual politicians and policy makers, as well as deliver straight up gangsta lyrics with the same aggressiveness. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I can't deny he gets a reaction.

The peak of the album is the interlude where Ice starts talking about music, how you just can't limit yourself to listening to just one genre, and then brings in his hardcore band Body Count for a rendition of their theme song. Unfortunately it's just that one track, but still! (also, I'm not having high hopes for the Body Count album showing up in 1001 Albums You Must Hear…, in spite of it being both original / influential and highly controversial)

For the more "pure" hip hop parts the title track, as well as New Jack Hustler and Midnight are the go-to songs (the latter also sampling Black Sabbath, among others).

Two surprises are the shoutout to MC Hammer in M.V.P.s, and the outro talk about the injustice of the first Gulf War that was just about to start.