Ice

A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption - from South Central to Hollywood

By: Douglas Century

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

For readers or listeners of Sister Souljah’s No Disrespect, Nathan McCall’s Makes Me Wanna Holler, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and Monster by Sanyika Shakur comes the definitive memoir from Ice-T, the acclaimed rapper and actor known for telling it like it is.

Ice-T offers his hip-hop generation’s Horatio Alger story: the narrative of an orphaned child who, drawn inexorably into a harrowing life of crime, ultimately turns away from the streets and, through self-discipline and a single-minded work ethic, forges a path to international fame as a musician and film-and-television star.

Ice-T was born Tracy Marrow in New Jersey. As an only child whose parents died when he was very young, he became involved in Los Angeles gangs before spending four years in the army. He released a string of groundbreaking West Coast rap records and formed the thrash-metal band Body Count. He currently stars as Detective Fin Tutuola on Law & Order: SVU.

©2011 Tracy Marrow (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“In this intriguing memoir, groundbreaking rapper and actor Ice-T chronicles his rise from nomadic criminal to hip-hop star…. Ice-T is a canny businessman, and he charts clearly the decisions that brought him up each step of a very treacherous ladder.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Interesting

Would have liked Ice T to have narrated his own story. Makes it more personal.

Ice T fan!!!

Loved the story. It shed light on a person I have always admired. I enjoyed the flow and the truths that reminded me of my life growing up in LA as a non combatant. People don't understand that even though you weren't a Banger you still got affiliated by no choice of your own. The only issue I have is that the narrator obviously isn't a street or rap guy. He mispronounced so many famous names it was annoying. I found myself losing Ice T's voice during the listen. Beyond that love this biography.

Surprising.

I began listening to this audio book with no idea why I had ordered it in the first place. Culturally the author and I couldn't be further apart. But I truly enjoyed every minute of it including the narration.

He gave it to us raw as he could.

If you could sum up Ice in three words, what would they be?

A legends memoir

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tracy was my favorite in the book because he did what I think I would have at least tried to do in so many of those situations. He's a real dude and real recognize real.

What does Mirron Willis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The feeling of being told a story firsthand. Most people enjoy being enthusiastically told a story rather than just reading it. It brings it to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Cameleon Hustle! Because his hustle adapted when and as it was and continues to be demanded to.

Any additional comments?

A good listen. I appreciate the candor of the early years self image.

Whole new perspective on Ice

This is a great book about coming up in the streets and working hard to get where Ice is today. I have respect for this man and what he's done/doing with his life. Well worth the listen!

GOOD BOOK, BEWARE OF THE LANGUAGE!

Enjoyed the book for the most part. Of course one should expect "Ice T" to talk like "Ice T". Interesting life story, but i would've liked to hear more about his life TODAY towards the end. I believe it was eluded to but not really reflected upon. I think I heard his wife Co Co's name once?
Regardless definetly a story of triumph and overcoming the obstacles that life puts in your way.
Well read

Cool as Ice

Is there anything you would change about this book?

the narrator was not that great. He tried to sound like a "gangsta". I would have preferred Ice T narrate it himself.

What other book might you compare Ice to and why?

None that I can think of.

What didn’t you like about Mirron Willis’s performance?

His voice just didn't fit the writing of Ice T.

Could you see Ice being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not really. I don't think it would be worth watching.

Any additional comments?

I like to listen to the music and/or videos that has been mentioned to enhance the overall theme of the book.

when you talk of MC's, Ice-T is the best

good listening. would have been even better coming straight from Ice, but this will do.

I prefer IceT as the reader

I wish IceT had read it. I loved Split Decision for that reason. Honestly

Great Story… Not so Great Narration

Ice T is a players playa. It was such and inspiring story full of game. The narration was sub par. They way he pronounced Rakim made me cringe. I only finished because the story was so good