On this present day in 1991, Ice-T—one in all Hip Hop’s most influential voices and a real pioneer of gangsta rap—launched his fourth studio album, O.G. Authentic Gangster. Dropping through Sire/Warner Bros. Information, this landmark mission not solely solidified Ice-T’s position in shaping the sound and ethos of early West Coast rap, but additionally launched the time period “O.G.” to the broader public—a phrase that might quickly turn out to be embedded in Hip Hop tradition and on a regular basis language.
The album noticed Ice-T crew up with a lineup of formidable producers, together with DJ Aladdin, Donald D, and Afrika Islam, in addition to then-newcomer SLJ. Collectively, they crafted a gritty, unapologetically uncooked mission that painted vivid narratives of road life, systemic corruption, and survival. O.G. Authentic Gangster was additionally the launching pad for Ice-T’s hardcore band Physique Depend, which he launched on this album earlier than finally recording the extremely controversial observe “Cop Killer” with the group.
Standout cuts like “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)” and the title observe “O.G. Authentic Gangster” each appeared within the soundtrack for the 1991 cult traditional New Jack Metropolis, a movie that featured Ice-T in a breakout appearing position alongside Wesley Snipes and Mario Van Peebles. The connection between the music and the film solely amplified the cultural affect of the album, serving to Ice-T develop his presence from rap music into movie and tv.
Critically, O.G. Authentic Gangster was a game-changer. It was included in The Supply journal’s listing of the 100 Finest Rap Albums of all time, and its affect continues to resonate greater than three many years later. At a time when few artists had been daring sufficient to talk reality to energy whereas retaining the streets listening, Ice-T walked the road with precision—and authenticity.
Salute to Ice-T, Donald D, and your complete crew for delivering a traditional that also hits laborious 34 years later.