Ice-T wants the world to “kiss [his] a–” when he dies. The iconic rapper’s candid statement has sparked conversations about unconventional funeral arrangements among celebrities and fans alike.
The 66-year-old rapper – whose real name is Tracy Marrow – claimed he hasn’t thought too much about his funeral but would like to be put into his coffin face-down with his derriere on display. This unusual request aligns with Ice-T’s lifelong reputation for speaking his mind without reservation, a trait that has defined his career spanning over four decades in the entertainment industry.
“I really don’t know, but I asked to be buried face down so the world can kiss my a–,” he told Classic Rock magazine when asked the song he wants played at his funeral. “I hate funerals, I just wanted to be cremated and disappear. ‘Ashes to Ashes, funk to funky’, I don’t mind that.” The David Bowie reference showcases Ice-T’s diverse musical influences beyond his pioneering work in hip-hop and metal fusion.
The “Cop Killer” hitmaker – who was orphaned at 13 when his dad died from a heart attack, four years after his mom passed away from the same cause – says he rarely ever cries because he learned at a young age that emotions “didn’t matter.” His difficult childhood in South Central Los Angeles shaped his resilient outlook on life and contributed to the tough persona that became his trademark in both music and acting.
“I haven’t cried since my dog Spartacus passed away, five, six years ago,” he said. “I didn’t even know I had tear glands, I hadn’t cried in so long.” The revelation about his beloved pet shows a rare glimpse of vulnerability from the artist known for his hardcore image.
“Being an orphan and growing up on my own, I learned to delete those emotions because it didn’t matter. I had to learn to suck it up.” This emotional stoicism helped Ice-T navigate the dangerous streets of his youth and later succeed in the cutthroat entertainment business where he’s maintained relevance for decades.
The “Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn” actor always admired Jimi Hendrix as the late guitar legend taught him there were “no limits” in music. Hendrix’s boundary-breaking approach to rock music provided inspiration for Ice-T’s own genre-defying career that has included pioneering gangsta rap, fronting the metal band Body Count, and becoming a television mainstay on “Law & Order: SVU.”
“We’re all out there trying to play tight, tight, tight,” he said. “When I saw Jimi’s live performances, he was so unpolished; ‘I’m gonna go on stage and jam and you motherf—–s keep up with me.'” This appreciation for raw authenticity has been a hallmark of Ice-T’s own performances throughout his career.
“It’s a whole different style of rock,” he continued, reflecting on Hendrix’s influence. “And being a Black person was important. It showed me there would be no limits to music; be whatever color, if you’re good, people are going to have to respect you.” This sentiment echoes Ice-T’s own boundary-breaking career as one of the first rappers to successfully cross over into heavy metal, acting, and reality television.
Ice-T‘s frank discussion about his funeral preferences comes at a time when many celebrities are becoming more open about their end-of-life wishes. The conversation around death and funeral planning has evolved significantly in recent years, with more people choosing to personalize their final arrangements to reflect their personalities and life philosophies.
The rapper’s longstanding career includes numerous solo albums, albums with Body Count, and many seasons on “Law & Order: SVU,” making him one of the most enduring figures in entertainment. His influence spans multiple generations, with his outspoken nature and authentic approach to artistry continuing to resonate with fans worldwide.
Despite his tough exterior, Ice-T has shown surprising versatility throughout his career, from his groundbreaking role in bringing social consciousness to gangsta rap to his successful transition into mainstream television. His ability to reinvent himself while maintaining his core identity has made him a fascinating figure in popular culture.
The rapper’s comments about Hendrix also highlight the important role of Black artists in shaping rock music, a contribution that has been significant in the evolution of the genre. Ice-T himself has been at the forefront of breaking down racial barriers in music genres traditionally separated by industry marketing.
