Ice-T - Power

Released in 1988

Power was Ice-T's follow up to his debut album Rhyme Pays, and whereas many artists fear the infamous sophomore slump Ice-T actually honed his skills so much that he made his first album appear absolutely amateurish by comparison. This was a masterstroke by the father of west coast gangster rap.

Many conservative parents and critics often accused Ice-T of glorifying gangs and violence, but such common perceptions were sadly incorrect as the opposite is true. While the sub-genre of gangster rap is guilty of glamorizing violence, Ice-T has always been strictly anti-drugs, anti-gangs and anti-violence in his writings.

When he weaves tales of violence he's not making such depictions pretty; he's showing the world the ugliness that exists in the ghetto. Take, for example, this excerpt from Drama: "On death row they've got their own hot seat / for those who feel they are truly elite / the last thing you see is a priest, the lights dim, your life ends… drama." Anyone that took the time to listen to his actual words rather than balk at the often vulgar or harsh content would see that beneath it all, Ice-T is not advocating or proud of the gangster life.

Some of the album highlights are:

• Drama – A powerful first-person story about the life of a violent criminal and his inevitable fate.
• I'm Your Pusher – Some critics have misconstrued this work to be promoting drugs, though I don't know how since even the most basic listen will clearly demonstrate it's a very anti-drug message. The only thing the track shares in common with narcotics is an undeniably addictive vibe.
• High Rollers – Less hardcore in its sound, but lyrically still speaks of the crime that's prevalent on the streets.

This was the album that helped introduce Ice-T to mainstream audiences, but such a feat was purely due to the charisma and intensity of the artist since the album is hardcore through and through. Power is a forceful glimpse into the urban world of crime; appealing due to its realistic grittiness rather than the posturing that was soon to creep into the genre.

Rating: 8 stars

Track List Intro Power Drama Heartbeat The Syndicate Radio Suckers I'm Your Pusher Personal Girls L.G.B.N.A.F. High Rollers Grand Larceny Soul on Ice Outro

Additional Resources:

• Rhyme Pays Review
• The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say Review

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