On this day in 1991, Ice-T—one of Hip Hop’s most influential voices and a true pioneer of gangsta rap—released his fourth studio album, O.G. Original Gangster. Dropping via Sire/Warner Bros. Records, this landmark project not only solidified Ice-T’s role in shaping the sound and ethos of early West Coast rap, but also introduced the term “O.G.” to the wider public—a phrase that would soon become embedded in Hip Hop culture and everyday language.
The album saw Ice-T team up with a lineup of formidable producers, including DJ Aladdin, Donald D, and Afrika Islam, as well as then-newcomer SLJ. Together, they crafted a gritty, unapologetically raw project that painted vivid narratives of street life, systemic corruption, and survival. O.G. Original Gangster was also the launching pad for Ice-T’s hardcore band Body Count, which he introduced on this album before eventually recording the highly controversial track “Cop Killer” with the group.
Standout cuts like “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)” and the title track “O.G. Original Gangster” both appeared in the soundtrack for the 1991 cult classic New Jack City, a film that featured Ice-T in a breakout acting role alongside Wesley Snipes and Mario Van Peebles. The connection between the music and the movie only amplified the cultural impact of the album, helping Ice-T expand his presence from rap music into film and television.
Critically, O.G. Original Gangster was a game-changer. It was included in The Source magazine’s list of the 100 Best Rap Albums of all time, and its influence continues to resonate more than three decades later. At a time when few artists were bold enough to speak truth to power while keeping the streets listening, Ice-T walked the line with precision—and authenticity.
Salute to Ice-T, Donald D, and the entire crew for delivering a classic that still hits hard 34 years later.
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