Ice-T is a legend in hip hop and is widely considered as the ‘Godfather of Gangster Rap’. Inspired by Schoolly D’s ‘PSK’, Ice-T’s ‘6 In The Mornin’ set a precedent for the likes of N.W.A, 2pac and Snoop Dogg. Furthermore, it put the city of Los Angeles on the map with regard to hip hop. So as one of LA’s greatest, it was interesting when he explained to fans of rap why LA rappers don’t flex their jewellery.
Following the murder of Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock in South Central LA, Ice-T took to Twitter, tweeting, “I’m done explaining LA Gang culture… MFs will not listen. It’s not a game.. At all.” PnB Rock, who was murdered on September 12th, 2022, was reportedly targeted for his jewellery while eating at the restaurant chain Roscoe’s with his girlfriend. The rapper, who was flaunting extravagant, got shot multiple times during the robbery attempt and was fatally injured.
However, as an LA native, Ice-T did not seem surprised as he has warned rappers time and time again about LA, but people from out of town are not listening to his warnings. He has urged celebrities to take caution while in LA because, for gang members, celebrities are walking targets.
Taking to Twitter again to expound his point, the 64-year-old tweeted, “People are still hitting me up about my comments about LA Gang culture. If you NOTICE, LA rappers don’t wear a lotta Jewellery… Me, Snoop, Cube, Dre, Game, Kendrick…The list goes on… It’s not cause we’re broke. LA is just a Dangerous place, rapper or not. Why test the streets?!”
With regard to the robbery and murder of PnB Rock, a local told news, “Celebrities come here all the time, but they usually get their food and leave.” However, in his jewellery, PnB decided to sit down and stay. The local continued to echo the sentiments of Ice-T by saying, “That’s L.A. for you. You can’t trust people.”
Perhaps rappers are too trusting and naive while in LA, and maybe, like Ice-T and other LA rappers, artists should dial it back and not wear their jewellery while in LA instead of making themselves walking targets by flaunting their valuables.
Listen to Ice-T’s ‘6 in The Mornin’ in the video below.
