Ice-T explains ‘Cop Killer’ lyric change in protest against ICE: “We’re headed to some really ugly terrain”
Ice-T has clarified his decision to change his classic track ‘Cop Killer’ to ‘ICE Killer’ in protest at ICE’s ongoing actions.
In recent weeks, ICE’s conduct has escalated in Minneapolis, with Alex Pretti and Renee Good both being killed by ICE agents. However, Ice-T first made the lyric change many months prior.
The rapper first made the switch, which was an impromptu decision, in July during a show in Los Angeles and has remained part of his sets.
During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Ice-T explained, “Now when I did that, that didn’t happen just recently. It happened when we played in LA at the Warped Tour. When I was there, ICE was active out there. So it’s like, I’m in the midst of ICE raids and stuff like that, and I’m in front of an LA audience, and it just came out. I didn’t know I was gonna do it.”
Reflecting upon the moment that he sang ‘ICE Killer’ for the first time, he said, “My brain just said, ‘Do ‘ICE Killer.‘’ And it went over.”
Ice-T also reiterated that the message of the song is the same as it always has been, despite the new title, explaining that he’s “just protesting”.
He added of his fears for the future, “I think we’re headed to some really ugly terrain.” Ice-T continued, “And Black people really ain’t got nothing to do with it. It’s bad. I think the moment somebody shoots an ICE agent, it’s gonna get bad.”
However, the musical icon did warn against fellow artists taking a stand unless they are informed and are doing it for the right reasons, stating, “If that’s who you are. If it’s not, don’t do it for publicity. Don’t do it for hype.”
Ice-T continued, “Don’t let your publicist tell you, ‘Speak on this topic.’ Because if you’re not educated enough to speak on it, you’re going to end up caught out there.”
Over the past few days, several notable artists have released tracks protesting ICE, most notably Bruce Springsteen, as well as Billy Bragg and Waterparks.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.