In a recent interview with The Guardian, hip-hop legend and actor Ice-T discussed the controversy surrounding his 1992 song “Cop Killer,” released with his metal band Body Count. The track, a violent revenge fantasy, sparked significant backlash.
When asked if he ever questioned releasing the song, Ice-T responded:
“I never really questioned myself, but the heat came when they started sending bomb threats to Warner Brothers. I threw the rock; that’s my heat. But when other people could get hurt, that’s nerve-racking. But I got news for people: anybody that thinks controversy is a way to make money, it’s not. You get a lot of buzz, but now you need lawyers. So don’t just say something stupid and then backpedal. If you’re going to say something, stand on it.”
Despite its controversial past, “Cop Killer” remains unavailable on streaming platforms. Body Count guitarist Ernie C expressed disappointment over this, stating, “Some of these young protesters were infants when this song was released. The issues we addressed 30 years ago are still relevant today.”
The song was ultimately removed from later versions of Body Count’s self-titled album due to pressure from record label shareholders and threats to the band members. Ice-T made the decision to protect the well-being of the label’s staff, who had received death threats from police officers. As part of the agreement, Warner Records granted Ice-T ownership of the album’s masters.
