Album: Rhyme Pays

Introduction
Rhyme Pays is the debut studio album by American rapper, Ice-T, released on July 28, 1987 under the record label Sire Records. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Tracy Lauren Marrow, much better known by his phase name Ice-T, is a multi-talented artist, rapper, songwriter, star, record manufacturer, and author. He is recognized as a pioneer of gangsta rap music, a sub-genre of hip hop that emerged in the 1980s. Rhyme Pays is a revolutionary album that helped lay the foundation for West Coast hip-hop music and the 1980s gangsta rap movement.

Production and Reception
Rhyme Pays was executive produced by Ice-T and Afrika Islam, who co-wrote and produced many of the tracks. The album featured visitor looks by DJ Chris "The Glove" Taylor, Henry G, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and MC Shan, among others. Rhyme Pays was a commercial success, reaching No. 93 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning a gold accreditation from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1987.

Critics applauded the album for its storytelling, gritty lyrics, and Ice-T's singing shipment. The record was admired for its practical representation of street life and gang culture, which was unprecedented at the time in mainstream hip-hop music. Rhyme Pays received favorable evaluations from music publications, consisting of Rolling Stone and HipHopDX, and is considered a traditional and prominent album in the history of hip-hop music.

Notable Tracks
- "6 'N the Mornin'": The opening track of Rhyme Pays is a storytelling masterpiece with a fast-paced, aggressive beat. Ice-T's graphic lyrics develop a brilliant picture of the harmful life of a gangster, which was an innovative concept at the time. The song is considered as one of the first gangsta rap songs and has actually been a motivation for lots of artists in the category.

- "Make It Funky": This is a party anthem and dance track filled with funky basslines and catchy hooks. Ice-T took a more easy going method to this tune, showcasing his adaptability as an artist.

- "Somebody Got ta Do It (Pimpin' Ain't Easy!!!)": Here, Ice-T looks into the life of a pimp, facing the dark truth of the profession while boasting about his involvement in it. The track is a prime example of Ice-T's capability to offer social commentary on questionable topics.

- "409": This song is a homage to the Chevrolet 409, a timeless American muscle vehicle that was popular with street racers. Ice-T raps about racing for cash and the adrenaline rush that comes with it.

Legacy and Impact
Rhyme Pays has actually had a long lasting impact on the hip-hop category, helping to solidify Ice-T's track record as a leader of gangsta rap. His unapologetic lyrics and raw storytelling painted a photo of the extreme truths faced by those residing in the streets, a point of view that had not yet been checked out in mainstream hip-hop music. Many artists, consisting of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z, have mentioned Ice-T's Rhyme Pays as an influence on their work.

For many years, Ice-T has continued to leave his mark on the entertainment industry, not just through music but also by means of his acting profession, especially his long-running role as Detective Odafin Tutuola on the popular television program, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Regardless of over three years having actually passed given that the release of Rhyme Pays, its effect on hip-hop and popular culture stays indisputable.