As rap prophet, street strategist and figurehead for the rage that ignites large masses of American youth, Ice-T is unassailable. Especially noteworthy is his work to form an alliance between the gangstas and headbangers, demographically distinct camps united by anger. Home Invasion laid the groundwork. More radical still was Body Count (1992): black musicians mixing politics and speed metal. Born Dead's title track, the nearly wordless "Killing Floor" and the pulverizing "Street Lobotomy" resound with fresh thunder – in no way is Ice-T tamed. But against the sonic assault of fellow metalheads Pantera or the Obsessed, BC now sound monochromatic and tired. (RS 694)

PAUL EVANS