Rapper Ice-T, renowned for founding the band Body Count in the early 90s and portraying Det. Fin Tutuola on Law & Order: SVU for an impressive 25 seasons, recently shared how his approach to musical tours has transformed, especially after marrying Coco Austin.
Now 66, Ice-T is preparing for a European tour during a filming break, and he candidly recounted the dramatic shift in the atmosphere of his tour bus. “What used to smell like weed, condoms, and alcohol,” he noted with a chuckle, “now smells like Bengay and potpourri.”
Ice-T’s son, Tracy Marrow Jr., 32, is also part of Body Count, adding a family dynamic to their tours. Ice-T emphasized the importance of family inclusivity on their international journeys. “Everyone goes. We have two tour buses. The family bus is where all the guys’ wives and kids travel. It’s practically run by the women. Then we have the ‘jail bus,’ which is for the roadies and the single guys. That’s the wild bus,” he remarked humorously.
Reflecting on his earlier tours, Ice-T described them as filled with adventure and boundless freedom. “When you’re young and basically hooking up with everything that moves, tour life is a different beast,” he said. However, he contrasted this with his current family-oriented tours, explaining that as you age and settle down, the desire to stay close to family grows. “When you’re married, you don’t want to be away from your family. You want your wife out there with you. It changes everything. That’s why I always tell newcomers to the scene to be cautious!”
The veteran artist also mentioned his preference for a quieter routine after performances, a stark contrast to the wild partying of his youth. “After the show, we head back to our hotel rooms; it’s peaceful and quiet. The young guys are still out there because they’ve never experienced anything like it,” he said. “I’ve traveled the world three or four times on my own, so I don’t need to be out there by myself anymore.”
Ice-T’s reflections highlight not only his personal growth but also the evolving nature of rock-and-roll tours as one balances career, family, and age.
