‘Thee Critical Beatdown’: Body Count’s Vincent Price Discusses New Video, Re-issue of ‘No Lives Matter’
Although many recognize him from his two-decade run as Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, the mild-mannered star of NBC’s “Law And Order: Special Victims Unit,” Ice-T has played a significant role in music by combining progressive elements of rap, hip-hop and metal. The legendary artist is also not afraid to speak his mind when it comes to issues that continue to plague America.
In light of current events, Ice and his band, Body Count, have released a new radio edit of their single, “No Lives Matter.” A prophetic song which first appeared on the groups ferocious 2017 album, Bloodlust. The track’s message is more relevant than ever and a step towards inspiring transformation and unity.
In another surprise move Body Count has released a new animated music video for their hard-hitting track, “Thee Critical Beatdown,” from their acclaimed album, Carnivore, released this past spring. The visual was created by Tommy The Animator, who also worked with the band in creating the video for “The Ski Mask Way.” “Breakdown” is a warning to the trolls who like to infuse rage while sitting behind a computer screens that their day of reckoning is coming.
I recently spoke with Body Count’s Vincent Price about the music and more in this exclusive new interview.
What frustrates you about what’s going on in society today?
Vincent Price: What’s frustrating to me is what’s being going on in the world for a long time, and that’s people just hating each other. It started a long time ago and, over the years, everyone was thinking it could change. A lot of people don’t really pay attention to Ice’s lyrics, but the truth is he’s been talking about this for a long time and people are just now starting to see it.
What’s the band’s writing process like?
VP: We write the music and Ice writes the lyrics. Some people look at Ice as just an actor or rapper, but he’s a true musician who knows what he wants to hear. He knows all the ins and outs of metal and hard rock.
Let’s discuss a few tracks from the band’s latest album, Carnivore. What can you tell me about “Thee Critical Beatdown?”
VP: Whenever we’re working on new material I’ll come up with a working title. At first I was calling it “Gangster Slayer” because it was so heavy. We had been in the process of writing for a while when Ice came in with the lyrics. It’s basically “Talk Shit Get Shot Part 2.”
How did Amy Lee get involved on the track, “When I’m Gone?”
VP: We had a bunch of people we were going to have work with us on this album. I was on tour with Ariana Grande and had just gotten done having a meeting with the label. My bass tech was with me at the time and he was the one suggested Amy. I got hold of her and the two of us started emailing and exchanging ideas. At that point no one in the band even knew what was going on. I eventually played it for management and the producers. Since I was in Europe, I sent the idea to Ice, who was working on-set at the time. There’s a lot of people on the Law & Order set who are music lovers he can relate to and they all loved the idea as well. He texted me back and we just went for it.
What’s next for the band?
VP: In addition to the new video we’re also taking part in the virtual Wacken World Wide from July 29 — August 1. It’s live and available for free online.
Is there a message you’d like to share with people during these trying times?
VP: I will say one thing. We’re Americans not American’ts. We’ve gotten through everything that’s come our way and we’ll get through this too. We just need everyone to work together. There might come a day when everyone will see just one color. It just takes time and patience.
