Ice-T Has Launched "A Serious Techno Label" Called Electronic Beat Empire

The hip-hop artist has teamed up with Mr. X for the debut LP Hip Hop DJs Don’t Play Techno.

Now here’s a piece of news you probably never expected to read. Hip-hop artist and television personality Ice-T has decided to dip his toes into the world of techno. The Law & Order: SVU star has launched a new and “serious” techno label called Electronic Beat Empire.

The first LP will see Ice-T team up with longtime friend and collaborator Mr. X, also known as Afrika Islam, who rolled with the breakdancing Rock Steady Crew and was also a protégé of electro forefather Afrika Bambaataa. Mr. X cites Larry Levan, Juan Atkins, Jeff Mills among Marshall Jefferson among the biggest inspirations for the album, titled Hip Hop DJs Don’t Play Techno.

Speaking to Rolling Stone about plans for the label, Ice-T admitted “I am not gonna act like I’m a techno wizard or know anything about it. We’re into the real, raw creativity that’s out there. When they came with dubstep, that was a whole other part of music. The painting is never complete on the musical landscape, so let’s take it there with Electronic Beat Empire.” Check out the release above.

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