Aside from novelty acts like Lyrically Lively, I think this album; Ice-T’s first in 20 years; makes him the oldest rapper to drop a new album. The fact that it sounds better than a lot of what’s out now says less about the 68-year-old’s skills than the current state of the genre.

“You wanna age niggas out in hip-hop?” he asks on No Competition, “Most you bitch niggas so garbage, why the fuck should I stop?” I don’t think he should; at least not until his teeth fall out or dementia begins to set in. Even then the OG title would’ve never rang truer.

Not that Criminal Migraine compares to Original Gangster. That was his magnum opus. This could very well be his last hurrah; he’s old, rich and not nearly as innovative; but he’s spitting more game (wisdom) than ever. The best songs include Keep It Gangster and No Regrets.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026