The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say! is the third studio album by American rapper Ice-T, released on October 10, 1989, by Sire Records. The album has an uncharacteristically gritty sound, featuring some of the darkest tracks that Ice-T ever released. The Iceberg also contains the recorded debut of Ice-T's heavy metal band Body Count who perform on three songs.

Background The album was released after Ice-T was encountering censorship problems on tour. In The Ice Opinion: Who Gives a Fuck? the rapper states that "People had already told me what I could not say onstage in Columbus, Georgia. You couldn't say anything they called a 'swear' word. You couldn't touch yourself. They were using the same tactics they used on everyone from Elvis and Jim Morrison to 2 Live Crew".

The album's cover, featuring a B-boy with a shotgun shoved in his mouth, and two pistols pressed against each side of his head, reflected Ice-T's experiences with the concept of freedom of speech. "The concept of that picture is, 'Go ahead and say what you want. But here comes the government and here come the parents, and they are ready to destroy you when you open your mouth'".

Accompanying VHS The album was accompanied by a VHS entitled The Iceberg. This mixed footage of Ice-T's gigs with his own commentary. In the first section, he said that some of the footage was of poor quality because it was filmed on equipment from a pawnbroker or stolen from a mall. The video featured some footage of the Dope Jam tour, including Doug E Fresh, KRS-One and Kool Moe Dee.

Track listing

Sample credits "Shut Up, Be Happy" contains a sample of "Black Sabbath" performed by Black Sabbath. "Hit the Deck" contains a sample of "Coonskin No More" performed by Scatman Crothers.Ice-T (1989). "Hit The Deck". The Iceberg/Freedom Of Speech... Just Watch What You Say!. Sire/Warner Bros. Records. UPC 075992602822 "The Hunted Child" contains a sample of "Bring the Noise" performed by Public Enemy.Ice-T (1989). "The Hunted Child". The Iceberg/Freedom Of Speech... Just Watch What You Say!. Sire/Warner Bros. Records. UPC 075992602822 "My Word Is Bond" contains a sample of "La Di Da Di" performed by Slick Rick.Ice-T (1989). "My Word Is Bond". The Iceberg/Freedom Of Speech... Just Watch What You Say!. Sire/Warner Bros. Records. UPC 075992602822

Personnel Afrika Islam - producer, programming (tracks 1, 3–13) Arnold Turner - photographer Beat Master V - drums (track 6) Devious Doze - artwork D.J. Evil "E" The Great - scratches Ernie C - guitar (track 6, 11) Ice-T - main artist, executive producer, producer Johnny (Sleepy John) Rivers - programming (track 2) Lloyd Roberts - bass (tracks 8, 11) Mark Wolfson - engineer mix Mary Ann Dibs - design Vachik Aghaniawtz - engineer mix

Charts Chart (1989) Peakposition Australian Albums (ARIA Charts) 81

Certifications

References