E3 is known for its surprises, but nothing surprised the mass amount of gamers, nerds, and industry folk as much as Body Count last night at The Edison for the Gears Of War 3 party.

In case you don't remember, Body Count is Ice T's metal band from the '90s, responsible for the infamous song “Cop Killer.” Sounding tighter than ever, the band's energy and chemistry was at fever pitch from beginning to end. Ice took the unconventional venue and semi-awkward crowd and used it as a way to cut the tension.

With a smirk on his face, he called the crowd out for taking too many pictures and not moshing. By cutting the tension with his signature humor, Ice had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He worked to get everyone to sing along, from the longtime fans to the groups of middle age Chinese businessmen (we can see them now, walking around L.A. innocently singing, “I'm 'bout to kill me somethin'. A pig stopped me for nuthin'!” right in front of a squad car).

Credit: Andrew Courtien

Credit: Andrew Courtien

They played an abbreviated set filled with bangers like “Cop Killer,” “KKK Bitch,” and “There Goes The Neighborhood.” They also threw in two covers that would throw the average Ice T fan off: Sabbath's “War Pigs” and The Exploited's “Disorder.” The highlight for most gamers, though, was the premiere of Body Count's new song, “Gears Of War.” As the title suggests, the song's about the popular Xbox 360 game series. Interestingly enough, Body Count and Ice T are veterans of the video game world by now. They recorded for Sanity: Aiken's Artifact in 2000. In Gears Of War 3 , Ice T brings his one of a kind personality and swagger to his character Griffin. As Ice put it, “I finally get to kill some shit and not go to jail.”

Credit: Andrew Courtien

Credit: Andrew Courtien

For the fans, word is that Body Count is set to make this a repeat event. So, while you're waiting for the next Body Count tour you can pick up Ice's new book or even check out his new show on E!, Ice Loves Coco. If all else fails and you just can't wait, listen to “Cop Killer” while watching Law And Order. The irony will blow your mind.

Credit: Andrew Courtien

Credit: Andrew Courtien

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