Ice-T was one of the hardest hitting emcees of the 80s and 90s, he forged ahead through his early music career and become an all-round star, with a solid music and acting career. He was known for having a pretty difficult L.A. childhood and that reflected in his lyrics.

Part of Ice-T’s tough childhood came because of cancer, something that has affected most of our lives. In third grade his mother passed away from the disease. His father kept bringing him up but then cancer got his dad, Solomon, when T was just 12 years old.

That’s gotta be rough for anyone but T rose through it all despite the struggle.

As an adult this surely had an effect on his thoughts regarding health and Ice-T has committed himself to raising awareness about health. His foundation particularly focuses on men and early screening to catch things while they can be fixed.

Ice-T, Chubb Rock, veteran music manager Mickey Bentson, Bentson’s wife Toya and Dr. Annie Ford created the Male Awareness Foundation.

The foundation provides tools and messages to push early prevention and looking after health for men young and old. It pushes screenings for cancer, especially those men are vulnerable too, and raises awareness.

Mickey Bentson was quoted saying “A lot of issues can be addressed with early detection. Our mission is to encourage everyone to get screened on a regular basis.”

Big respect to these men and women for pushing an important issue.