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Split Decision: Life Stories
Award-winning actor, rapper, and producer Ice-T unveils a compelling memoir of his early life robbing jewelry stores until he found fame and fortune—while a handful of bad choices sent his former crime partner down an incredibly different path.Ice-T rose to fame in the late 1980s, earning acclaim for his music before going on to enthrall television audiences as Odafin “Fin” Tutuola in Law & Special Victims Unit. But it could have gone much differently. In this “poignant and powerful” (Library Journal, starred review) memoir, Ice-T and Spike, his former crime partner—collaborating with New York Times bestselling author Douglas Century—relate the shocking stories of their shared pasts, and how just a handful of decisions led to their incredibly different lives. Both grew up in violent, gang-controlled Los Angeles neighborhoods and worked together to orchestrate a series of jewelry heists. But while Ice-T was discovered rapping in a club and got his first record deal, Spike was caught for a jewelry robbery and did three years in prison. As his music career began to take off, Ice made the decision to abandon the criminal life; Spike continued to plan increasingly ingenious and risky jewel heists. And in 1992, after one of Spike’s robberies ended tragically, he was sentenced to thirty-five years to life. While he sat behind bars, he watched his former partner rise to fame in music, movies, and television. “Propulsive” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), timely, and thoughtful, two men with two very different lives reveal how their paths might have very well been reversed if they made different choices. All it took was a split decision.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2022
65 people are currently reading
4838 people want to read
About the author
Ice-T
22 books84 followersTracy Marrow, better known by his stage name Ice-T, is an American musician and actor.
He was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Army for four years. He began his career as a rapper in the 1980s and was signed to Sire Records in 1987, when he released his debut album Rhyme Pays. The next year, he founded the record label Rhyme Syndicate Records (named after his collective of fellow hip hop artists called the Rhyme Syndicate) and released another album, Power.
He co-founded the rap metal band Body Count, which he introduced in his 1991 album O.G.: Original Gangster. Body Count released its self-titled debut album in 1992. Ice-T encountered controversy over his track "Cop Killer", which was perceived to glamorize killing police officers. Ice-T asked to be released from his contract with Warner Bros. Records, and his next solo album, Home Invasion was released later in the fall of 1993 through Priority Records. Body Count's next album was released in 1994, and Ice-T released two more albums in the late 1990s.
Since 2000, he has portrayed NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
He was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Army for four years. He began his career as a rapper in the 1980s and was signed to Sire Records in 1987, when he released his debut album Rhyme Pays. The next year, he founded the record label Rhyme Syndicate Records (named after his collective of fellow hip hop artists called the Rhyme Syndicate) and released another album, Power.
He co-founded the rap metal band Body Count, which he introduced in his 1991 album O.G.: Original Gangster. Body Count released its self-titled debut album in 1992. Ice-T encountered controversy over his track "Cop Killer", which was perceived to glamorize killing police officers. Ice-T asked to be released from his contract with Warner Bros. Records, and his next solo album, Home Invasion was released later in the fall of 1993 through Priority Records. Body Count's next album was released in 1994, and Ice-T released two more albums in the late 1990s.
Since 2000, he has portrayed NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
June 23, 2022
I have been a long time fan of Ice-T, so I was super excited to read this. It is interesting how the book is split into two people's lives. It almost seems odd to do that, but it worked here. It is a shorter book. Easy to read fairly quickly. Interesting, engaging, rough, honest, sometimes brutal. Some of it is hard on the heart...I think fans will enjoy this read!
August 3, 2022
What a great book. The ingenious way the memoir was plotted to show the struggle of the day to day choices of living and the split decisions of how to react and act in this world was both eye opening and deeply thought provoking. This is a remarkable memoir, and one I would recommend to everyone. I love Ice-T as an actor, I love his raw truth and humanity in this memoir. I also found Spike’s side of the story really ground in humanness as well a remarkable memoir. It is interesting how the book is split into two people's lives. Interesting, engaging, rough, honest, sometimes brutal. Highly recommend.
June 16, 2022
Wow! I love Ice-T as an actor, after reading this co-memoir, I love his raw truth and humanity. I also found Spike’s side of the story really ground in humanness as well. The ingenious way the memoir was plotted to show the struggle of the day to day choices of living and the split decisions of how to react and act in this world was both eye opening and deeply thought provoking. This is a remarkable memoir, and one I would recommend to everyone!
June 29, 2022
For what this was, it was surprisingly good. Nice change from the usual celebrity memoir, it really focused on how Ice-T and Spike started off at the same place in their lives and how differently their lives turned out. I started out much more interested in Ice-T's chapters but quickly got sucked in by Spike. I get that it's how Spike turned his life around, but it gets a little Jesus-y at the end.
I received this book for free as part of Goodreads giveaways.
I received this book for free as part of Goodreads giveaways.
September 21, 2022
I saw Ice-T and Spike in a tv interview and their story struck me as interesting and a warning for young black men and wanted to hear more. Their lives split in one day and their paths diverged because of one decision. They tell their stories chronologically and take turns until they meet again later in life and what happens next to their friendship is quite impressive. Listening to them on audio is a must, print wouldn't be the same.
October 11, 2022
Since my own memoir is also about a life a crime and the changes made along the way to better my life, I can say I related to Split Decision very well. I enjoyed the back and forth of stories between Ice T and Spike. It was entertaining and encouraging all at the same time. A smooth read that is recommended to anyone who desires to see things from a different perspective.
September 23, 2023
I've been a fan of ICE-T long before he became Detective Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order SVU. This is a far more compelling read than one may assume. A poignant and thoughtful presentation of two individuals' paths in life and the implications of good and "bad" decisions, as well as an insightful view of crime, retribution and redemption. Much respect to ICE-T and SPIKE.
September 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this one (currently available only on audio) and learned a lot. It's their "coming of age" story, robing jewelry stores in Compton, to Ice-T's break away, through music, then acting, and his friends, Spike's, time in prison. Ice-T is the Real Deal.
July 1, 2024
Way better than I anticipated.
December 9, 2022
I listened to the audio and thought it was good - but be warned - there’s a lot of cussing.
I had heard Ice—T on a podcast and he talked about this book he and very good friend Spike had written together, talking about how one little decision can make your life go in a totally different direction.
I had heard Ice—T on a podcast and he talked about this book he and very good friend Spike had written together, talking about how one little decision can make your life go in a totally different direction.
October 17, 2022
The dichotomy of where these two ended up makes this an interesting read. Both could have ended up in either position. Both started on a bad path, but both had an opportunity to walk away from that path too. Some of the language is harsh and the theme of how your life can change with each decision is repeated a lot. But overall, I enjoyed the book. The audio book is fun because each individual reads their sections and it's nice to hear their voices telling their own stories.
May 31, 2022
Split Decision by Ice-T Spike and Douglas Century is a brilliant tapestry of two lives woven together to create one exceptionally clever memoir.
⠀
Documenting their trajectories through alternating perspectives, Ice-T and Spike deliver a raw, unfiltered and exquisitely detailed account of their lives as former jewel thief partners. Together they pulled off a string of jewelry heists in L.A. When presented with the opportunity to make an honest living as rappers, Ice-T and Spike made split decisions. While Ice-T embraced the opportunity, leaving his criminal lifestyle behind, Spike found it difficult to walk away from the fast money. Bouncing between the worlds of crime & music, Spike orchestrated a final jewel heist that went horribly wrong, causing a senseless murder, and leaving him to pay a supreme price in prison.
⠀
The moment I read the synopsis for this book I knew it was going to be a game changer. Ice-T, an A-list celebrity, coauthoring a book with his former accomplice in crime is groundbreaking. This coauthor team is unlike any other author duo I’ve ever read. The dual narrative is akin to reading two memoirs at once. Their stories strike a perfect balance. Both are compelling accounts filled with enlightening life lessons.
⠀
What I like most about Split Decision is that it highlights the destruction of straddling the fence, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the importance of making the right choices. It’s a crime drama, encased in a cautionary tale, that ends with a powerful chronicle of redemption and hope.This book will no doubt be one of the ͟m͟o͟s͟t͟ ͟i͟m͟p͟a͟c͟t͟f͟u͟l͟ ͟r͟e͟l͟e͟a͟s͟e͟s͟ of 2022. Simply put, it’s genius and should be added to the library of every detention center in the country.
⠀
I was hooked from the first page. There was never a dull moment! At times my heart went out to Spike. In other moments I wanted to give Ice-T high-fives and fist pumps.
⠀
I devoured every page. This is definitely a BRBT must read! 5/5⭐️s. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook.
⠀
Publication date is July 19th. You don’t want to miss this one. I will be purchasing a finished copy to add to my personal library😆.
⠀
Thank you Gallery Books for gifting me an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
⠀
Documenting their trajectories through alternating perspectives, Ice-T and Spike deliver a raw, unfiltered and exquisitely detailed account of their lives as former jewel thief partners. Together they pulled off a string of jewelry heists in L.A. When presented with the opportunity to make an honest living as rappers, Ice-T and Spike made split decisions. While Ice-T embraced the opportunity, leaving his criminal lifestyle behind, Spike found it difficult to walk away from the fast money. Bouncing between the worlds of crime & music, Spike orchestrated a final jewel heist that went horribly wrong, causing a senseless murder, and leaving him to pay a supreme price in prison.
⠀
The moment I read the synopsis for this book I knew it was going to be a game changer. Ice-T, an A-list celebrity, coauthoring a book with his former accomplice in crime is groundbreaking. This coauthor team is unlike any other author duo I’ve ever read. The dual narrative is akin to reading two memoirs at once. Their stories strike a perfect balance. Both are compelling accounts filled with enlightening life lessons.
⠀
What I like most about Split Decision is that it highlights the destruction of straddling the fence, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the importance of making the right choices. It’s a crime drama, encased in a cautionary tale, that ends with a powerful chronicle of redemption and hope.This book will no doubt be one of the ͟m͟o͟s͟t͟ ͟i͟m͟p͟a͟c͟t͟f͟u͟l͟ ͟r͟e͟l͟e͟a͟s͟e͟s͟ of 2022. Simply put, it’s genius and should be added to the library of every detention center in the country.
⠀
I was hooked from the first page. There was never a dull moment! At times my heart went out to Spike. In other moments I wanted to give Ice-T high-fives and fist pumps.
⠀
I devoured every page. This is definitely a BRBT must read! 5/5⭐️s. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook.
⠀
Publication date is July 19th. You don’t want to miss this one. I will be purchasing a finished copy to add to my personal library😆.
⠀
Thank you Gallery Books for gifting me an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2023
I was powerfully impacted by this book much more than I realized I would be. I have been a fan of Ice-T since I was a kid, so the book appealed to me for that reason, but I found that once I got into it the story that most compelled me was that of Spike. It wasn't because hearing about Ice wasn't interesting, but Spike's story was more than just a cautionary tale. It was a redemption story. This is a man who has seen the worst side of life, who did terrible things and paid the price for them, but who found a faith and humility that allowed him to become a different kind of man. I was touched by his story. I also find myself now more than ever feeling like we need some serious prison reform in this country. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
August 15, 2022
The amount of crime was appalling, but both authors provide brutal honesty into the decisions they made and how those led to two completely different paths in life - repeated prison stints vs a prolific career.
October 6, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I remember the first time I watched Law & Order SVU and saw Ice-T on the show, I kept saying, "but he's a rapper, gangsta style … and he's an actor too?" Yep, and a writer too. Although he and Spike collaborated with a professional write to produce this book, it is clear that the stories and the messages belong to Ice-T and Spike.
The thing that most impressed me was the humility and honesty in this book. You get the impression that Ice-T and Spike both see and believe that their lives might have been different if each had simply made a couple of different choices. The stories and often the language are raw and real … no punches held.
Read this to better understand the pressures on poor black, Latinx and white, mostly male youth. It is truly heartbreaking.
I remember the first time I watched Law & Order SVU and saw Ice-T on the show, I kept saying, "but he's a rapper, gangsta style … and he's an actor too?" Yep, and a writer too. Although he and Spike collaborated with a professional write to produce this book, it is clear that the stories and the messages belong to Ice-T and Spike.
The thing that most impressed me was the humility and honesty in this book. You get the impression that Ice-T and Spike both see and believe that their lives might have been different if each had simply made a couple of different choices. The stories and often the language are raw and real … no punches held.
Read this to better understand the pressures on poor black, Latinx and white, mostly male youth. It is truly heartbreaking.
August 7, 2022
This was amazing!
I never knew these facts about Ice, and his friends story was almost like a true crime story.
Ice, was orphaned at an early age, parents died. Sent to live in LA. He met several guys, that turned out to be lifelong friends.
Ice did some illegal stuff, as a teen, but never killed anyone.
His other friend, the other author in the book, was charged with 187. He did not do the shooting, but was involved in the robbery where the shooting transspired.
Great story of redemption, for both men.
This book, should be in every youth home, and prison in America!
I never knew these facts about Ice, and his friends story was almost like a true crime story.
Ice, was orphaned at an early age, parents died. Sent to live in LA. He met several guys, that turned out to be lifelong friends.
Ice did some illegal stuff, as a teen, but never killed anyone.
His other friend, the other author in the book, was charged with 187. He did not do the shooting, but was involved in the robbery where the shooting transspired.
Great story of redemption, for both men.
This book, should be in every youth home, and prison in America!
August 28, 2022
"Our lives are measured in minutes and inches." During the author interviews at the end of the Audible book, Ice-T said that he heard that somewhere. That pretty much sums up exactly how he ended up worth over 60 million and Spike spent nearly 30 years in prison. This was a really good book. Spike's narration was a little rough; I realized he narrates similar to how he raps. But the general story was engrossing, entertaining, and definitely educational for those of us lucky enough to have avoided gang and player culture. At first I was more interested in Ice-T's story, but that flipped about halfway through the book and I found myself audibly reacting to the things Spike went through. I think the only time I've ever read a memoir was when it was required reading - usually they bore me. This was an entirely different case.
August 26, 2022
Split Decisions explains why playas like Spike break their grandmothers’ hearts by craving expensive possessions, dying young, or serving long sentences in brutal prisons that make the women’s experiences in Orange is the New Black look like Disneyland.
After years of criminal activity, Ice T showed more intelligence and strength of character by walking away from his selfish past and sheltering many friends who make the same choice.
SD tells a good story but repetition of lessons learned made it clamor for more editing.
After years of criminal activity, Ice T showed more intelligence and strength of character by walking away from his selfish past and sheltering many friends who make the same choice.
SD tells a good story but repetition of lessons learned made it clamor for more editing.
September 17, 2022
Memoirs are probably my favorite genre! I grew up watching Law and Order SVU. That was my introduction to Ice-T, so when I saw this book, I immediately wanted to read it! It parallels the life of Ice-T and one of his childhood friends, Spike. Interestingly, their lives took completely different paths based on a couple of decisions. Even in the midst of that, their friendship remained. I listened to the audiobook, so I LOVED that Ice-T and Spike read their respective chapters! 🎉
September 25, 2022
Not what I thought it would be, exactly, but was well divided back and forth showcasing a life-long friendship. I think I would have liked a single memoir from only Ice-T with more from his career than what is in this book. There is a lot of language, but it seems written in the way it was shared with their writer so I guess it's authentic in that way. But hearing other portions be so eloquent and lyrical I simply wanted to hear more than the same handful of explicits used as adjectives.
August 14, 2022
Narration by Ice T himself 5+🌟 I love me some Finn Tutuola
October 2, 2022
3.5 rounded up!
December 27, 2022
Read this book in one day. We’ll done. Great storytelling.
October 19, 2024
Okayyyyy that was actually so good?! Didn't expect to love a random Goodreads giveaway book so much!
August 22, 2022
I have never followed Ice T career, music or TV role. I thought this book sounded interesting with each person’s perspective on their life’s events. I felt that most of the book glorified crime and gangster/player lifestyles. Both Spike & Ice describe that when they did a robbery …pick pocketing, car theft, smash & grab jewelry store robberies …they never hurt anyone because they didn’t carry guns! But a 1K or 250K Heist sure did hurt the owners of that jewelry store…oh yes “they had insurance” but then their premiums increase & emotional harm after being robbed…all this hurts a person! Everyone has “forks in the road” and we have to all live with our choices…prison life was definitely NOT glorified in the book. At the end, I do believe Spike is truly reformed from his criminal ways….I admire Ice T for his loyalty to his friend & his help in getting him back to a stable life. Ice said it best…”Are you done?”
Good message at the end of book…however audible had an interview with both Ice & Spike…still felt they recalled “past crimes” with pride & accomplishment.
Good message at the end of book…however audible had an interview with both Ice & Spike…still felt they recalled “past crimes” with pride & accomplishment.
June 5, 2022
This book exceeded my expectations, and I have a new found respect for Ice-T.
August 19, 2022
Split Decisions: Life Stories as told by Ice-T and Spike is the story of a lifelong friendship between the two men that started when they were Players in Los Angeles, California. Thieves might be a better description. The story deserves 5 Stars as a whole, but I did not like either man.
The book needed a glossary for us squares or old people who do not know street lingo. I lived in L.A. county for close to 20 years, yet did not know much of the slang.
Ice mentions being a teenage father, but not much of his story mentions anything about spending time with the mother and child. Split Decision was a good read, but I did not really like it or find it amazing.
The book needed a glossary for us squares or old people who do not know street lingo. I lived in L.A. county for close to 20 years, yet did not know much of the slang.
Ice mentions being a teenage father, but not much of his story mentions anything about spending time with the mother and child. Split Decision was a good read, but I did not really like it or find it amazing.
January 16, 2023
Picked this up on impulse from the library, mostly because I've admired Ice-T's work on Law & Order: SUV. I didn't know much about his music career or background, but now I've been educated! This is a dual memoir by both Ice-T and his lifelong friend Spike.
I found the first half of the book to be rough going, not just because of the vulgar language and amoral lifestyles, but because of the casual acceptance of criminality. Hundreds of felonies (jewel thefts) without one thought about the victims (Ice-T claimed it didn't matter, because insurance would cover their losses.)
But reading further, I realized the first half was written from their perspective at that time--but as maturity and consequences ensued, both men became reflective--and dare I use the word--repentant.
Now who doesn't love a good Prodigal Son story?
I found the first half of the book to be rough going, not just because of the vulgar language and amoral lifestyles, but because of the casual acceptance of criminality. Hundreds of felonies (jewel thefts) without one thought about the victims (Ice-T claimed it didn't matter, because insurance would cover their losses.)
But reading further, I realized the first half was written from their perspective at that time--but as maturity and consequences ensued, both men became reflective--and dare I use the word--repentant.
Because at the end of the day criminality is the ultimate selfish zone. You want everything and you don't want to work for it. You feel entitled to just go out and take shit. Plus, you think you're smarter than everyone else--that's a toxic mix. [Ice-T]
Not a day goes by when I don't feel regret and remorse. All I can do is live my life the way I'm living it now. All I can do is be thankful every morning when I open my eyes. All I can do is be thankful I've got my freedom, my family, and a loyal friend like Ice.
Most of all I can be thankful that God's given me the insight to see the errors I made--and the chance to make smarter decisions every single day for the rest of my life.[Spike]
Now who doesn't love a good Prodigal Son story?
July 22, 2022
I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.
I'm only familiar with Ice-T through Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, but I didn't really know much about his music career. This is an interesting memoir that alternates between the perspectives of Ice-T and his friend Spike. They both were involved in jewelry theft in LA, but their lives took very different paths, as Ice-T focused on his music and acting career, while Spike ended up in prison for over twenty years for a robbery gone wrong. The book is pretty short and moves along at a good pace, though at times it felt like it was glossing over some of the details. Ice-T, in particular, seems to just go from acting job to acting job and wind up on one of the longest-running shows of all time, even though I'm sure there was a lot of hard work and setbacks to get to that point. He also doesn't really talk about the particulars of being on the show, other than to mention that he was working on the show while Spike was in prison. I'm sure it must have been an interesting experience to be on a show in such a famous and long-running franchise, what it's like to work with more experienced actors, etc., but he doesn't really describe his experience on the show much. But it is an interesting look at two men who have been longtime friends whose decisions in life led them in two very different directions.
I'm only familiar with Ice-T through Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, but I didn't really know much about his music career. This is an interesting memoir that alternates between the perspectives of Ice-T and his friend Spike. They both were involved in jewelry theft in LA, but their lives took very different paths, as Ice-T focused on his music and acting career, while Spike ended up in prison for over twenty years for a robbery gone wrong. The book is pretty short and moves along at a good pace, though at times it felt like it was glossing over some of the details. Ice-T, in particular, seems to just go from acting job to acting job and wind up on one of the longest-running shows of all time, even though I'm sure there was a lot of hard work and setbacks to get to that point. He also doesn't really talk about the particulars of being on the show, other than to mention that he was working on the show while Spike was in prison. I'm sure it must have been an interesting experience to be on a show in such a famous and long-running franchise, what it's like to work with more experienced actors, etc., but he doesn't really describe his experience on the show much. But it is an interesting look at two men who have been longtime friends whose decisions in life led them in two very different directions.
July 29, 2022
There’s a tough similarity in SPLIT DECISIONS, that hit me hard. A similarity between the life decisions I made, and my brother Mike made.
My brother Mike went down a path into addiction and eventually incarceration. The addiction destroyed his heart and Mike died while jailed. I was on a bad path before I went into the US Army. The Army changed me. Taking me off the path. I understand how decisions change our trajectory, big time (just Google me).
I read the Advanced Reader Copy that Simon & Schuster sent out to me not knowing what to expect, especially as someone that’s been in law enforcement for 22 years. I am glad I opened it up and started reading.
This book chronicles the decisions that brought Ice-T out of the criminal world and his lifelong friend Spike deep into the criminal justice system, incarcerated for years. Reading it was tough, not going to lie. Not because it was written bad, in fact, it was a great read. It was tough because it brought up so many of my own memories and decisions. I recommend this book, especially to those that want a glimpse into a world that many haven’t experienced.
The book releases on my brother's birthday. Another year passed. RIP Mike. July 19, 1965, to January 17, 2007.
My brother Mike went down a path into addiction and eventually incarceration. The addiction destroyed his heart and Mike died while jailed. I was on a bad path before I went into the US Army. The Army changed me. Taking me off the path. I understand how decisions change our trajectory, big time (just Google me).
I read the Advanced Reader Copy that Simon & Schuster sent out to me not knowing what to expect, especially as someone that’s been in law enforcement for 22 years. I am glad I opened it up and started reading.
This book chronicles the decisions that brought Ice-T out of the criminal world and his lifelong friend Spike deep into the criminal justice system, incarcerated for years. Reading it was tough, not going to lie. Not because it was written bad, in fact, it was a great read. It was tough because it brought up so many of my own memories and decisions. I recommend this book, especially to those that want a glimpse into a world that many haven’t experienced.
The book releases on my brother's birthday. Another year passed. RIP Mike. July 19, 1965, to January 17, 2007.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews