In the world of Steppin’, reputation and ego reign supreme. I’ve learned this the hard way, as even the slightest bit of criticism toward one of the greats can generate a maelstrom of backlash. Ice Ray, one of Steppin’s most popular figures, has a built a reputation of mythical proportions. From entering the club with body guards in the 90’s, to driving Rolls Royce’s and sporting diamonds and rubies, talk of Ray’s past exploits are legendary. A recluse in current times, young steppers clamor to get a glimpse of the legend when he pops into a set. Although Ray, a buddy of mine as well, continues to sport mink coats, and wear diamonds, rubies and custom clothes, his own friends say that he has fallen on hard times. Many of them are angry with Ray, and they, not me (for the record), want their story told.
One young lady, who is not one of Ray’s longtime friends, called yesterday and identified herself as George “Macaroni” Garnes’ daughter, Tiffany. She cried profusely as she described what Ice Ray did to her father during the funeral situation. ChiStepper will present her words, edited for clarity, along with commentary from Ray’s friends.
Tiffany begins…
“Hi this is M.A.C.’s daughter. I would like to say that I appreciate what everyone has done for my father and also thank GOD but I would like to take the time to let everybody know what happened with my father ‘s funeral [and] with me. Also with the donations that [were] given on behalf of my father. “
Tiffany lives in Jacksonville, Florida. She came to Chicago when she learned of her father’s death. At this time she met Ice Ray…
“I arrived in Chicago the next day after I received the news about my father. The next day I met ICE RAY. He greeted me like he was my father’s best friend in the world [and] told me that he was my GODFATHER now and not to worry about nothing and to sign my FATHER over to him and he will take care of everything. When some of my father’s good friends called [Ice Ray said] that all they had to do was show up. That’s it. So I really felt like everything was O.K. So everything was cool so far. By the way, the next day when I arrived in Chicago my daddy’s landlord was waiting on me to come so that I can get my father’s belongings out of his house. [His belongings included] 5 cd portable players, 4 cd burners, 2 tv’s, and about 8 or 9 trophies that my father earned in his stepping prime. [He also had] 4 Dobb hats.”
What happened to Macaroni’s stuff…
I have none of his music and y’all know he had a lot of music and DVD’s. I have none of that. I have 1 of his trophies, 2 TV’s, 2 cd burners and that’s it. ICERAY was there when I got all that stuff of my father’s.
On the funeral debacle…
After the funeral he [Ice Ray] was supposed to pay for the funeral [but] he never did. I went to the funeral home 2 days after the funeral to get the book that everyone signs [and] that’s when I found out that he had a balance of 2,100 hundred dollars. So I was like ‘what the f&*k is going on’. So then I noticed that ICE RAY was acting funny with me [and] wouldn’t answer the phone. All type of sh!t started happening. Then I had the box of money at Ice Ray house. (Can’t understand this portion) He sent KIM BOWIE to give me my clothes and told me that Kim Bowie had the box of money [and] everything. So I call Kim Bowie [and] he said RAY had that box of money. So then I called Ray back. That’s when he said, “I took the money … It’s plenty more where that came from.” So I was like as long as everything is straight, I am straight. He sent Michael Wentworth with the stuff he had sat outside of my father’s to give me. That’s when I noticed that I did not have [all of] my daddy’s stuff. I can go on and on about Ice Ray and it really makes me sick to my stomach knowing that I put my trust in his lowdown dirty undercover punk a$$. He did not pay for my father’s funeral. You can call the funeral home and they will tell you that Ice Ray did not pay for nothing. George Garnes’ daughter took care of that.
A little bit later, I was put on a 3-way call with a mutual friend of both Macaroni and Ice Ray. Before the individual realized that I was on the phone, he began talking about how wrong Ice Ray was. He later learned that I was on the call, but was totally fine with it and said, if you need to, put my name out there. Ice Ray is wrong. The individual identified himself as Clint, and said he has been friends with Ray for 30 years. He says that Ray has fallen on hard times and that he personally gave Ray $2,500 for Macaroni’s funeral … most, if not all of which Ray kept for himself. He also reported that Ray said that he never really cared for Macaroni anyway.
They reported to ChiStepper that Macaroni had to be cremated last week, because they learned that his body was still at the funeral home. Apparently, the state had to pay for Macaroni to be cremated. Macaroni’s daughter Tiffany stated that Ice Ray took all of the money that people gave to him on her father’s behalf.
Tiffany told ChiStepper that she wants everyone to know this story and that it was her intention to expose Ice Ray. Ice Ray’s friends, if we should continue to call them that, also say that Ray is wrong and he needs to be exposed. They’ve suggested that Ray is in need of help and that his drinking has spiraled out of control. Many will probably read this and criticize ChiStepper for being the vessel. Before publishing this article, I asked all the parties involved if they were positive that they wanted me to post their thoughts (because they would be exposed to thousands). They both said they understood. Due to my own communication with Ray, which has always been pleasant, I have refrained from posting some of the more graphic depictions that they’ve given me of Ray. Some of the things that his comrades of 30 + years reported, and were willing to put on record, would have absolutely destroyed the Legend we know as Ice Ray. But they are much too personal and damaging to be recorded here. I’ve learned that when people are angry, they sometimes report things that they can’t take back, and as juicy as the story would be had I included it … it’s not worth it. I believe that from what has been reported thus far you all get the message.
Vote Result
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BJ God help us all. This is
BJ
God help us all. This is really sad to hear. It's always the after math, the story behind the story. Lord please heal all the wounds on all sides of this sad story.
Rest in Peace MAC.
Controvery concerning MAC's Funeral
T. Pratt, one helluva reporting story brotha, I commend your efforts. In my opinion it was unbiased and informative. You are absolutely correct in you assessment of the situation and not taking sides, the comments or quotes from others in discussing their views/opinions of Ice Ray would have cause irreparable harm to a person, that is still a father, friend, and whatever to others, this is not the forum to air this laundry. I hope this is not true, but if it is, the exposure and facts must come and will come in time, Ice Ray or Tiffany will have to defend their own actions and intentions of this situation. Remember people light will expose darkness where ever it may be. Tiffany baby, keep your head up honey, think "Justice not Vengeance!" May George MAC, continue to rest in peace, and God have mercy on his soul.
Be careful when judging others, God at least waits until the end of a person's days before he judges!
Something to Think About
I was a journalist for 3 years before going into education and these were the types of stories that I ran from. There is a lot of power in the pen aka "the keyboard." When a steppin figure's contributions are revered and applauded like Ice Ray, it's hard to swallow this kind of pill without hearing from both sides.
Speaking from an out of towner's (oot) perspective, I can't tell you how many times I heard Tyk, Ya hir, Danielle, Dre' and countless others speak about the impact this man had in the dance and in their lives. The build up was so much for many of us (oot)that we all waited for years just to catch a glimpse of this man at a set. Some of us even heard about how Ice Ray kept so and so off drugs and the streets because they stayed in the club for hours trying to study his style. Then there was the story about how Ice Ray paid for 5 of his buddies to get into a set because they didn't have any money and drove them all home so they wouldn't have to wait in the cold for the bus. Some people may frown up at hearing stories like that but for me, if there were no Ice Ray, there may not be a lot of male and female steppers we know and love today.
If there is any merit to Tiffany's (George's daughter) story then so be it but this type of article can't help but manipulate some people's way of thinking about Ice Ray now. When Ralph Abernathy wrote his book and revealed the sexual exploits of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was it necessary...especially without hearing from King himself? Thank God people remember King for his efforts in the Civil Right Movement instead of the women with whom he had extra marital affairs. I just hope that people will focus on the contributions that Ice Ray made in this dance and if there is a lesson to be learned from T. Pratt's story, let it be this..."Steppin is a game of life in which you need to move your pieces in the right places so that you don't fall off the board." If Ice Ray has fallen off the board...can someone be there to help him up?
My Reply
Imasteppa ... I'm still waiting to see those journalist credentials? At any rate, I'm no journalist and have never considered myself to be such. Even reporter wouldn't capture what I do. I will say this though ... if you pick up any magazine in the country, you will find that people give "their side of the story." If the other party chooses to rebut, that's fine ... the opportunity is there. In that vein, I've been trying to reach Ray for the last 2 days, and trust me it is no easy task. I wanted to be the first to tell him what was posted. ChiStepper has been trying to get Ray to speak for 2 years (once again, no easy task).
I don't take anything that you wrote personally, but I'll say on the Abernathy piece. Many sources have quoted King as being both a drinker and a womanizer. That does not detract from all of the great things that he did. It is those who judge that want to see a person as having no faults ... but we all do. Ice Ray is human, and whether Tiffany's story is true or not, it is certainly not inconceivable, because Ray is human.
Lastly, as for the accuracy of what I wrote. I've conversed with 7 people about this. Two were willing to give their names (Tiffany and Clint). I haven't talked to Kim Bowie yet, but I hear that he wants to go on the record as well. Five of the 7 people I talked to were there throughout the whole ordeal.
Now even with that knowledge, Ray is still a giant when it comes to Steppin'. I'm more concerned with the fact that the homey might need a hand. Sometimes we rever individuals so much, that we ignore the pain and struggles. I remember that Ray once told me at 3G's, "Regardless of what a person might be going through inside, all these people want to do is see you dance." With that, I'm going to pray for all involved, because it seems that they certainly need it.
BJ Here, Here T.Pratt! Yes
BJ
Here, Here T.Pratt!
Yes it's praying time.
I am appauld
I recently joined your website. I must say, I am appauld that you would write such negativity from a 27 year old nobody about a ICON like ICE RAY. He doesn't have to address such nonsense. I attended the funeral, I didn't see anyone else step up. I don't remember anyone else saying "all you need to do is come". I'm sorry, were you there? This artical is a defirmation of character. I'm not an attorney but I'm sure people have been sued for it.
In advance I apoligize if I offend you. But I am offended that you would disgraced my friend.
dissaponted, Spliv
Mac's Funeral
Once again, don't shoot the messenger. With all due respect, we all heard versions of the situation, but I had no intention on posting anything at all. Members of your own Steppin' community asked me to give this young lady a voice. I'm not confirming or denying anything that she said. Personally, I have nothing but love and respect for Ray ... this is not my fight.
Remember this though ... that young lady might just be "a 27 year old nobody" to you. However, Macaroni was a Legend like Ice Ray and this is Mac's daughter. Many felt that she deserved a voice as Mac's daughter, so I allowed her to express herself. A lot of people had opinions that weren't posted, but seeing that this was Mac's daughter and she was in pain, it made the situation more personal.
Now I called Ray personally to let him know. Whether he responds or not is up to him. Out of respect however, I did reach out to him. I realize that Ice Ray is loved and admired in the steppin' game, and I gain absolutely nothing by trying to portray him in a different light. Since you are knew to the website, you probably have no clue how many times ChiStepper.com has honored Ray's legacy. If you'd like to see some of the past articles, I still have them in the archives.
And no, I'm not offended. I realized that some would attempt to blame me instead of the source. It comes with the territory ... but I have no malice toward Ray whatsoever. One more thing, no I was not at the funeral, and that is exactly why I published her words, not my own.
HERE'S TO THE ADMIIRER(I AM
HERE'S TO THE ADMIIRER(I AM APPAULD)
THAT 27 YEAR OLD NOBODY IS SOMEBONE TOO (MAC'S DAUGHTER)
JUST BECAUSE A PERSON IS A ICON DOESN'T MEAN THEY DON'T HAVE FAULT. AND IT SEEMS TO ME THE NOBODY CAME A MIGHTY LONG WAY(JACKSONVILLE,FLA.) TO LIE. ICE RAY DISGRACED HIMSELF AND T.PRATT DID HIS JOB. JUST KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN WHAT GOES ON IN THE DARK WILL DEFINITELY COME TO THE LIGHT.
P.S. ON THE FUNERAL IT'S EASY TO STEP UP BUT PUTTING UP MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
KK Cole
KK Cole
Ice Ray
I just want to say this I know I am more than 2 million miles away but whatever. Ice Ray has a daughter that loves him too and I am not going to sit back and let anybody just let ruin his reputation. It is this girl's word against my father's and his"friends". If they were his friends they would have went to him about whatever issues they were haviing. I can't say that I am surprised though people love to kick you when you are down. She says his "friends" says that he has a problem, friends help you when you have a problem. How many of theese "friends" have reached out to him to help him with his so called problem. My fahter opened his house to this person and whatever happened you mean to tell me that after he opened his house to you, you can't talk to him. Yes I am very upset about her offensive language toward my father but I won't even adreees that this time. However I will say if she wants to talk to me woman to woman I'm always available. But don't trash my father, drag him through the mud, and run back to Florida. I won't attack her personally because I feel that maybe she was hurt about her father passing but I will defend my father. He has always been had a great heart taking in kids off the street, passing out money, smiling, and laughing. Helping people that smile in his face and stab him in the back. Ice Ray was great when he was buying out the bar but now instead of being the kind hearted great man that everybody loved now he is a monster, funny. I bet if he start throwing cash around again the same people would jump right back on that back wagon. Anyway I didn't mean to get that deep in it just wanted to let whoever wants to know, know that he has a daughter that loves him just as much she loved her dad. AND my father has been called many things but a theif, NEVER.
thanks!
thanks!
Wow i can't believe what I'm reading!
swavay4ever
I can't believe some of the comments that i'm reading about about this matter. Are we saying that since ICE RAY supposedly this "Steppers Icon" that he shouldn't be called out for when you do wrong to someone? Well I don't think that Mac's Daughter would go on record and say all of this about this so called "STEPPERS ICON"that's looks very troubled every time you see him!!!!!!
Ice Ray
I feel that everyone on this earth have flaws!! God is the judge of this situation...I've been Steppin for 35 years and have known Ice Ray for over 20 years....This is a time for a prayer to be sent out to George Macaroni's daughter and to Ice Ray. A real friend to Ice Ray would try to help him not bash him, I've arranged funerals before in the past, most funeral homes want a payment or an insurance policy, funerals range from $3,000 - $5,000 or more, so he had to pay that funeral home something for the funeral to go on. There are 3 sides to the story; Tiffany's, Ice Ray, and the TRUTH. So please everyone let's just remember that overall the funeral was beautiful, the repass was nice, and most of all may George Macaroni rest in peace...Love Miss Satisfaction
ICE RAY
You know my dear, that's how people are USERS. However, I'm glad that you are taking up for your DAD. I'm glad that you allowed GOD to use you when this young lady was bad mouthing your DAD.
I believe, I would have SNAPPED and probably would have been arrested. I have a family complex and would go completely off. Once again, GOD would not let me go that far. Why, because HE is working on me regarding my ANGER MANAGEMENT.
May God continue to bless you and your entire family.
CJ