Ice-T is releasing his own alcoholic drink

The rapper-turned-actor has signed a deal with Aiko Importers and

Pay Up Management to promote a new beverage, named Original Gangster XO Brandy.

The 52-year-old star will not receive a fee to promote the drink and instead is going into partnership with the companies.

Representatives for Aiko Importers approached the hip-hop star`s management a year ago about the collaboration.

Ice-T`s manager Mickey Bentson - who owns Pay Up Records - has confirmed the deal, telling website AllHipHop.com: "Ice-T sat down with me and I told him, `You have to see the presentation.` He loved the taste and the bottle. At the direction of Ice-T, I also told them we didn`t want money, we wanted a partnership.

"Ice decided it would be best to have partnership in the business so we can build other brands. The bottles are great and the liquor is fantastic."

Original Gangster XO Brandy is produced in France and made by hand in small batches. It is created with a blend from "exceptional vineyards" to ensure a distinctive flavour.

Ice-T is not the first hip-hop star to launch his own alcoholic brand.

P. Diddy promotes Ciroc vodka, while Dr. Dre fans can enjoy a glass of his Aftermath Cognac.

sections: Celebrities