Ernie C

Ernie Cunnigan (born June 10, 1959), better known by his stage name Ernie C, is an American musician and record producer, best known as the guitarist of rap metal band Body Count.

Early life Cunnigan grew up in Compton, California and attended Crenshaw High School with Ice-T. Cunnigan was one of the few students attending the school who was interested in rock music. His uncle was an important influence. He introduced Cunnigan to different groups and a diverse number of styles in the genre. Cunnigan became an enthusiastic fan, eventually buying a guitar from his local music store. He dedicated himself to learning, starting at 12. He was entirely self-taught. Ernie C also produced demo tapes that led to the signings of Stone Temple Pilots and Rage Against the Machine, as well as the Forbidden album for Black Sabbath.

As part of Body Count, Ernie C received his first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance nomination in 2017 at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards for the song "Black Hoodie" from the band's sixth studio album, Bloodlust. He managed to win at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, which was held in March 2021, when he was nominated for the second time for the song "Bum-Rush" from the group's seventh album Carnivore.

Discography The Iceberg / Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say! (1989) Body Count (1992) Born Dead (1994) Violent Demise: The Last Days (1997) Murder 4 Hire (2006) Manslaughter (2014) Bloodlust (2017) Carnivore (2020) Merciless (2024)

Videography Murder 4 Hire (2004) Live in LA (2005) Smoke Out Festival Presents: Body Count (2005)

Awards and nominations

"Black Hoodie"

"Bum-Rush"