| Beatmaster V | |
| Birth Name: | Victor Ray Wilson |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Birth Date: | February 20, 1959 |
| Death Date: | April 30, 1996 (aged 37) |
| Instrument: | Drums |
| Genre: | Rap metal, crossover thrash, hardcore punk, groove metal |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Years Active: | 1990–1996 |
| Past Member Of: | Body Count |
Victor Ray Wilson (February 20, 1959 – April 30, 1996), better known as Beatmaster V, was an American musician and drummer of metal band Body Count.
Wilson grew up in South Central, Los Angeles, and attended Crenshaw High School with Ice-T and Ernie C.[1] As a musician he participated in music wherever he could, including church music with his local church.[2]
In his community and church, as a youth, Beatmaster V practiced drums and other instruments. He excelled in his musical ability at an early age. By the time he was 11 years old he played with the blues musician Lou Rawls, as a drummer. He continued on and took drum classes, and built more musical skill playing with various musicians like Ernie C.[1] [2] [3]
Along with guitarist Ernie C, vocalist Ice-T, bassist Mooseman and rhythm guitarist D-Roc, Wilson formed the heavy metal band Body Count during the recording of Ice-T's fourth hip hop album, O.G. Original Gangster.[1] Musically, later, after their many days of rehearsing and performing, Beatmaster V and Ernie C. ended up in the same L.A. band, Body Count. The band was founded by Ice T. & the other bandmates. After initially presenting the Body Count band sounds in L.A. clubs and venues Body Count went on to perform in the original Lollapalooza), & many other events and places across America & around the world.[2]
Wilson died of leukemia in 1996.[4]
Jonathon James, a family member, played with Body Count as a backup drummer on the album in place of Wilson.