At the height of his career, Ice Prince was the hottest African artist in the world. His 2011 classic album “Everybody Loves Ice Prince” propelled him to an incredible height of rap superstardom in Nigeria and across Africa.
His timeless monster hit record “Oleku,” featuring Brymo, was one of the first records that could be branded an instant smash hit, and his second single “Superstar” shot him up to superstardom.
His success crossed continental borders when he released his sophomore album, “Fire of Zamani,” becoming one of the faces of Nigerian pop music (generally accepted as Afrobeats). He won the BET Awards 2013’s Best International Act: Africa award. He also met iconic figures like Birdman and Jay Z, further establishing his place as one of Nigerian music’s most recognisable faces.
These days, Ice Prince has settled into his role as an OG. In fact, he is one of the few ageing gracefully and moving correctly. He doesn’t appear in the media often, and when he does, he is spitting gems.
Even the way he’s rolled out the new album has been admirable. Rather than attempt to be controversial like most of his colleagues and peers chose to, he kept it cool, fun, respectful, and authentic.
His new album, “Fire and Ice,” is his fourth and first in eight years. “Fire and Ice” describes the famed rapper’s dual personality. “Fire” is Panshak Zamani, whereas “Ice” is a deeper version of the Ice Prince we know.
‘I’m in a fine place, still rhyming in a divine state’ he raps triumphantly on Intro. He offers a glimpse into his state of mind on the introspective and sombre record and attempts to appease his fans for keeping them waiting for eight years.
He recruits Bithohan and Laime, who combine to deliver a powerful hook defined by soothing melodies and harmonies. It’s a fantastic opener.
He taps Seyi Vibez’s protege, TML Vibez, who delivers a solid hook and verse on ‘Seke’ while Ice Prince reminds listeners of his ability to craft memorable records using storytelling as a tool.
The Blaisebeats produced midtempo record ‘Accidentally’ is forgettable. Seyi Vibez provides a lacklustre hook, as Ice desperately attempts to salvage the situation with two bland verses.
The smooth violins that open ‘TLC’ promise an interesting listen. The eventual record is not as good as expected.
“Everybody Needs” is a groovy mid-tempo bop led by guitar chords influenced by Latin pop. It’s one of the most promising songs on this album.
Ice Prince finds comfort in the warmth of dreamy riffs and Dwillsharmony’s fine hook as they discuss the importance of money on “Olowo” while he displays some fine rapping on the Blaqbonez-assisted “Calculate.”.
He sends loads of promises to his muse on “Carry your matter” and goes bar for bar with knowledge while Piego delivers a melodic masterclass on “Woman of Virtue.”.
Ayomide Sounds gives a good account of himself on the alluring “So Professional,” as Ice Prince delivers one of the best rap verses on this album.
“Back in the booth with my ABJ rastas,” he raps on ‘Untitled, featuring Abuja rastas Odumodublvck and PsychoYP. YP is undoubtedly the star of the show, delivering a well-rounded verse that features his best attempt at rapping in pidgin.
“Lord Save Me,” starring Yaardman L and Run Jozzy, is another stodgy record. One that should have remained unreleased.
The remixed version of “Bank Alert” features superb verses from Ice and Sarkodie, while the Magnito verse nearly undoes all that good work.
Ckay’s divine melodies on “Shakara” close out the album.
Final thoughts
This album is everything you should expect from an Ice Prince album. Luxury rapping, cheesy lines, storytelling, braggadocio, and vibes.
There’s nothing on this album that’s spectacular or out of this world. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad album. It’s also not great either. Basically, it’s just there.
It’s not the most memorable album listening experience. A few of songs might make it onto your playlist, and that’s it.
The album follows a formula and has only one dimension. He covers the same issues, while the production revolves around basic Afropop and Hip-hop p-hop. It isn’t vast or fascinating enough to leave an impression on the listener.
Ice Prince also relies heavily on the featured acts to deliver the moments of magic, while he positions himself nicely to tap in from five yards out.
Older Ice Prince fans might be accepting of this album, but this writer doesn’t think it’s good enough to gain new fans, and at this stage of his career, Ice Prince may not care about that.
Overall, Ice Prince’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest rappers is undeniable. This album would do no harm to that.
Rating: /10
• 0-1.9: Trash
• 2.0-3.9: Flop
• 4.0–5.9: Average
• 6.0–7.9: Decent
• 8.0-10: Champion
Ratings /10.
Album Sequencing: 1.3/2
Songwriting and Topics: 1.2/2
Production: 1.4/2
Enjoyability and Satisfaction: 1.2/2
Execution: 1.3/2
Total: 6.4 Decent
