Ice Prince

1999–2011: Everybody Loves Ice Prince

In 1999, he began writing rap songs and started performing them at school; in 2001 he began recording them. In 2002, he and some friends formed the "ECOMOG Squad" but split after a year. In 2004, he connected with M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ruby, Lindsey, Eve, Taz, and together they became what is now known today as the "Loopy Crew".^[9] He attended the University of Jos to study zoology, but had to stop because of a "financial constraint".^[10] During the aforementioned interview, Ice Prince opened up about why he chose to name his debut album, Everybody Loves Ice Prince. He said "What made me give my album that name was when I lost my Mum, really. There was so much love, so much care from all around the world. People really showed me love and it was after that incident that I came back to record my album and I thought what better name to call my album than Everybody Loves Ice Prince because I was shown love".^[10]

"Oleku", Ice Prince's first single off his debut album was met with great reception throughout Nigeria.^[11] The song was released under Chocolate City. Ice Prince's 'rap resume' has a long list of songs he's been featured on. He was featured on Taikoon's "Respect My Hustle" with Banky W,^[12] DJ Neptune's "This Gbedu Reloaded" with YQ & Shank,^[13] Bez's "Super Sun (Remix)" with ELDee & Eva Alordiah,^[14] YQ's "Efimile (Remix)" with Naeto C, M.I, Banky W, & ELDee,^[15] Pherowshuz's "Korrect (remix)" with M.I & Terry Tha Rapman,^[16] Dekunle Fuji's "Funmilayo" with Jesse Jagz, Jamix's "My Party" with Wizkid & Kel,^[17] Reminisce's "2 Mussh [Remix]" with Sauce Kid,^[18] and Knighthouse's "Make it Better" with Mo'Cheddah, Funbi, & Mobie,^[19] among others.

2012–2013: Fire of Zamani

In 2012, he began frequent collaborations with Grip Boiz City producer Chopstix, releasing "Aboki" in the summer of 2012. An accompanying music video was released alongside it. "Aboki" peaked at number 92 on Afribiz's Top 100 chart.^[20] On 28 August 2012, Ice Prince released "More" as the second single from the album. The song was also produced by Chopstix. The music video for "More" was shot and directed in London by Moe Musa. It stars Lola Rae, a British Nigerian recording artist known for her single "Watch My Ting Go". The video premiered at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.^[21][22][23]

On 25 January 2013, Ice Prince released "Aboki (Remix)"; he described the song as the "biggest African collision ever".^[24] The song features Sarkodie, Mercy Johnson, Wizkid, M.I and Khuli Chana.^[25][26] On 24 April 2013, Ice Prince and Chocolate City released "Gimme Dat" and "V.I.P" simultaneously. The former made the album's final track-listing, while the latter didn't.^[27][28]

2015–2016: Jos to the World and Super Cool Cats

In 2015, Ice Prince began making available singles from his third studio album. The eventual release of the album signified his first independent album outside Chocolate City record label. He revealed to Pulse he had Universal Studio in the US mix and master the album.^[29] On 10 March 2015, Ice Prince founded Super Cool Cats, right after his contract with Chocolate City expired.^[30] On 23 May 2016, at a press conference held at Chocolate City office in Lagos, Ice Prince unveiled Chocolate City, as the parent company of his record label, and a sub-division of Chocolate City. On 28 August 2016, Ice Prince unveiled Jilex Anderson at The Quilox Ultra Pool Party (#QUPP), as SCC first act.^[31] On 12 December 2020, Ice Prince announced the signing of Au Pro, on Twitter, via a tweet.^[32]

In September 2023, Ice Prince teased a new album featuring MI Abaga and Jesse Jagz.^[33]

Musical influences

Ice Prince cited Notorious B.I.G., Rakim, Jay-Z, Common, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill, M.I and Jesse Jagz as his key musical influences.^[9]

Film and television