Nigerian rap veteran Ice Prince has dropped his much-anticipated EP Starters, in collaboration with longtime producer and associate Chopstix. Released under Ice Prince’s Super Cool Cats label and Chocolate City Music, the 8-track project features a stellar lineup of Nigerian talents, including Bella Shmurda, Tml Vibez, Psycho YP, and Ajebo Hustlers, delivering a vibrant mix of Afro-fusion, rap, and street anthems. The EP, which Ice Prince announced via social media earlier this year, has been teased since April, building significant anticipation among fans eager for new music from the OG rapper.
Starters kicks off with a high-energy vibe, showcasing Ice Prince’s lyrical dexterity and Chopstix’s signature production style, which blends thumping beats with melodic undertones. A standout track, Loke, features Bella Shmurda and Tml Vibez, fusing Ice Prince’s sharp rap flow with Bella Shmurda’s raw street appeal, known from his 2019 hit Vision 2020, and Tml Vibez’s fresh energy, creating a dynamic Afro-fusion sound. Other tracks on the EP explore themes of resilience, camaraderie, and celebration, reflecting Ice Prince’s journey from his early days in Jos to his current status as a Nigerian music veteran. The project’s diverse features highlight Ice Prince’s commitment to bridging generational gaps, spotlighting both established and emerging artists like Psycho YP, whose trap-infused style adds a modern edge, and Ajebo Hustlers, known for their Pidgin rap anthems.
Ice Prince, who rose to fame with his 2011 hit Oleku and debut album Everybody Loves Ice Prince, has a storied career marked by collaborations with African rap heavyweights like Sarkodie and AKA, as well as global recognition, including a 2013 BET Award. His move to independence with Super Cool Cats in 2015, after leaving Chocolate City, has allowed him to experiment with his sound, a trend that continues with Starters. The EP follows his 2023 project To Be Continued, which offered introspective glimpses into his challenges, and aligns with his recent teases of a full-length album featuring MI Abaga and Jesse Jagz.
Available now on all major streaming platforms, Starters positions Ice Prince as a veteran who remains relevant, blending his foundational rap roots with contemporary Afrobeats influences. The collaboration with Chopstix, a producer he’s worked with since 2012 on hits like Aboki, underscores a partnership that continues to yield electrifying results, making Starters a promising kickoff to Ice Prince’s 2025 journey.
Listen to Starters EP here.
