Iceberg Slim (musician)

Olusegun Olowokere, known by his stage name Iceberg Slim, is an American-Nigerian rapper, and singer, widely known for his controversial self-proclaimed status as being "Better than M.I", which became the most talked about topic in the Nigerian hip hop space between June and August 2009, few months after he won the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, in the Best International Artist category.

For the American author, see Iceberg Slim.
Iceberg Slim
Background information
Birth nameOlusegun Olowokere
Born7 August
New York City, New York State
Genres
Occupation(s)
Years active2008–present
Labels
Citizenship
Education

Early life

Iceberg Slim was born Olusegun Olowokere in New York City on August 7, to Nigerian parents.[1] He is the youngest born of four kids.[2] His music journey began in the church choir at the age of 12, at Christ Apostolic Church, where he became a chorister.[2] While in the choir he began learning how to play musical instruments[3] and later became the church drummer, then later the keyboardist.[2]

He wanted to become an FBI Agent,[3] but his passion for music made him drop out from John Jay, after two years of enrollment, to pursue his musical dream. He graduated from the Institute of Audio Research, with a certification in Audio Engineering and Production.[4] In the course of his study, he tells This Day, "I learnt a lot about music production, video production, and editing.[3]

Career

In 2008, he released his mixtape Soul Food, with featuring guess vocals from Sauce Kid, Zara, and Blak Jesus.[5]

On 25 December 2008, he features on "Big Boy (rap remix)" by eLDee, alongside Rukus and Proto of Chiddy Bang,[6] from the Big Boy studio album, released on 21 August 2008, by eLDee. Same year, he performed at the Apollo Theater, in Harlem, New York City.[5] In 2009, he fearued on the remix of Banky W., song "Lagos Party", with Naeto C, D'Banj, 9ice, eLDee & Muna.[7] In 2009, he recruited, the American rapper Ja Rule on the remix of "Plenty Money",[5] as one of the lead singles off his online mixtape titled The Fix, which features Ja Rule, Sauce Kid, Banky W., eLDee, and Rico White, the same year.[5] In 2010, Iceberg recorded "Blue Bloods" for the American CBS original Crime-Drama series, Blue Bloods.[5] It was used in Season 1, Episode 2 for a total of 60secs, says the Ghanaian blogger Ameyaw Debrah.[5] Same year, Iceberg features Da Grin on "I Made It", produced by Sarz.

On 6 May 2011, he released "Too Much Money", featuring Banky W., under G-Worldwide, which became a hit track and earned him two nominations at The Headies 2012, for Best Rap Single, and Lyricist on the Roll category, shortly after he relocated back to Nigeria, to pursue his career full-time in the industry.[3] In 2012, he began his singing career, following the release of "Ayanfe", on 14 June 2012, with backup vocals from Emma Nyra,[8] and a remix featuring Emma Nyra, and M.I,[9] after Iceberg and M.I squashed their battle. "Ayanfe remix" video features a cameo appearance from Eva Alordiah,[10] and tells the romantic story of a lady played by Eva, who has had love trials.

On February 13, 2013, DJ Jimmy Jatt, collaborated with Ice Prince and Iceberg on the song "Cool As Ice", produced by Chopstix.[11] Same year he joined 323 Entertainment, Tiwa Savage featured him on "Shout-out",[12] longside Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, from Once Upon a Time studio album, released on July 3, 2013, by Mavin, and 323 Entertainment.[12] On 7 August 2014, Iceberg was featured on "Confessions"[5][13] from the mixtape A7 by Vector.[14] In 2014, 2face Idibia, collaborated with Rocksteady and Iceberg on "The Best I Can Be",[15] from the studio album The Ascension, on 21 July 2014, through Hypertek Digital, and 960 Music Group.[16] Same year, Praiz collaborated with, Skales, Morell, King, and Iceberg, on the song "Jalabia and Snapbacks", from his two sided studio album Rich & Famous, side of Famous,[17] released on 12 December 2014, through X3M Music,[18]

In 2015, Tiwa Savage features Iceberg on her sophomore studio album R.E.D, on "Make Time", released on December 19, 2015, through Mavin, and 323 Entertainment.[19] During the R.E.D album tour, Dr SID, Ezinne, Kaffy, and Iceberg Slim, joined her on tour in Houston.[20] On May 19, 2016, IceBerg released "Wave", featuring Davido,[21] under 323 Entertainment. On 7 March 2017, he collaborated with Davido, Shatta Wale, Terry Apala, Wale Turner, and L.A.X on the remix of "Wave".[22] In 2017, Sean Tizzle, features Iceberg on "Roll Up", off Moving Forward (Vol. 1) studio album, released on 3 February 2017, through Tizzle Nation.[23] On 4 August 2017, "Roll Up" music video was released, directed by Seyi for UA Images.[24] On 16 December 2017, Iceberg Slim, and Juliet Ibrahim signed a brand ambassador deal with the international perfume brand, OROS.[25]

On 1 March 2018, Iceberg spoke at Social Media Week Lagos conference, where he discussed "Digital Romance: Love And Relationships In The Era Of Social Media".[26] On 7 August 2019, Iceberg released "Way Up", featuring Robbie Celeste.[27] On 26 September 2019, Damayo features Iceberg, and Psycho YP, on "Coconut".[28] On 28 August 2020, he released "Owo", produced by Altims.[29] On 2 December 2020, he released the music video, and shot by Base Films, in America.[30]

Controversy

Feuds

In 2009, Iceberg was embroiled in a feud with M.I, shortly after Iceberg released a single titled Mr International[31] where he said the lines: "Am I better than M.I? I don't know. Am I? Matter of fact you should ask M.I". That apparently didn't sit too well with M.I, prompting him to release a single known as "Somebody Wants To Die", featuring his label mate Ice Prince on the track. Less than 48 hours after the release of M.I's "Somebody Wants to Die" IceBerg Slim released "Assassination" and sources quote that his Facebook status at the time of the release read "Somebody Wants To Die", I'll be responsible for the "Assassination" ... let the countdown begin ... (I told em it would be a M.I.stake, but they didn't listen)".[32] There was a contest in the mind of rap fans on who happened to be the best rapper in Nigeria. M.I developed more fans than Iceberg Slim and had more hit records, while Iceberg Slim gained hearts on Nigerian rap fans in a very short and unusual period. In 2012, both rappers decided to sweep the feud under the rug. Iceberg stated, "I don't think I picked on MI. It was a healthy competition in Hip-Hop, which most people don't understand. In Hip-Hop community, we could be best friends or brothers and I can say I'm the best rapper in the world and no one takes offense or takes it personal. My shot at MI wasn't a sign of disrespect in any way. Though sarcastic, it was healthy. People just took it out of context and thought I was dissing him. Rap music is all about competition because it helps you grow and improve on yourself."[33]

Relationship

Slim was in a relationship with Juliet Ibrahim, which ended in 2018.[34]

Personal life

Iceberg is cousin to the American music producer Milwaukee Buck, well known as Buck 3000,[2] who is one of the first Grammy award-winning producers, and sound engineers to receive the special recognition award from The Recording Academy in 2003, for his role on Ashanti self-titled album Ashanti in the Best Contemporary R&B Album category.[2]

Performances
DateEventCountryRef(s)
17 December 2011 NotJustOk Music Concert Nigeria [35]
8 August 2016 R.E.D album tour United States

Cameo appearances
TitleYearAlbum
"High Notes" (Banky W.)2015Songs About U[36]

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominee/Work Result
2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best International Artist Himself Won
2012 The Headies Best Rap Single "Too Much Money" Nominated
Lyricist on the Roll Nominated

References
  1. "Nigerian singer, Iceberg Slim, celebrates his birthday today with the release of a new single". 102.3 Max FM. 8 August 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. Royal, David O. (15 August 2018). "5 things you need to know about Iceberg Slim". Vanguard News. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  3. "My Goal Was to Become an FBI Agent But…". THISDAYLIVE. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  4. Okonofua, Odion (6 November 2017). "All you need to know about the actress' boyfriend, Iceberg Slim". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  5. "30 Facts About Rapper, Iceberg Slim". Ameyaw Debrah. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  6. LHX, TRANSSION. "Big Boy (Rap Remix) ft. Iceberg Slim, Rukus & Proto by eLDee | Big Boy (Rap Remix) ft. Iceberg Slim, Rukus & Proto Lyrics | Boomplay Music". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  7. LHX, TRANSSION. "Lagos Party (Remix) ft Naeto C, D'Banj, Iceberg Slim, 9ice, Eldee & Muna by Banky W". Boomplay Music. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  8. "Now Playing: Iceberg Slim – Ayanfe | Dance For Me Feat. Chuddy K". BellaNaija. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  9. "New Video – Ayanfe Remix By Iceberg Slim Ft. M.I & Emma Nyra". Pulse Nigeria. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  10. "VIDEO: Iceberg Slim - Watch behind the scenes of 'Ayanfe' remix ft. M.I, Eva". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  11. Aiki, Damilare (13 February 2013). "Hot Rap Collaboration! Listen to "Cool As Ice" by DJ Jimmy Jatt Feat. Ice Prince & Iceberg Slim". BellaNaija. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  12. "Everything You Need to Know About Tiwa Savage's Debut Album "Once Upon A Time"". BellaNaija. 27 May 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  13. "Vector To Drop Mixtape #A7, Releases New Song 'Where Is Vector?'". Pulse Nigeria. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  14. "Vector - #A7 (Mixtape)". NotjustOk. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  15. LHX, TRANSSION. "The Best I Can Be ft. Iceberg Slim & Rocksteady by 2Baba | The Best I Can Be ft. Iceberg Slim & Rocksteady Lyrics | Boomplay Music". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  16. "2face unveils snippet of new album, 'The Ascension'". Vanguard News. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  17. LHX, TRANSSION. "Download Praiz album songs: Famous | Boomplay Music". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  18. Ade-Unuigbe, Adesola (9 December 2014). "Rich & Famous! Praiz Releases New Promo Pictures and Album Track List". BellaNaija. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  19. "Listen to Tiwa Savage's New Album R.E.D here on BN". BellaNaija. 23 December 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  20. Tv, Bn (8 August 2016). "Tiwa Savage Rocks Her RED Tour Show in Houston | Dr. SID, Ezinne, Kaffy, Iceberg Slim & More". BellaNaija. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  21. "New Music: IceBerg Slim feat. Davido – Wave". BellaNaija. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  22. "Iceberg Slim - 'Wave' (Remix) ft Davido, Shatta Wale, Terry Apala, LAX, Wale Turner". Pulse Nigeria. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  23. "Sean Tizzle does not get very far on 'Moving Forward' Vol. 1 EP". Pulse Nigeria. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  24. "New Video: Sean Tizzle feat. Iceberg Slim – Roll Up". BellaNaija. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  25. "Juliet Ibrahim, Iceberg Slim land brand ambassador deal". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  26. "Iceberg Slim's schedule for Social Media Week Lagos". Social Media Week Lagos. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  27. LHX, TRANSSION. "Way Up by Iceberg Slim | Way Up Lyrics | Boomplay Music". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  28. "Damayo's "Coconut" is a raunchy bop for your sex playlist". The NATIVE. 8 October 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  29. "Iceberg Slim returns with new single, 'Owo'". NotjustOk. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  30. "MUSIC VIDEO: Iceberg Slim - Owo". Factory78. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  31. "Iceberg Slim - Mr International | notjustOk". 3 July 2009. Archived from the original on 3 July 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  32. Jaguda.com, 18 August 2009. M.I. – Somebody Wants To Die (Feat. Ice Prince) | Beef with IceBerg Slim? Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  33. "From New York With Lyrics..." Archived 18 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine ThisDay Live, 8 April 2013.
  34. "I don't care what people say about Juliet Ibrahim and me –Iceberg Slim". The Punch. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  35. "Mo'Hits, Choc Boiz, Waje, Others For NotjustOk Music Concert". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 27 November 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  36. "Video: Banky W – 'High Notes'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
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