Nigerian rapper Olusegun Olowokere, popularly known as Iceberg Slim In a new interview with Punch, spoke about his career and his love life.
Although, Actress, Juliet Ibrahim while speaking to HIP TV disclosed that her private life remains private and that her personal life is no concern of the public.
Her America born boyfriend then revealed that his dad played a lot of Nigerian music in the house, and they also attended a Nigerian church.
One of the most memorable moments of my childhood was when my dad came home one day after work, and told me, “Get dressed, we’re going downtown.’’ Little did I know he was taking me to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, to watch WWE ‘Monday Night Raw,’ live.
Considering that you were born in New York, how much of Nigeria did you know while growing up?
Growing up, I didn’t know much about Nigeria. Prior to me moving to Nigeria in 2012, I had only traveled to Nigeria twice; when I was three and when I was six. The only thing that resonated with me over the years was the music. My dad played a lot of Nigerian music in the house, and we also attended a Nigerian church.
What struck you the first time you visited Nigeria?
My father wasn’t a musician, but he loved music. He played so much music around us, and if he wasn’t around, you would notice his absence. I had a genuine love for music because of him. Consequently, when I was seven , I decided that I wanted to join the church choir.
Since you started as a chorister, why didn’t you become a gospel artiste?
I didn’t want to pursue a career in the United States because I wanted to stand for something bigger. I was seen as a typical African-American aka Black guy; however I am a Nigerian. I want to be known as a Nigerian musician, not a Black or African-American musician. But in order to do that, I would have to connect with my people; my fellow Nigerians. That was what influenced my decision to move to Nigeria.
How exactly did you get into the entertainment industry?
I got into the entertainment industry simply by listening to and following instructions from my cousins. My cousin, Wole Olowokere, aka Bleu, was an intern with the music group, Ruff Ryders, back when DMX was topping charts. He gave me a lot of pointers and advice on how to set myself apart from everyone else, and how to master my craft. Wole’s elder brother, Tunde, aka Buck 3000, was a producer and engineer for Murder Inc. Records when Ja Rule was arguably the biggest artiste in the U.S. He took me around a lot, and I learned so much just from watching and listening to many professionals. I later started to apply the things I picked up, and people eventually started to notice me.
You once had a collaboration with Jarule; how did that come about and what was the experience like?
The collaboration wasn’t planned. I was in the studio with Buck 3000, recording a remix to Plies’ Plenty Money. When we were done, we sat there playing it back, Ja Rule walked in. He was singing along with us while the song was on playback for about five minutes, then he looked over at me, and in his deep husky voice, he said, ‘Yo Ice, can I jump on this joint with you?” And the rest is history. It was a humbling experience, and I’m forever grateful.
You’ve worked with 2face and Tiwa Savage; which other Nigerian artiste would you like to work with?
Although, Actress, Juliet Ibrahim while speaking to HIP TV disclosed that her private life remains private and that her personal life is no concern of the public.
He added that the most romantic thing he had ever done was to get matching tattoos with the woman that he loves, i.e Juliet Ibrahim.
What are some of the most memorable moments of your childhood?One of the most memorable moments of my childhood was when my dad came home one day after work, and told me, “Get dressed, we’re going downtown.’’ Little did I know he was taking me to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, to watch WWE ‘Monday Night Raw,’ live.
Considering that you were born in New York, how much of Nigeria did you know while growing up?
Growing up, I didn’t know much about Nigeria. Prior to me moving to Nigeria in 2012, I had only traveled to Nigeria twice; when I was three and when I was six. The only thing that resonated with me over the years was the music. My dad played a lot of Nigerian music in the house, and we also attended a Nigerian church.
What struck you the first time you visited Nigeria?
You once said you were introduced to the sounds of KSA and Shina Peters at a young age; was your father a musician?The first time I visited Nigeria was when I was three. I really don’t remember anything about that trip, apart from stories that my family told me. According to them, I was talking to a baby chicken, asking it to be my friend.
My father wasn’t a musician, but he loved music. He played so much music around us, and if he wasn’t around, you would notice his absence. I had a genuine love for music because of him. Consequently, when I was seven , I decided that I wanted to join the church choir.
Since you started as a chorister, why didn’t you become a gospel artiste?
Why did you drop out of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice?I was a chorister and an instrumentalist in the choir, I don’t think that classifies me as a gospel artiste. Once I developed a liking for hip hop, I was automatically drawn to it, and that’s when I started creating my own.
Your name, Iceberg Slim, is gotten from an American pimp; why did you choose that particular name?I decided to leave college because of my passion for music. Most of the time, when I was sitting for lectures, all I could think about was making music. I always knew I had a higher calling. It was a hard decision, but I followed my instincts.
Why didn’t you decide to pursue your music career in the United States?The name was given to me when I was 16, by my cousin, Bleu. He said I had so many girls around me that I should be called a pimp. At that time, I had no idea who the original Iceberg Slim was, but the name sounded cool, so I stuck with it.
I didn’t want to pursue a career in the United States because I wanted to stand for something bigger. I was seen as a typical African-American aka Black guy; however I am a Nigerian. I want to be known as a Nigerian musician, not a Black or African-American musician. But in order to do that, I would have to connect with my people; my fellow Nigerians. That was what influenced my decision to move to Nigeria.
How exactly did you get into the entertainment industry?
I got into the entertainment industry simply by listening to and following instructions from my cousins. My cousin, Wole Olowokere, aka Bleu, was an intern with the music group, Ruff Ryders, back when DMX was topping charts. He gave me a lot of pointers and advice on how to set myself apart from everyone else, and how to master my craft. Wole’s elder brother, Tunde, aka Buck 3000, was a producer and engineer for Murder Inc. Records when Ja Rule was arguably the biggest artiste in the U.S. He took me around a lot, and I learned so much just from watching and listening to many professionals. I later started to apply the things I picked up, and people eventually started to notice me.
You once had a collaboration with Jarule; how did that come about and what was the experience like?
The collaboration wasn’t planned. I was in the studio with Buck 3000, recording a remix to Plies’ Plenty Money. When we were done, we sat there playing it back, Ja Rule walked in. He was singing along with us while the song was on playback for about five minutes, then he looked over at me, and in his deep husky voice, he said, ‘Yo Ice, can I jump on this joint with you?” And the rest is history. It was a humbling experience, and I’m forever grateful.
You’ve worked with 2face and Tiwa Savage; which other Nigerian artiste would you like to work with?
Do you think you have been accepted by the Nigerian music industry?I would love to work with Lara George, Wande Coal and Simi. I’m probably their biggest fan, and they don’t even know it.
How active are you in the Ghana music industry?By God’s grace, I think they are finally starting to accept me. The love I’ve been getting all over the country, following the release of my latest single, Oluwa has been nothing short of amazing. I’m thankful.
What’s the motivation for your unique hairstyle?I was on Tiwa Savage’s Shout Out with Sarkodie, and I also featured Shatta Wale on the remix of my single, Wave. These songs received good airplay in Ghana, although I haven’t done any formal promotion over there.
You have a wonderful relationship with Juliet Ibrahim; what was the point of attraction for you?The motivation behind my hairstyle is simply the reflection of my being. I’m unique; one of a kind and rare. It’s something different that sets me apart from everyone else.
How would you describe your relationship?Juliet is an amazing woman. When we first met, I was intrigued by her peculiar choice in music. After we spoke for a little bit, I was blown away by her intelligence, ambition and kind heart.
Do you consider yourself a romantic man?I don’t think there are words to describe the relationship. To say it’s incredible would be an understatement.
What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?Yes, I’d consider myself a romantic man.
How do you unwind?The most romantic thing that I’ve ever done was to get matching tattoos with the woman that I love.
To unwind and blow off steam, I try to go to the gym about four or five times in a week.
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