Ice-V’s GENIUS Is Confidence, Craft, and Afropop Precision

There’s a certain confidence you can’t fake, and Ice-V wears it effortlessly. Hailing from Lagos, Ice-V sounds like an artist who already knows exactly who he is, and on his sophomore LP GENIUS, he makes sure we know it too. This is the kind of record you lock into immediately, one that pulls you into its world from the first few seconds and doesn’t let go.

The album opens with a perfectly cheeky intro titled “No need for introduction,” which feels less like a warm-up and more like a mission statement. Over crisp production and poetic delivery, Ice-V sets the tone for the record with a self-aware swagger. “No need for introduction… what’s your name again?” It is smooth, confident, and instantly establishes his sharp ear for melody and lyricism.

That energy flows seamlessly into “BORN SINNER MERCHANDISE,” an Afropop banger that hits you with an earworm melody from the very first note. Ice-V’s vocals are polished and stylish, pulling you straight into fandom territory. The string arrangement subtly pushes the track into modern pop territory without losing its Afrobeats soul. The composition is clean, the melodies are undeniable, and the song feels built to live in your head all day.

On “Queen of Wahala,” Ice-V leans fully into classic Afrobeats rhythms, pairing a fast-paced vocal delivery with undeniable bounce. Featuring C-flow and Sbtrigga, the track is infectious from start to finish. Even when the drums drop out, the transitions remain smooth and intentional, keeping the momentum alive. It is a movement track, one that demands your body respond.

“Maria” shifts the mood into something more intimate and laid back. This is Ice-V in his smoothest form, delivering low-toned vocals over minimalist production. The drums and vocals take center stage, creating a relaxed, sexy atmosphere that feels effortless. Sometimes less really is more, and this track proves it.

“Mathematics” brings a different emotional weight to the record, leaning into minor chords and a classic Afrobeats groove. The melody stands out immediately, adding depth and contrast to the album as a whole. This track plays like a pop ballad with lush harmonies, strong flow, and massive sound. Turn it up loud. It is the kind of song that fills a room and takes over in the best way possible.

With “GUNZ GO BLAZING,” Ice-V blends hip hop and Afrobeats into a sharp, modern hybrid. The drum loop hits hard while lush synths create a rich backdrop for his quick-paced, poetic lyrics. The harmonies elevate the chorus, giving the track a powerful lift and making it one of the album’s most dynamic moments.

“Prophecy,” featuring Cassper Soundz and Yng Tama, brings a mellow, reflective energy. A percussion-heavy beat anchors the track in Afrobeats tradition while the vocals glide effortlessly from line to line. The guitar work here is especially tasteful, never overpowering the melody or lyrics, just enhancing them. It is a standout example of Ice-V’s attention to musical detail.

On “Flashing Lights (Away),” featuring Justingee5, the drums steal the show. This is the most technically impressive drum work on the album, instantly pulling you into the track. Layered synths and low toned vocals add depth, creating a sonically balanced song that feels like a true fusion of global genres.

“BIG STEPPER” opens with a smooth beat and haunting, almost howling vocals that immediately grab your attention. The vocal delivery leans more toward world music fusion than straight pop, highlighting Ice-V’s versatility. Genre fluidity is one of his greatest strengths, and this track reinforces that he can bend any style to his own voice.

The album closes with “kojo!” a warm, sensual track that feels like golden hour summer bottled into sound. Named after the Ghanaian Akan masculine name meaning “born on Monday,” often associated with peace and gentleness, the song carries that energy beautifully. It is romantic, smooth, and easily one of the most memorable moments on the record.

GENIUS is not just a title. It is a statement. From start to finish, Ice-V proves he is an artist with vision, range, and the ability to turn every beat into something unmistakably his own. If this is only his sophomore release, one thing is clear. Ice-V is not arriving. He is already here.

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Written byRyan Cassata

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About Rock the Pigeon:
Rock the Pigeon is an independent music and culture blog dedicated to uplifting emerging artists, spotlighting underrepresented voices, and sharing fresh sounds across genres. Since 2012, we’ve been celebrating creativity, authenticity, and the stories behind the songs.