“I was blown away by Juliet Ibrahim’s Intelligence”- Iceberg Slim

Nigerian rapper Olusegun Olowokere, popularly known as Iceberg Slim In a new interview with Punch, spoked 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.

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?

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.

You once said you were introduced to the sounds of KSA and Shina Peters at a young age; was your father a musician?

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 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.

Why did you drop out of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice?

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.

Your name, Iceberg Slim, is gotten from an American pimp; why did you choose that particular name?

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.

Why didn’t you decide to pursue your music career in the United States?

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?

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.

Do you think you have been accepted by the Nigerian 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.

How active are you in the Ghana music industry?

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.

What’s the motivation for your unique hairstyle?

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.

You have a wonderful relationship with Juliet Ibrahim; what was the point of attraction for you?

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.

How would you describe your relationship?

I don’t think there are words to describe the relationship. To say it’s incredible would be an understatement.

Do you consider yourself a romantic man?

Yes, I’d consider myself a romantic man.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

The most romantic thing that I’ve ever done was to get matching tattoos with the woman that I love.

How do you unwind?

To unwind and blow off steam, I try to go to the gym about four or five times in a week.