Leaders Of The New School

In her first release under Def Jam Africa, Cleo Ice Queen is sincere; in the EP’s introspective moments—“So Cold”, “Back Then”, “Blessings Come My Way”—she reflects on her come-up days and juxtaposes them with her present, which she raps about proudly. “From the streets of LSK [Zambia capital Lusaka] to seeing my name in shining lights,” raps the Zambian MC (who also dabbles in radio and TV). Elsewhere on the EP, she bears her soul about matters of the heart: “Voodoo Luv” is a smooth R&B tune assisted by Tio Nason, who sings, “I hate you, but I want you” about a toxic partner on the hook; she expresses her disappointment in a lover who’s failing to match her energy over mellow drill production on “Understand”. Meanwhile, amapiano’s log drum carries the song “Blessings Come My Way”.