Ice the Villain

In a “come-and-go climate” where acts seem to appear and disappear almost seasonally, it has become a rarity for artists to enter the scene with the “it” factor that yields true longevity and success. However, there is always an exception to the rule, and in this case it’s Anthony Poole, professionally known as Ice the Villain. Born in South Carolina as a “military brat” and spending most of his life in Prince George’s County, Maryland, this young lyricist has seen life in many states throughout the United States, soaking it all in to create timeless music that is relative to people of all backgrounds and lifestyles.
 
Once known as the quiet kid that stayed in the books, Ice began writing rhymes at the age of ten, as an outlet to further pursue his interest in poetry and make songs for his friends. His first song ever written was a parody over Missy Elliot’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” about his best friend, but once his older brother of 4 years realized he had a special talent for wordplay, he was encouraged to delve more into his craft. He recalls, “My brother and I would download instrumentals, sit in front of the computer, and freestyle for hours. It was our way of bonding.” While he spent a large amount of time honing his skills, he remained on the Honor Roll and received numerous academic awards, learning to balance his passion with priority, receiving an education. “My parents were the first generation of their families to attend college, and they stressed that I needed to finish school. Doing so has significantly improved my talents as an artist”.

That it has. Ice the Villain graduated cum laude from Howard University with a degree in Radio Production and minor in Theatre Arts, while being a member of the student-operated radio station. Promotions from Music Director, Assistant Programming Director, and finally General Manager afforded him the opportunity to meet many musicians while learning the ins-and-outs of operating a fully-functional radio station. “All of these experiences from working with a variety of people towards a common goal, supplying a demand for the public, and just attending such a diverse university helped me to see life from a number of angles and translate it all into my music.” Ice the Villain’s witty rhymes along with a mix of thought-provoking and feel-good subject matter encompasses everything from everyday life, partying, politics, and relationships, resulting in him labeled as “one of the strongest lyricists I’ve ever heard in my life” by the DC Ambassador himself, Wale (Interscope/Allido/RocNation).

Growing up listening to everything from Sade and Prince to Chubb Rock and Dr. Dre, he cites these artists as influences, as well as artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Michael Jackson that have been immortalized through their music for touching lives across the globe. “I want to create my own lane and be seen as more than simply a rapper, but also an icon for my generation”. Having worked with the biggest artists from his region, Wale and Jive recording artist Raheem DeVaughn, he is well on his way to do just that.

A keen songwriter, storyteller, and all-around lyricist, Ice the Villain plans to be nothing less than an unforgettable artist. Expect to list him as one of Hip-Hop’s elite in the near future!