Monrovia, Liberia — Liberian Afropop star CIC has officially delivered one of his most well-rounded bodies of work with the release of his latest studio album, Local Champion. The project takes listeners through a deeply personal journey that blends spiritual depth, romantic tenderness, social awareness, and vibrant street anthems.
The 15-track album opens with a powerful spoken-word Intro featuring voices from CIC’s own family, including his mother, siblings, and father. The emotional highlight comes when his father quotes Genesis 49:3, blessing his “firstborn” with affirmations of strength, resilience, and divine favor. It’s a spiritual opening that sets the stage for an album grounded in real-life experiences.
Among the standout tracks is Don’t Give Up on Me, a solemn prayer where CIC calls on God for continued mercy. The track’s vulnerable lyrics and mellow rhythm reveal the artist’s personal struggles and hopes.
Love takes center stage in songs like Heaven, Fine, Forever, All To Myself, and You, where CIC praises the beauty, loyalty, and emotional connection he shares with his lover. These songs are carried by soft Afrobeat rhythms, string arrangements, and mellow percussion that make them easy to fall into.
On Congratulations, CIC flips the tone to celebration, highlighting his journey through hardship and the eventual taste of victory. The beat builds steadily into an anthem that invites everyone to share in his success story.
He teams up with Stunn on Happy, a feel-good street anthem encouraging people to choose joy regardless of life’s circumstances. The vibe is elevated, but the message is clear, happiness is not optional, it’s survival.
One of the most reflective tracks, Ayy Mehn, addresses societal ills like drug abuse and corruption, calling on divine intervention to restore peace and direction. The reggae tone gives it both a spiritual and grassroots flavor.
CIC also experiments with drill on Fvck With It featuring Nigerian rapper Dremo. The track is a high-energy banger with hard-hitting snares and lyrical bravado. Ghanaian rap heavyweight Lyrical Joe also joins CIC on Thick, a bold appreciation of curvy women delivered with fiery bars.
Tracks like Plearjay and Dahtor offer the classic party and “big boy” lifestyle themes that CIC fans have grown to love. With infectious hooks and club-ready beats, they inject fun into the project without sacrificing flow.
When it comes to production, Local Champion is cohesive yet diverse. The drops across most songs are smooth and emotionally aligned with the lyrical themes. Rather than relying on explosive instrumentals, the project leans into mellow builds, romantic strings, and steady percussion that guide the album’s mood effortlessly.
Overall Rating: 7.9 / 10
With this project, CIC reaffirms his place not just as a hitmaker, but as a storyteller. Local Champion isn’t just a title, it’s a declaration of growth, reflection, and staying true to one’s roots.
Editor’s Picks from the Album:
Plearjay, Happy, You, Ayy Mehn, All To Myself, Congratulations, Don’t Give Up on Me, Forever, and Heaven.
Local Champion is now available on all major streaming platforms. For fans of real music that carries both vibe and meaning, this album is worth every second.
Global Link: https://onerpm.link/LocalChampion
