Ice Cream Frappe is the latest offering from Delhi-based rapper Frappe Ash, and it’s as colorful and refreshing as its title suggests. Released on August 22, 2025, the 10-track album serves up a breezy 26 minutes of satire and mainstream flair. True to its dessert theme, the project is a vibrant, bouncy ride with a distinctly Bollywood-inflected vibe, blending hip-hop beats with desi pop culture flavor.
This project showcases Frappe Ash growing increasingly confident in his sound; after nearly a decade in the scene, he sounds completely at home here.
Sound and Production: Bounce Meets Polish
On the sonic front, Ice Cream Frappe might be one of his most accessible projects yet. The production, helmed entirely by his collaborator Toorjo Dey, is sharper, fuller, and more adventurous than anything Frappe has released before. Every track is polished with a modern sound, crisp drum programming, and infectious melodies, yet retains an organic Desi character. Many songs lean on an irresistible bounce and earworm hooks built for repeat listens.
From the opening seconds of the first track, “Juice,” you’re hit with playful energy and a hook that lodges in your head. The beats seamlessly fuse trap-influenced rhythms with eclectic influences; you might catch a hint of a filmi melodic riff buried in the mix, giving the album its Bollywood-inflected charm. It’s the kind of album that works equally well blasting from car speakers or on headphones, glossy enough for the mainstream, yet layered enough to reward those who pay attention.
Crucially, Ice Cream Frappe delivers on its promise of strong replay value. These songs are instantly digestible fun, but under the surface Frappe Ash sprinkles in clever wordplay, satire, and personal reflections that come out more with each listen. In fact, the album functions on two levels: on the surface it’s a carefree sundowner playlist, but it also forms a sort of mini concept album if you dig in. Each track stands on its own as a banger, yet together they paint a bigger picture.
With only 10 tracks, the album never overstays its welcome; it’s quick to consume but slow to shake off, living up to that “infinite replay” claim.
Standout Tracks: Sweet, Spicy, and Soulful
Several tracks immediately rise to the top, demanding multiple replays. “Sharmeeli” is a prime highlight, a bold, flirtatious love song that’s equal parts cheeky and charming. Built on a bouncy, Bollywood-inspired beat, the track radiates a fun-loving energy. The hook “oh fitarat sharmeeli hai” is insanely catchy, capturing the playful surrender of falling headlong into affection.
Frappe Ash delivers his verses with a wink, mixing intimate flirtation with tongue-in-cheek bravado. It’s a song with mass appeal – easy to vibe to on first listen, yet full of witty asides for those who catch the lyrical details. The polished production on “Sharmeeli” also stands out; rich synths and a slick beat give it a radio-ready shine that shows just how far Frappe Ash’s sound has evolved. Without a doubt, “Sharmeeli” earns its spot as an album standout for its infectious melody and Frappe’s confident, charismatic delivery.
Right alongside it is “Suroor,” another gem that highlights the album’s range. “Suroor” (meaning intoxication or blissful high) has a more mellow, hypnotic groove compared to the outright bounce of “Sharmeeli.” Featuring a smooth vocal contribution from Akash Raturi, the track layers Frappe Ash’s laid-back, sing-song rap with a silky R&B/Pop hook that seeps into your memory. The production here is dreamy and atmospheric (think late-night drive vibes) showing Toorjo Dey’s versatility behind the boards.
Closing out the album is “Been On,” a powerful finale that packs the most emotional punch of the set. Over a moody, slow-burning instrumental, Frappe Ash gets candid about the grind and struggles beneath his success. The track opens with the striking line, “In this melting pot of chaos / We all burn one by one,” immediately acknowledging the burnout and pressure of every hustling artist. Across the song, Frappe toggles between vulnerability and bravado, painting the duality of ambition. One moment he’s confessing to personal demons – hinting at addictions, panic attacks, self-doubt – and the next he’s asserting his accomplishments. This honest self-reflection gives “Been On” a gravitas that hits hard, yet the song doesn’t feel like a downer. Thanks to Encore’s triumphant, uplifting voice and Frappe’s passionate delivery, the track feels strangely victorious even as it delves into heavy territory.
By the time the clever outro plays, “We hope you had a great time in the world of Ice Cream Frappé,” a meta nod to the album’s concept – you really do feel like you’ve been on a journey with the artist.
Conclusion: A Confident Scoop of Desi Hip-Hop Bliss
With Ice Cream Frappe, Frappe Ash delivers one of his most confident and cohesive work to date, striking a sweet spot between playful and profound. The album finds a sharp balance – conceptually bold yet musically accessible, elevated by Toorjo Dey’s slick production. It’s a record that can bump at a party with its bouncy hooks and desi-flavored beats, but also invites closer listening to appreciate the lyrics & production.
If there’s any critique to be made, it’s that Frappe Ash doesn’t stray far from his established sonic recipe here; the album doesn’t take huge risks or deviate dramatically from the vibe he’s known for. But in this case, that consistency is a strength. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Frappe perfects his formula, serving up ten well-crafted tracks that are uniformly enjoyable. The cohesive sound means there are no jarring left turns, the album flows smoothly from start to finish, each song reinforcing the next. And at just 26 minutes, it never drags or dilutes its impact. In the end, Ice Cream Frappe succeeds brilliantly on its own terms: it’s an enjoyable, polished, and immensely replayable collection from an artist fully embracing his creative identity. Frappe Ash has dished out a treat for Desi hip-hop fans, sweet and satisfying, with just enough cleverness underneath to keep you coming back for another taste.
