Isis Naija Gaston, known as Ice Spice, was born on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York City. She became famous in late 2022 with her hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)”. Music critics say she’s a “breakout star” in New York drill.
She has won many awards, like the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist. She also got four Grammy Award nominations.
Key Takeaways
- Ice Spice is a rising star in the New York drill rap genre, known for her viral hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)”.
- She has received critical acclaim and multiple awards and nominations, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist and four Grammy Award nominations.
- Ice Spice’s debut EP “Like..?” peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, and she was the only rapper in 2023 to have four singles in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
- Her collaboration with singer PinkPantheress on “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and she has worked with artists like Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.
- Ice Spice’s unique style and artistic vision have made her a significant figure in the evolution of New York drill music, with a focus on female representation in hip-hop.
Early Life and Dominican-American Roots
Ice Spice was born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York. She is the eldest of five siblings. Her Dominican-American heritage is a big part of who she is.
Her father, Joseph Gaston, is African-American. Her mother, Charina Almanzar, is Dominican. These two cultures have shaped her identity.
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Family Background and Cultural Influences
Ice Spice’s mom, Charina Almanzar, had her when she was just 17. Ice Spice grew up surrounded by her grandparents and cousins. This was in the vibrant Dominican culture.
Her dad, Joseph Gaston, introduced her to hip-hop early on. He played artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Wu-Tang Clan for her.
Educational Journey and Early Musical Interest
Ice Spice went to Catholic Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers. She graduated in 2018. Even in school, she loved music, writing poetry and freestyling.
Her dad’s music career also inspired her. He was an underground MC.
Growing Up in the Bronx
Ice Spice grew up in the Bronx. This diverse borough deeply influenced her. She remembers the Fordham Road neighborhood as a mix of cultures.
Everyone she met there was from different backgrounds. This diversity shaped her identity and art.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Ice Spice’s Age | 23 years old |
| Birth Date | January 1, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York |
| Nationality | Dominican-American |
| Siblings | 4 (youngest of 5) |
| High School | Catholic Sacred Heart High School, Yonkers |
| Parents | Charina Almanzar (Dominican mother), Joseph Gaston (African American father) |
The Birth of Ice Spice: From College Student to Rapper
Ice Spice’s story from college to rap star is amazing. Born in the Bronx, New York, on January 1, 2000, she went to SUNY Purchase. There, she studied communications and played volleyball.
But, she dropped out around her sophomore year. The long commute was a big reason.
In 2021, Ice Spice started her rap career. She met RiotUSA and released her first song, “Bully Freestyle.” It became popular after a viral Twitter video.
Her success comes from her SUNY Purchase days, volleyball, and communications major. These experiences, along with her talent and charm, helped her rise fast in music.
Ice Spice’s move from college student to rapper is truly inspiring. Her journey has won fans and industry people. She’s now a big name in RiotUSA and New York drill rap.
Breakthrough with “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and Viral Success
Ice Spice’s rise in music is thanks to “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022. This catchy song hit TikTok big time. It caught everyone’s attention with its hook and Ice Spice’s unique style.
Drake, a big name in hip-hop, played it on his radio. This made Ice Spice a star to watch.
Social Media Impact and TikTok Phenomenon
“Munch (Feelin’ U)” went viral on TikTok. People loved it and made many dance videos. This made Ice Spice famous fast.
It also made the song popular everywhere. More people got to know Ice Spice’s music.
Drake’s Co-Sign and Industry Recognition
Drake’s support made Ice Spice even more famous. Playing her song on his radio reached many fans. It showed the music world that Ice Spice was special.
This support from Drake helped Ice Spice get more praise. It showed she was a talent to watch.
Record Deal with 10K Projects and Capitol Records
In September 2022, Ice Spice got a big record deal. She joined 10K Projects and Capitol Records. This was a big step for her career.
It gave her the chance to grow as an artist. With these labels, Ice Spice is ready to keep going up in music.
“Like..?” EP: Defining Her Musical Identity
In late 2022, Ice Spice burst onto the scene with “Munch (Feelin’ U).” This song went viral on TikTok. It led to her debut EP, “Like..?,” released on January 20, 2023. The EP features “Munch (Feelin’ U),” “Bikini Bottom,” and “In Ha Mood.”
Ice Spice’s use of “like” in her songs is a key part of her style. It challenges traditional language and gender norms. Her music celebrates female sexuality and pleasure, empowering her fans.
The EP was a huge hit, debuting in the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart. It also reached the top 40 of the Billboard 200. Ice Spice’s music blends New York vibes with a feminine touch, attracting a wide audience.
Ice Spice’s “Like..?” EP marks a new era in New York rap. It has made her a rising star, leading to a second golden age of female rap. Her unique style and bold approach inspire a new generation of artists.
| Track | Duration | Spotify Streams |
|---|---|---|
| “Munch (Feelin’ U)” | 1:44 | 87 million |
| “Bikini Bottom” | 2:10 | 21 million |
| “In Ha Mood” | 2:04 | 100 million |
Notable Collaborations and Chart Success
Ice Spice’s star is rising fast. She has made a big impact with her collaborations and chart-topping songs. Her song with PinkPantheress, “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2,” hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Ice Spice has also worked with Nicki Minaj. Their remix of “Princess Diana” reached number 4 on the Hot 100. She also featured on Taylor Swift’s “Karma” remix, which hit number 2.
These collaborations have grown Ice Spice’s fan base. They show her ability to work well with other artists. In 2023, she became the only rapper with four songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. This proves her talent and growing influence.
| Collaboration | Peak Position on Billboard Hot 100 |
|---|---|
| “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress | No. 3 |
| “Princess Diana” (Remix) with Nicki Minaj | No. 4 |
| “Karma” (Remix) with Taylor Swift | No. 2 |
Ice Spice’s rise to fame is impressive. Her collaborations and chart-topping songs have made her a standout in hip-hop. Her future looks very bright.
Ice Spice’s Unique Style and Artistic Vision
Ice Spice’s music is rooted in Bronx drill, a gritty hip-hop sound. She adds her own twist, making it stand out. Her lyrics are simple yet powerful.
Ice Spice writes songs that are easy to understand. She wants her music to reach everyone. This way, her message can touch hearts.
She draws inspiration from many artists. Lil’ Kim, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B are among them. She also looks up to Foxy Brown and Remy Ma. Erykah Badu, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Lauryn Hill inspire her too.
Ice Spice’s music is a mix of Bronx drill’s energy and melodic sophistication. Her catchy hooks and verses have won fans. She’s a rising star in Bronx drill and lyrical style in hip-hop.
Ice Spice is making waves in the music world. She stays true to herself and tries new things. Her unique style is making a big impact on Bronx drill and hip-hop.
The Evolution of New York Drill Through Ice Spice
Ice Spice is leading the way in the New York drill scene. She mixes the genre’s gritty feel with catchy tunes. Her work with producer RIOTUSA is changing the sound of music.
Musical Production and Sound Development
Ice Spice’s music is different from the usual New York drill. She uses a darker, two-note sound with fast beats in “Munch (Feelin’ U).” This new style, made with RIOTUSA, is changing New York drill.
Lyrical Themes and Storytelling
Ice Spice’s lyrics are also changing New York drill. She talks about being strong and her life in the Bronx. Her stories are powerful and could bring in more fans.
Ice Spice’s hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” is a big deal. It has over 200,000 TikTok videos. Her success shows New York drill is getting more popular. Ice Spice and RIOTUSA are making the music scene exciting and new.
Impact on Female Representation in Hip-Hop
Ice Spice has made a big impact on female representation in hip-hop, especially in the drill subgenre. Her quick rise to fame has inspired many young women to follow their music dreams. She has also helped to balance the gender gap in the genre.
At just 23, Ice Spice has gained a huge following. She has 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify, ranking her #72. Her success is impressive, given her small music catalog of about 23 minutes. This shows her talent and the growing need for diverse voices in hip-hop.
Ice Spice’s impact has been noticed by the industry. She won the Impact Award from the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. This award highlights her role in shaping the future of female representation in hip-hop. She continues to break barriers and inspire other female rappers.
Despite the challenges, Ice Spice’s success shows that talented artists can still reach the top. Her achievements have brought hope to young women who dream of a career in music. They see that with hard work and talent, they can make their mark.
As Ice Spice’s career grows, her influence on female representation in hip-hop will likely increase. With support from Capitol Records and 10K Records, she’s on track to become a global superstar. She will set a new standard for what female rappers can achieve in the future.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Ice Spice’s Monthly Spotify Listeners | 38 million |
| Spotify Artists Generating $5M+ Annually | 130 |
| Ice Spice’s Music Catalog Length | 23 minutes |
| Ice Spice’s Spotify Ranking | #72 |
Y2K! Album and Future Projects
My debut album, Y2K!, came out on July 26, 2024. It made a big splash in the music world. It started at number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US, selling 28,000 units in its first week.
While critics gave it mixed reviews, it scored a 65 out of 100 on Metacritic. People loved its mix of street and pop sounds. It was seen as a big step forward in the drill subgenre.
The Y2K! World Tour was a huge hit. It covered 25 dates in Europe and North America. By October 28, 2024, almost 80% of tickets were sold, earning $639,348.
This success shows I’m a rising star in rap. I’m now working on new music and collaborations. Fans can look forward to more from me soon.
I’m planning to release my debut album, “Y2k,” soon. It will mix familiar sounds with new genres. With my fans’ support and the industry’s recognition, I’m excited for what’s next in my career.
FAQs
Who is Ice Spice?
Ice Spice is Isis Naija Gaston, born on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York City. She became famous in late 2022 with “Munch (Feelin’ U)”.
What is Ice Spice’s background?
Ice Spice was born to an African American father and a Dominican mother. She is the oldest of five siblings. She grew up with her grandparents and cousins.
She went to Catholic Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers. She graduated in 2018.
How did Ice Spice start her rap career?
Ice Spice went to the State University of New York at Purchase. She studied communications and played volleyball. She dropped out in her sophomore year.
In 2021, she met producer RiotUSA. She started her rap career with “Bully Freestyle”. It went viral after a “Buss It” challenge video.
What was the breakthrough for Ice Spice?
Ice Spice’s big moment was “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in August 2022. It became a hit on TikTok. Drake supported it on his radio show.
It made it to Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. She signed with 10K Projects and Capitol Records in September 2022.
What is Ice Spice’s musical style and influences?
Ice Spice’s music is Bronx drill. She writes her own simple lyrics. Her influences include Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj.
She also looks up to Erykah Badu and Rihanna. Taylor Swift and Lauryn Hill are influences too.
How has Ice Spice contributed to the evolution of New York drill?
Ice Spice has changed New York drill. She works with producer RIOTUSA. Her music is both gritty and melodic.
Her songs talk about empowerment and her life in New York City.
What is the impact of Ice Spice on female representation in hip-hop?
Ice Spice has made a big difference for women in hip-hop. Her success has inspired many young women. She won the Impact Award from the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
What’s next for Ice Spice?
Ice Spice released her debut album, Y2K!, on July 26, 2024. It sold 28,000 copies in its first week. Critics gave mixed reviews.
She is working on new music and collaborations. She is becoming a big name in rap.
