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Ice Spice (b. 2000) began gaining traction in the music world when her song “Munch (Feelin’ U)” became a hit in late 2022, and she’s continued to take things up a notch. In May 2023, the artist was featured on Taylor Swift‘s remix version of “Karma,” which was an original track from her hit Midnights album. When Taylor announced the remix, Ice Spice took to Twitter to share a futuristic photo of her and the “Midnight Rain” singer, along with her own promotional message. She also replied to Taylor’s post about their song, writing, “sweetest person ever thank u sm i love yuuuu. [sic]”
She later made her debut appearance on Saturday Night Live on October 15, 2023. She was the musical guest for the season 49 premiere episode hosted by Pete Davidson. Her whirlwind year didn’t stop there. She is also up for two awards— New Artist and Rap Female Artist — at the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) on November 19.
Most recently, Ice Spice attended Super Bowl LVIII alongside Taylor on February 11, 2024. The 24-year-old was spotted in the box suite alongside the Grammy winner, Gossip Girl alum Blake Lively, and more A-listers. Later, Ice Spice took to Instagram to share photos from the event, which included a snapshot alongside Shaquille O’Neal. Amid her recent outing with the “Anti-Hero” hitmaker, keep reading to learn five things about Ice Spice!
Ice Spice Started Her Rap Career While in College
Originally from the Bronx, New York City, Ice Spice, whose real name is Isis Gaston, met with record producer RiotUSA, while she was attending State University of New York at Purchase. It led to her career kicking off in 2021. Before that, however, she had expressed a big interest in hip-hop since she was a young girl. She reportedly would type out lyrics in the note app of her iPhone and practice rapping them out loud after listening to some of her favorite rappers, including Nicki Minaj and Jay-Z.
Her Father Was a Rapper
Ice Spice’s father, who is Black, was an underground rapper while she was growing up, and a lot of her hip-hop interest comes from him.
“He definitely inspired me to want to record,” she told Paper Magazine in April 2023. She also reflected on being in the studio with her dad when she was a child and admitted that got her excited for a possible career in the music industry.
In addition to her father, Ice Spice has credited her mother, who is Dominican, for being so accepting of her career aspirations. She referred to her as a “baddie” and once revealed that her parents met at a McDonald’s in the Bronx. When returning to the location, at Fordham Road and Davidson Avenue, for an interview, she pointed out places she grew up.
“That’s where I lived with my mom and Abuela,” she told Audiomack in 2022, before then pointing to her left and saying, “And that’s where I would stay with my dad and other grandma.”
Ice Spice’s First Hit Song Went Viral on TikTok
In late 2022, “Munch (Feelin’ You)” made its way across the popular social media app and paved the way for her other hit songs. Some of them included “Bikini Bottom” and “In Ha Mood.” She went on to release her debut extended play, Like…? on Jan. 20, 2023. Before that, she had released several other songs, including “Bully Freestyle” and “No Clarity” in 2021 and early 2022.
She Identifies as Queer
In September 2021, she tweeted, “What’s it called when you’re attracted to masculinity in women and femininity in men.” She also filmed a video for Genius after the release of her song “Bikini Bottom,” and discussed the lyrics. At one point, she opened up about her sexuality. “They need to know – we’re here and we’re queer!” she exclaimed, in the video above.
Ice Spice Once Modeled for Beyonce’s Clothing Line
On Jan. 27, 2023, she shared a tweet that revealed she was one of the models chosen to promote one of Beyoncé‘s Ivy Park campaigns. The name of it was Park Trail and was released in February 2023. In photos and video, Ice Spice proudly showed off orange ensembles from the collection, including a bodysuit, coat, and jersey-style top.
