Ice Spice, the 24-year-old rapper nominated for Grammy’s Best New Artist, is more than just a viral sensation. This Bronx native, born Isis Gaston, embodies a unique blend of internet savvy, rap prowess, and playful pop-cultural influences.
Her rise to fame was meteoric. A pre-teen finsta username (“Ice”) and love for spicy food gave birth to her stage name. A viral “Buss it” challenge video in college launched her online following, and soon after, Drake’s play of her single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” on his radio station sent her career into overdrive.
Ice Spice’s music is electrifying. Her rhymes are laced with an unapologetic confidence, boasting a “baddie I get what I want” attitude that extends beyond music to her entire persona. Her style, inspired by late 90s and early 2000s maximalism, features Van Dutch and Juicy Couture, making her a millennial fashion icon.
But Ice Spice isn’t just about trends. She’s a skilled rapper, rooted in the tradition of Bronx-born female MCs like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. Her music, often classified as drill, blends catchy hooks with clever lyrics, exemplified by her collaboration with PinkPantheress, “Boy’s a Liar pt2,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100.
Her influence extends beyond music. She’s coined slang terms like “munch” (used to describe a pathetic admirer) and inspired fan nicknames like “munchkins.” Even Dunkin’ Donuts got in on the action, collaborating with her on an Ice Spice Munchkins Drink ™, promoting it with an ad featuring none other than Ben Affleck.
Ice Spice’s nomination for a Grammy is a testament to her rapid ascent. From viral videos to chart-topping tracks, she’s carved a space for herself in the music industry. In just a few years, she’s become a pop-culture phenomenon, and at just 24, her star is still rising.
So, who is Ice Spice? She’s a rapper, an internet icon, a trendsetter, and a force to be reckoned with. And her story is just beginning.