Ice Spice has taken the world by storm with her unique sound and captivating persona. Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan, there’s a lot to learn about this Bronx-born rapper. From her beginnings in the New York underground to her viral success, here are 15 facts that will give you a deeper understanding of Ice Spice.
Facts about Ice Spice (Short Details)
- Real Name: Ice Spice’s real name is Isis Naija Gaston, born in the Bronx in 2000.
- Afro-Latina Roots: She proudly identifies as Afro-Latina, blending Nigerian and Dominican heritage.
- Bronx Roots: Ice Spice grew up in the Bronx, a birthplace for many hip-hop legends.
- Stage Name Meaning: Her stage name, Ice Spice, reflects her cool yet fiery personality.
- TikTok Fame: She first went viral on TikTok in 2021 with the “Buss It” challenge.
- Meeting RIOTUSA: She met producer RIOTUSA in college, sparking the start of her music career.
- Breakthrough Song: “Munch (Feelin’ U)” became her breakthrough hit in 2022.
- Drake’s Support: Drake’s co-sign boosted Ice Spice’s career after he praised her hit “Munch.”
- Lil Nas X Tribute: Lil Nas X dressed as Ice Spice for Halloween in 2022.
- Debut EP: Ice Spice dropped her debut EP, Like..? in January 2023.
- Female Rap Legends: Her musical influences include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Lauryn Hill.
- Nicki Minaj Collab: She collaborated with Nicki Minaj on “Princess Diana” and “Barbie World.”
- Sexually Fluid: Ice Spice is open about her sexual fluidity, attracting diverse fans.
- Spotify Feat: She surpassed The Beatles in Spotify monthly listeners in 2023.
- Dream Collaboration: Rihanna remains Ice Spice’s dream collaboration partner.
1. Her Real Name is Isis Naija Gaston
You may know her as Ice Spice, but her real name is Isis Naija Gaston. Born on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York City, she was named after the Egyptian goddess, Isis. Her unique birth name is not far off from her stage persona, keeping a connection between her past and present.
What’s more interesting is that her name fits her personality perfectly. With “Ice” symbolizing her cool and composed vibe, and “Spice” reflecting her fiery personality, it’s no surprise she has caught everyone’s attention. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings, Ice Spice always had leadership qualities, which are now reflected in her music career.
2. She Is Afro-Latina
Ice Spice proudly identifies as Afro-Latina. Her father is Nigerian-American, and her mother is Dominican. This rich cultural background influences her music style, blending diverse sounds from her heritage into her rap.
Raised in the Bronx, she grew up surrounded by both African American and Latino cultures, and it shows in her vibrant personality. This diverse upbringing gives her music a distinct sound that sets her apart from other artists in the rap scene today.
3. She Grew Up in the Bronx
Like many other iconic artists, Ice Spice hails from the Bronx. This New York neighborhood has been home to several hip-hop legends, and Ice Spice is no exception. Growing up in this vibrant, culturally rich area, she was exposed to various music styles and was heavily influenced by the bustling urban scene around her.
Her experiences in the Bronx are central to her identity as an artist. From the local food to the community vibes, everything about this area has shaped her both as a person and a performer.
Read more: Ice Spice Is New York’s Princess of Rap
4. The Meaning Behind Her Stage Name
Ice Spice’s stage name is more than just catchy. It represents her love for spicy food and plays off the nickname “Ice” she was given because of her real name. She’s often said that she puts hot sauce on everything, which makes her stage name even more fitting.
The blend of “Ice” and “Spice” not only sounds cool but also highlights her personality. She’s known for being calm yet fierce, laid-back yet bold. It’s this balance that keeps fans coming back for more.
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5. Ice Spice Went Viral on TikTok in 2021
TikTok has been a launching pad for many new artists, and Ice Spice is no different. In 2021, she went viral with her rendition of the “Buss It” challenge. This video gained millions of views and put her on the map. It was the first major moment where people began to take notice of her.
From there, Ice Spice’s career took off. The power of social media helped spread her name far and wide, and she quickly gained a dedicated fan base that would support her in her future endeavors.
6. She Met Producer RIOTUSA in College
Ice Spice attended the State University of New York at Purchase, where she studied Communications. It was during her time at college that she met producer RIOTUSA. Together, they created her debut single, “Bully Freestyle,” which marked the beginning of her professional music career in 2021.
RIOTUSA has been a key collaborator for Ice Spice ever since. He produced her breakout hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and continues to work with her on various projects. Their partnership is a crucial part of Ice Spice’s success story.
7. Her Breakthrough Hit was “Munch (Feelin’ U)”
Ice Spice’s career skyrocketed when she released “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022. The song’s infectious beat and catchy lyrics quickly made it a hit, peaking at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
“Munch” solidified Ice Spice’s place in the rap industry, with many people calling her the next big thing. This hit also caught the attention of established artists like Drake, who praised the song and helped spread it even further.
8. Drake Played a Key Role in Her Rise
Drake, one of the biggest names in the music industry, played a pivotal role in Ice Spice’s early success. After hearing “Munch (Feelin’ U),” he featured it on his Sirius XM radio show and even messaged her personally to express his admiration for the track.
This co-sign from Drake gave Ice Spice even more exposure and solidified her status as a rising star in the rap world. The attention she received from this moment opened doors for future collaborations and opportunities.
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9. Lil Nas X Dressed as Ice Spice for Halloween
In 2022, Lil Nas X showed his admiration for Ice Spice in a unique way by dressing up as her for Halloween. He wore a green crop top, orange curly wig, and even replicated her iconic orange nails from the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” music video.
Ice Spice was flattered by the gesture, calling it a fun and accurate portrayal. This playful tribute from Lil Nas X further boosted her popularity and showcased how her influence was spreading across the music world.
Read more: Lil Nas X Transforms Into Ice Spice For Halloween
10. She Released Her Debut EP in 2023
In January 2023, Ice Spice released her debut EP, Like..? The project was a surprise drop, announced just hours before its release. The six-track EP was produced by her frequent collaborator RIOTUSA and featured the same raw, drill-inspired sound that had brought her initial success.
The EP performed well, peaking at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 and No. 19 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It cemented her position as one of the hottest new talents in the rap game.
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11. Ice Spice Draws Inspiration from Female Rap Legends
Ice Spice has often cited female rap legends as her biggest inspirations. She mentioned that artists like Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, Cardi B, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu have had a profound impact on her music and style.
However, while she’s inspired by these greats, Ice Spice is focused on carving out her own lane in the industry. She’s determined to create a unique sound that’s all hers, without copying anyone else.
12. She Has Collaborated with Nicki Minaj
Ice Spice’s rise to fame has also led to some high-profile collaborations. One of her most notable partnerships was with rap queen Nicki Minaj. The two teamed up for the tracks “Princess Diana” and “Barbie World,” both of which became massive hits.
These collaborations not only helped Ice Spice reach a wider audience but also showcased her versatility as an artist. Working with someone as iconic as Nicki Minaj is a huge milestone in any rapper’s career, and Ice Spice nailed it.
13. Ice Spice Is Sexually Fluid
Ice Spice has been open about her sexuality, revealing that she is sexually fluid. She tweeted in 2021 about being attracted to both masculinity in women and femininity in men, sparking conversations about her identity.
Her openness and confidence in discussing her sexuality resonate with many fans, especially those who appreciate her candidness. This aspect of her life only adds to her authentic and fearless persona.
14. Ice Spice Has More Spotify Listeners Than The Beatles
In an astonishing feat, Ice Spice surpassed The Beatles in monthly Spotify listeners in September 2023. At that time, she had 35.5 million listeners, compared to The Beatles’ 30.2 million.
This achievement underscores her widespread appeal and solidifies her as a major player in the global music scene. With hits like “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” amassing over 670 million streams, it’s no surprise she’s reaching new heights.
15. Rihanna Is Her Dream Collaboration
Despite her many successes, there’s one artist Ice Spice is still dreaming of working with: Rihanna. In multiple interviews, Ice Spice has referred to Rihanna as the GOAT and expressed her admiration for the superstar.
While a collaboration between the two hasn’t happened yet, fans are eagerly hoping that this dream will come true soon. Given Ice Spice’s meteoric rise, it’s only a matter of time before more big names come knocking.
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Conclusion:
Ice Spice has quickly become one of the most exciting new artists in the music industry. From her Bronx roots to breaking records on Spotify, her journey is nothing short of impressive. These 15 facts give just a glimpse into the life of a star who’s only just getting started. Keep an eye on Ice Spice – her story is far from over.
15 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
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Who is Ice Spice?
Ice Spice is a rising rapper from the Bronx, known for her viral hits and unique style.
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What is Ice Spice’s real name?
Her real name is Isis Naija Gaston.
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What is Ice Spice’s ethnicity?
Ice Spice is Afro-Latina, with Nigerian and Dominican roots.
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How did Ice Spice get famous?
Ice Spice gained fame after her viral TikTok video in 2021 and the release of “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022.
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Where is Ice Spice from?
She hails from the Bronx, New York.
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Who produced Ice Spice’s hit song “Munch (Feelin’ U)”?
The song was produced by RIOTUSA, a close collaborator.
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What is Ice Spice’s breakthrough song?
Her breakthrough hit was “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022.
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Did Drake help Ice Spice’s career?
Yes, Drake supported her by playing her song on his radio show and praising her work.
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What is Ice Spice’s debut EP?
Ice Spice released her debut EP titled Like..? in January 2023.
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Has Ice Spice collaborated with Nicki Minaj?
Yes, Ice Spice collaborated with Nicki Minaj on songs like “Princess Diana.”
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What is Ice Spice’s sexual orientation?
Ice Spice is sexually fluid, as she has openly expressed.
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Does Ice Spice have more Spotify listeners than The Beatles?
Yes, as of September 2023, Ice Spice had more Spotify listeners than The Beatles.
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Who are Ice Spice’s musical influences?
Her influences include female rap legends like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B.
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Who does Ice Spice dream of collaborating with?
Rihanna is Ice Spice’s dream collaboration partner.
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When did Ice Spice start her music career?
She began her music career in 2021 with her debut single “Bully Freestyle.”