Ice Spice | Biography
Ice Spice, born Isis Gaston, is a Grammy-nominated rapper known for hits like 'Princess Diana' and 'Karma.' Discover her early life, music career, and current dating status.
Who is Ice Spice?
Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, in The Bronx, New York, is a burgeoning force in the music industry. Known for her unique style and captivating lyrics, she gained widespread recognition with her viral hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022, which propelled her into the spotlight on platforms like TikTok. After signing with 10K Projects and Capitol Records, Ice Spice collaborated with notable artists such as Nicki Minaj on “Princess Diana” and Taylor Swift on “Karma.” Her music often embodies the drill genre, characterized by its distinctive beats and high-energy flow, reflecting her passion for authenticity and creative ownership.
Raised in a vibrant household, Ice Spice's upbringing was shaped by her parents, Joseph Gaston and Charina Almanzar, who separated when she was just two years old. Growing up with her grandparents and siblings, she developed a strong sense of identity and creativity. Ice Spice attended Sacred Heart High School and later pursued communications at Purchase College while playing volleyball. Her musical journey began in college, where she collaborated with producer RIOTUSA, drawing inspiration from legendary female rappers like Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj. As her career flourished, she released her debut album, *Y2K!*, in July 2024, solidifying her status as a Grammy-nominated artist and a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop.
Early Life: Family and Background
Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, in The Bronx, New York, has a compelling family background that shaped her identity and artistic journey. Her parents, Joseph Gaston and Charina Almanzar, met while working at McDonald's and separated when Ice Spice was just two years old. Despite the separation, both parents went on to have more children with new partners, resulting in Ice Spice having five younger siblings. Reflecting on her upbringing, she expressed feelings of jealousy towards her siblings who had the same parents but later embraced the uniqueness of her situation, stating that it made her feel special.
Growing up, Ice Spice spent significant time with her grandparents and extended family, which played a pivotal role in her development. With her parents often working, her grandparents became a central part of her childhood, providing a nurturing environment filled with laughter and camaraderie. She fondly remembers after-school gatherings with her cousins at her grandparents' house, where they would bond over food and television. This close-knit family dynamic, coupled with her parents' distinct personalities—her mother’s chaotic energy and her father's steady demeanor—has greatly influenced her artistic expression and the person she has become today.
Music Career: Rise to Fame
Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston, began her musical journey while attending Purchase College, where she collaborated with producer RIOTUSA. Inspired by her father's underground rap career, she started to create her own music, drawing influence from iconic female rappers like Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj. Her first major breakthrough came with the viral success of her 2022 track "Munch (Feelin’ U)" on TikTok, which propelled her into the spotlight and led to a record deal with 10K Projects and Capitol Records. This marked the beginning of her rise as a prominent figure in the drill music genre.
Following her initial success, Ice Spice continued to build her brand through strategic collaborations. In 2023, she featured on PinkPantheress' hit "Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2," and her remix of "Princess Diana" with Nicki Minaj made history by becoming the first No. 1 song by two co-billed women on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. Her collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Karma" further cemented her status in the music industry, leading to four Grammy nominations in 2024, including Best New Artist. With the release of her debut album, Y2K!, in July 2024, Ice Spice showcased her growth as an artist, featuring collaborations with major names like Travis Scott and Central Cee.
Popular Songs and Collaborations
Ice Spice has quickly made a name for herself in the music industry, particularly through her viral hits and high-profile collaborations. Her breakout single, “Munch (Feelin’ U),” released in August 2022, became a sensation on TikTok, propelling her into the spotlight. The track's catchy hook and infectious beat resonated with fans, leading to a record deal with 10K Projects and Capitol Records. Following this success, Ice Spice showcased her versatility by collaborating with established artists, including Nicki Minaj on the remix of “Princess Diana,” which made history as the first No. 1 song co-billed by two women on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart.
In addition to her work with Minaj, Ice Spice joined forces with Taylor Swift for a remix of “Karma,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This collaboration not only highlighted her appeal across different music genres but also solidified her status as a rising star in pop and rap. Her partnership with PinkPantheress on “Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2” further expanded her reach, demonstrating her ability to blend styles and connect with diverse audiences. As she continues to release new music, Ice Spice's collaborations are a significant aspect of her growing discography, showcasing her talent and influence in the industry.
Y2K! Album and Tour
Ice Spice made a significant mark in the music industry with the release of her debut album, in July 2024. This highly anticipated project features ten tracks, including the catchy single “Think U The Shit (Fart),” which successfully entered the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album showcases collaborations with notable artists like Travis Scott and Central Cee, further solidifying Ice Spice’s position in the rap genre. Although debuted at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 chart, it received mixed reviews from critics, highlighting the challenges new artists face in balancing commercial success with artistic expression.
In conjunction with her album release, Ice Spice kicked off her, which began shortly after her energetic performance at the Coachella music festival. The tour launched on July 4, 2024, in Denmark and is set to conclude in Florida on August 31, 2024. This marks a significant milestone for Ice Spice, as it is her first headlining concert tour. Fans eagerly anticipate her performances, which promise to showcase her dynamic stage presence and the infectious energy that has made her a rising star in the music scene. As she continues to build her brand, Ice Spice remains focused on delivering memorable experiences for her audience.
Who Is Ice Spice Dating?
After much fan speculation, rapper Ice Spice has confirmed she is in a relationship but has chosen to keep her partner’s identity a secret. Speaking to the LA Times, she explained, “I want fans to keep their focus on what I’m here for, which is music.”
The 24-year-old artist made headlines last year with her SNL appearance alongside rumored partner Pete Davidson, introduced by none other than Taylor Swift. However, in April 2024, Ice Spice faced controversy when her former friend, singer Baby Storme, accused her of cheating on her longtime boyfriend and producer, Riot, with rapper Lil Tjay.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Baby Storme alleged that Riot, who had supported Ice Spice’s career since 2019, was instrumental in her rise to fame. She claimed Ice Spice cheated on Riot with Lil Tjay and referenced the lyrics of their collaboration, “Gangsta Boo,” as evidence. Baby Storme’s posts stirred significant conversation online, though Ice Spice has not publicly addressed the allegations.
