The Untold Truth Of Ice Spice

Few performers have burst onto the music scene and made it to the top as quickly as Ice Spice. Releasing her first single, "Bully Freestyle," in 2021, she quickly gained popularity with each new song. It was 2022's "Munch (Feelin' U)" that really broke through, launching her into a series of hits that included "Bikini Bottom," "In Ha Mood," and "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2," a collaboration with PinkPantheress. In a relatively short time, Ice Spice became a prominent figure in the music industry, achieving more top-five singles in the Billboard Top 100 chart than any other artist in 2023.

Born Isis Gaston in the Bronx, she is of Nigerian and Dominican descent and is the oldest of five children. Her upbringing played a significant role in shaping her career. "It definitely influenced me in my career because I feel like it just really made me a leader," she explained in an interview with Elle. "As the role model for my siblings, I just really need to show them that you could do anything you want." To find out more about this extraordinary talent, read on to discover the untold truth of Ice Spice.

Biography

She used to work as a babysitter

Ice Spice's rise to fame was remarkably swift, taking her from anonymity to stardom in just a few months. Interestingly, she didn't have much of a traditional job experience before her music career took off. While she did have some cashier roles at places like Wendy's and The Gap, her primary job was babysitting for a family in Westchester, New York. She fondly recalls, "Shout-out to them, they were cool."

Reflecting on her childhood aspirations, she mentioned, "As a child, like, when I was in pre-K, I thought I was gonna be a doctor. I didn’t really know a lot of professions as a kid, you feel me?" It wasn’t until she got older that she began to see herself as an artist.

She went viral after attempting a TikTok challenge

In January 2021, TikTok was buzzing with the Buss It Challenge, a two-part dance challenge that took the internet by storm. Ice Spice participated in this trend, and although she was still relatively unknown at the time, her video went viral. "I really put in, like, seven hours into that video because I didn’t know how to use TikTok at that time," she said. The result was a significant increase in views and likes, surprising her and her family.

Interestingly, that same video made a comeback and went viral a second time after she had already gained fame, showcasing the lasting impact of her initial foray into social media.

The surprising origin of her stage name

Ice Spice's unique stage name has a fun backstory. "Yeah, my name is Isis, so my nickname has always been Ice my whole life," she shared in an interview. The 'Spice' part came from her attempt to create a catchy Instagram handle when she was just 14. "I chose Ice Spice because it rhymes, and I love spicy food... I put hot sauce on everything." This creative approach to her name has become emblematic of her brand as an artist.

Additionally, she has navigated some unusual obstacles due to her name, including a mix-up with Instagram that confused her birth name with that of a terrorist organization. "Your post has been removed. Your post goes against our guidelines on violence or dangerous organizations," Instagram notified her, leading to some humorous exchanges online.

She was a star volleyball player

Before her music career took off, Ice Spice was also known for her athletic ability. She played volleyball and earned a full scholarship to SUNY Purchase, where she was listed on the women's volleyball team roster. Her impressive stats from her freshman year included six points, two kills, and other notable contributions. However, she ultimately left college in 2020 to pursue her passion for music, a decision she feels was right for her.

Ice Spice has expressed nostalgia for her volleyball days, tweeting, "Aw, I miss playing volleyball." She has stated that her time as an athlete helped shape her work ethic as an artist.

Drake and Lil Nas X helped put her on the map

One of the pivotal moments in Ice Spice's career came when Drake played her debut single "Munch (Feelin' U)" on his SiriusXM radio channel. His praise for the song significantly increased her visibility in the industry. "Drake complimenting 'Munch' brought even more attention to me and the song," she noted, emphasizing the importance of such endorsements in the competitive music landscape.

In addition to Drake, Lil Nas X has also been a supporter of Ice Spice, famously dressing up as her for Halloween. Their friendship blossomed, leading to memorable appearances together, including at New York Fashion Week.

She draws inspiration from several female artists

Growing up, Ice Spice was influenced by a variety of female artists, including Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, and Cardi B. Her father, an underground rapper, also played a crucial role in inspiring her to pursue music. "Subconsciously, I ended up becoming an artist because I saw my father be one first," she reflected. Ice Spice aims to carve out her own unique sound while honoring the contributions of those who inspired her.

She has expressed a desire to create music that is distinctly hers, stating, "I definitely want to have my own lane, where it's just mine and not really copying somebody." This commitment to originality is central to her artistic vision.

How she came to collaborate with Taylor Swift

Ice Spice's collaborations with other artists have been a significant part of her rapid rise to fame. Notably, she teamed up with Taylor Swift for the song "Karma." Swift has publicly praised Ice Spice, calling her "THE ONE to watch" and highlighting her dedication and focus. Their collaboration came about after Ice Spice watched Swift's documentary, "Miss Americana," which inspired her to reach out to Swift's team.

This collaboration further solidified her presence in the music industry and showcased her ability to work alongside some of the biggest names in pop music.

She doesn’t care about rumors that she’s an industry plant

The rapid pace of Ice Spice's rise has led some to speculate that she might be an "industry plant," a term used for artists perceived to be artificially propped up by record labels. Ice Spice dismisses these claims, stating, "I know what it took to get me here, and I know how much work I'm putting in." She understands that such rumors often stem from jealousy and competition within the music industry.

Despite the gossip, she remains focused on her music and personal growth, showing resilience in the face of scrutiny.

She’s openly bisexual

Ice Spice has spoken openly about her sexuality, identifying as bisexual. In interviews, she has expressed that she is attracted to both men and women, leading to a significant following within the LGBTQ+ community. "I’m just making [music] that I like, honestly," she stated, emphasizing that her art is for everyone, regardless of gender.

Her willingness to embrace her identity has resonated with many fans, and she continues to advocate for visibility and representation in the music industry.

Her signature Powerpuff Girls chain cost her big bucks

Ice Spice is frequently seen wearing a stunning custom-made pendant resembling one of the Powerpuff Girls. This piece of jewelry, crafted by Benny the Jeweler, is not only eye-catching but also expensive, reportedly costing around $100,000. The pendant, adorned with over 80 carats of diamonds, has become part of her signature look.

Despite her newfound wealth, Ice Spice remains grounded, expressing pride in her ability to stay true to herself amid the rapid changes in her life. She continues to focus on her music and the values that have guided her journey.

Her perfect date night is surprisingly low key

When it comes to her personal life, Ice Spice prefers to keep things private. In a recent interview, she confirmed she is dating someone but wants her fans to focus on her music rather than her romantic life. Despite her celebrity status, her ideal date night is simple: "My dream date is chilling at home by ourselves.