Isis Naija Gaston, known professionally as Ice Spice, is an American rapper born on January 1, 2000, and raised in the Bronx, New York City. She began her rap career in 2020 while attending college, after connecting with record producer RiotUSA, who produced her debut track, Bully Freestyle. Her rise in the music world began organically, first gaining attention through social media with a viral Buss It challenge and her early tracks like Name of Love, which built her popularity on SoundCloud and Instagram.
Ice Spice gained major mainstream recognition in August 2022 with the release of Munch (Feelin’ U). The track went viral on TikTok and received a significant boost when Drake played it on his Sirius XM station, Sound 42. The buzz led to her signing with 10K Projects in partnership with Capitol Records, kicking off a rapid ascent in the hip-hop world.
Following her breakout, Ice Spice released popular singles such as Bikini Bottom and In Ha Mood in support of her debut EP, Like..? (2023), which reached number 15 on the Billboard 200. The EP featured the top-ten Billboard Hot 100 hit Princess Diana, a collaboration with Nicki Minaj. She continued her streak in 2023 with three more Billboard top-ten hits: Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2 (with PinkPantheress), Karma (with Taylor Swift), and Barbie World (with Nicki Minaj and Aqua), making her the only rapper to achieve four top-ten hits in 2023.
In 2024, Ice Spice released the viral single Think U the Shit (Fart), leading up to the release of her highly anticipated debut studio album, Y2K!.
Her meteoric rise has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, the People’s Choice Award for New Artist of the Year, and the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Impact Award. She has also earned four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, solidifying her as one of the most promising and influential newcomers in contemporary rap.
With a signature blend of understated delivery, catchy hooks, and viral appeal, Ice Spice continues to be a standout figure in Gen Z hip hop, redefining what it means to be a breakout star in the digital era.