Ice Spice was still a college student making music with a young producer when her song Munch (Feelin’ U) went viral in August 2022. The Bronx rapper’s relaxed delivery, distinctive orange curls and New York drill sound quickly caught the attention of listeners far beyond her hometown. This Ice Spice biography follows her rise from recording songs while studying at SUNY Purchase to collaborating with Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift and PinkPantheress, earning four Grammy nominations and releasing her debut album.
Born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, she grew up surrounded by music, including the hip-hop her father enjoyed and the Latin sounds connected to her Dominican family background. Her breakthrough came unusually fast. By 2023, she had appeared on four Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles, recorded a song for the Barbie soundtrack and performed with Taylor Swift. Her success also brought intense public attention to her relationships, appearance and personal life.
Now 26, Ice Spice has expanded beyond her earliest drill recordings. She released her first studio album, Y2K!, in 2024, made her feature-film acting debut in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest in 2025 and recorded music for a SpongeBob movie. Her latest confirmed release is an August 2026 collaboration with Lil Yachty. The different projects show how a career that began with short, viral rap songs has moved into albums, film and international pop culture.
Ice Spice Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real name | Isis Naija Gaston |
| Stage name | Ice Spice |
| Date of birth | January 1, 2000 |
| Age | 26 years old (October 2026) |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York City, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, songwriter and actress |
| Father | Joseph Gaston |
| Mother | Charina Almanzar |
| Siblings | Five younger half-siblings |
| Education | Sacred Heart High School; attended SUNY Purchase |
| Career beginnings | 2021 |
| Breakthrough song | Munch (Feelin’ U), 2022 |
| Debut EP | Like..? (2023) |
| Debut studio album | Y2K! (2024) |
| Record labels | 10K Projects and Capitol Records |
| Grammy nominations | Four (2024) |
| Relationship status | No current partner reliably confirmed |
| Latest confirmed single | Out My Face (My Baby), August 2026 |
Early Life and Family Background
Ice Spice was born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York City.
Her father, Joseph Gaston, is African American and worked as an underground rapper. Her mother, Charina Almanzar, is of Dominican background.
Her parents met while working at a McDonald’s restaurant. Charina was 17 years old when she gave birth to Ice Spice.
The couple separated when their daughter was about two years old. Both later had children with other partners, giving Ice Spice five younger half-siblings.
Growing up, she spent considerable time with her grandparents and cousins while her parents worked. In a December 2022 interview with Erykah Badu and Puma Curry for Interview Magazine, she recalled spending afternoons with relatives and other children in the neighbourhood.
Her family exposed her to different kinds of music. She heard hip-hop through her father, alongside Latin pop and Caribbean sounds connected to her mother’s background.
Those influences eventually became useful in a career that combined New York rap with collaborations outside traditional American hip-hop.
Ice Spice’s Education
Ice Spice attended school in the Bronx before continuing her education at Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, New York.
She graduated from high school in 2018 and enrolled at the State University of New York at Purchase, commonly known as SUNY Purchase.
At college, she studied communications and played volleyball as a defensive specialist.
However, she did not complete a college degree. She left SUNY Purchase after deciding that the school was not the right environment for her, with the difficult commute also influencing her decision.
Her time at college still proved important because it helped connect her with producer RiotUSA, who became one of her closest musical collaborators.
Her education and volleyball experience are documented in her Biography.com profile.
What Is Ice Spice’s Real Name?
Ice Spice’s real name is Isis Naija Gaston. She began using Ice Spice as an online nickname before establishing herself as a recording artist.
The name originated from an alternative Instagram account she created during her teenage years.
When she started recording music, she considered using her birth name professionally. During an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, she recalled discussing possible stage names with RiotUSA.
She eventually chose the name she had already used online.
Her nickname became especially recognisable after Munch went viral, with fans also adopting the name Munchkins for her supporters.
How Ice Spice Started Her Music Career
Ice Spice began taking rap seriously around 2020, working on lyrics and recording songs while experimenting with different sounds.
She connected with producer RiotUSA, whose real name is Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr.
The two developed a working relationship built around drill beats, short hooks and Ice Spice’s conversational delivery.
Her early recordings included Bully Freestyle and No Clarity in 2021, followed by songs such as Name of Love in 2022.
These tracks helped her attract listeners online, but none had the impact of her next major release.
Munch (Feelin’ U): Her 2022 Breakthrough
On August 10, 2022, Ice Spice released Munch (Feelin’ U), produced by RiotUSA.
The song became popular on TikTok, where listeners used its lyrics in short videos and social media posts.
Its music video featured Ice Spice and other young people in the Bronx, connecting the song to the neighbourhood where she grew up.
Canadian rapper Drake also supported the track by playing it on his Sound 42 radio programme.
The attention helped turn Ice Spice into a widely discussed newcomer. In September 2022, she signed with 10K Projects and Capitol Records.
Her breakthrough was significant because the song spread through online audiences before she had released a full album.
Her Rise to Fame in 2023
Ice Spice’s career grew rapidly throughout 2023.
In January, she released her debut EP, Like..?, featuring songs such as In Ha Mood, Gangsta Boo and Bikini Bottom.
The EP eventually reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
However, collaborations with other artists introduced her to an even wider audience.
Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2 with PinkPantheress
In February 2023, Ice Spice appeared on Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2, a remix of British singer PinkPantheress’s song.
The track combined PinkPantheress’s melodic vocals with Ice Spice’s rap verse.
It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Ice Spice’s biggest chart successes.
The collaboration also helped introduce her to listeners more familiar with pop and electronic music than New York drill.
Princess Diana with Nicki Minaj
Another important release was the remix of Princess Diana, featuring Nicki Minaj.
Released in April 2023, the collaboration reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ice Spice had previously spoken about admiring Minaj while growing up, making the collaboration a particularly notable moment in her early career.
The two later worked together on Barbie World for the 2023 Barbie movie soundtrack.
Karma with Taylor Swift
In May 2023, Ice Spice appeared on a remix of Taylor Swift’s song Karma.
She also joined Swift onstage during the Eras Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The remix reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest chart position in the United States at that time.
The collaboration subsequently earned both artists a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
By the end of 2023, Ice Spice had appeared on four Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles, according to her official Capitol Records profile.
Ice Spice’s Most Popular Songs
Several of her songs became widely recognised through streaming platforms, social media and collaborations with established musicians.
| Song | Year | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Munch (Feelin’ U) | 2022 | Viral breakthrough single |
| In Ha Mood | 2023 | Popular solo release from Like..? |
| Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2 | 2023 | Collaboration with PinkPantheress; reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 |
| Princess Diana | 2023 | Remix with Nicki Minaj; reached No. 4 |
| Karma (Remix) | 2023 | Taylor Swift collaboration; reached No. 2 |
| Barbie World | 2023 | Nicki Minaj collaboration for the Barbie soundtrack |
| Deli | 2023 | Solo track from the deluxe edition of Like..? |
| Think U the Shit (Fart) | 2024 | Single from her debut album Y2K! |
| Did It First | 2024 | Collaboration with Central Cee |
| Big Guy | 2025 | Song for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants |
| Thootie | 2025 | Collaboration with Dominican rapper Tokischa |
| Out My Face (My Baby) | 2026 | Collaboration with Lil Yachty |
Her catalogue shows how she has worked with different musical styles while maintaining the relaxed vocal delivery that first attracted attention to her early recordings.
Ice Spice’s Albums and EPs
Like..? (2023)
Ice Spice released her debut extended play, Like..?, on January 20, 2023.
It included several songs recorded during her early breakthrough period, with production closely associated with RiotUSA.
A deluxe edition followed on July 21, 2023, expanding the project with additional tracks, including Deli.
The release helped demonstrate that her audience extended beyond listeners who had discovered one viral single.
Y2K! (2024)
On July 26, 2024, Ice Spice released her first studio album, Y2K!.
The title refers to her birthday on January 1, 2000, the beginning of the new millennium.
The album featured collaborations with Travis Scott, Gunna and British rapper Central Cee.
Its singles included Think U the Shit (Fart), Gimmie a Light and Did It First.
Y2K! debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200. A deluxe edition, titled Y2K!: I’m Just a Girl, followed on December 25, 2024, adding five new tracks.
The album’s release and collaborators were confirmed by Universal Music’s official July 2024 announcement.
Although the album brought more music and a world tour, critics differed in their assessments of its songwriting and how much it developed her original sound.
Ice Spice’s Grammy Nominations and Awards
Ice Spice received four nominations at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
They included Best New Artist, two nominations connected with Barbie World and one for her collaboration on Taylor Swift’s Karma.
- Best New Artist: Nominated for her breakthrough in the music industry.
- Best Rap Song: Nominated for Barbie World.
- Best Song Written for Visual Media: Nominated for Barbie World.
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Nominated alongside Taylor Swift for Karma.
She did not win any of those categories. Her official Recording Academy profile records four nominations and no Grammy wins.
Her other recognition includes the Hitmaker Award at Billboard Women in Music in 2024.
She was also included in Forbes’ 2024 Under 30 Music list, which recognised young artists making an impact in the entertainment industry.
That recognition was documented in Forbes’ official announcement.
Ice Spice’s Acting Career
Ice Spice expanded into feature-film acting in 2025, appearing in Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee.
The crime thriller stars Denzel Washington as a wealthy music executive who becomes involved in a kidnapping and ransom crisis.
Ice Spice played Marisol Cepeda, appearing in a supporting role.
The film premiered theatrically in August 2025 before becoming available on Apple TV in September.
Her role is listed in the official Apple TV cast credits.
Working on a film with actors such as Washington, Jeffrey Wright and A$AP Rocky introduced her to a different part of the entertainment industry.
She also participated in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, released in 2025, providing a voice appearance and recording the soundtrack song Big Guy.
Ice Spice’s Latest Songs and Music in 2026
Ice Spice continued releasing music after her 2024 debut album, including songs connected to film and collaborations with other rappers.
Big Guy and Thootie in 2025
On November 14, 2025, she released Big Guy, a song recorded for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
Its playful lyrics and energetic delivery attracted attention on short-video platforms.
In December 2025, she released Thootie with Dominican rapper Tokischa.
The song incorporated dembow rhythms and featured Ice Spice performing in both English and Spanish.
The collaboration reflected her Dominican family background while introducing another musical style into her recordings.
Universal Music documented the release in its December 5, 2025 announcement.
Out My Face (My Baby) with Lil Yachty
On August 28, 2026, Ice Spice and Lil Yachty released Out My Face (My Baby).
The collaboration features a beat switch that divides the recording into two distinct musical sections.
Its accompanying video was co-directed by Lil Yachty and AMD. The first half focuses on Ice Spice in stylised settings, while the second moves into scenes involving Yachty and members of his Concrete Boys collective.
Pitchfork reported the release on August 28, 2026.
The single is also listed as her latest release on Apple Music in October 2026.
Although listeners have discussed the possibility of another studio album, the official release information reviewed does not establish a confirmed title and release date for a second Ice Spice studio album.
Who Is Ice Spice’s Boyfriend?
Ice Spice has attracted public attention for her relationships, but she has generally preferred not to discuss every aspect of her private life.
One of her publicly acknowledged relationships was with American football player Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
The two were photographed together at public events in 2025, leading to speculation about their relationship.
Ice Spice later acknowledged their dating history during a September 2025 appearance on Keke Palmer’s podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer.
She described the relationship in the past tense and indicated that they remained on friendly terms.
Their relationship and subsequent comments were documented by People magazine.
Ice Spice has also been linked to other public figures through photographs and online speculation. However, those reports do not establish a confirmed current relationship.
As of October 2026, no current boyfriend has been reliably confirmed in the public sources reviewed.
Is Ice Spice Married? Does She Have Children?
Ice Spice is not publicly known to be married, and no dependable record of a husband or wedding has been established.
There is also no reliable public confirmation that she has children.
Her song lyrics, music videos and public appearances should not be treated as evidence of marriage or motherhood.
Although she discusses relationships in her music, she has kept many personal matters outside interviews and official announcements.
Ice Spice’s Net Worth and Income
Ice Spice’s exact personal net worth has not been independently verified.
Celebrity finance websites publish different estimates of her wealth, but they generally do not provide complete financial records supporting those figures.
Her documented professional activities include music recordings, streaming royalties, touring, brand partnerships and acting.
She has also appeared in advertising and promotional campaigns associated with well-known consumer brands.
However, the revenue generated by an album, concert or advertising campaign does not establish how much she personally retains after expenses, taxes and contractual arrangements.
Where Is Ice Spice Now?
As of October 2026, Ice Spice is 26 years old and remains active as a recording artist.
Her most recent confirmed single, Out My Face (My Baby), was released with Lil Yachty in August 2026.
Her career now includes a studio album, four Grammy nominations, several major chart collaborations and appearances in feature films.
Listeners who want to understand her music can begin with Munch (Feelin’ U) for her original Bronx drill sound, Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2 for her pop crossover and Y2K! for her first full-length album.
Her 2025 and 2026 releases show her experimenting with soundtrack music, bilingual rap and collaborations beyond the sound that first made her famous. Her next confirmed projects will determine where that musical direction leads.
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