Ice Spice has gotten quite a bit of hype since her single ‘Munch (Feelin’ U)’ dropped in August 2022, which helped propel the Bronx drill rap scene into the mainstream and her meteoric rise to the top since.
Ice cut her teeth on records her father, an underground rapper himself, kept around. She cites Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim as two of her biggest idols growing up. After dropping out of college in her sophomore year, Ice began her work in music through producer RiotUSA. Her first single, ‘Bully Freestyle,’ would get added to the Apple Music New New York playlist giving the rapper exposure on a much broader scale. Since then, her star has continued to rise with shoutouts by Drake and Cardi B.
On January 20th, 2023, Ice Spice dropped her debut EP Like.. ?, allowing us to hear her brand of Bronx Drill rap.
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The collection opens with the third single off the EP ‘In Ha Mood'” The essence of trap is evident in the backing beat. Ice’s flow is smooth and precise throughout the track. Her rhymes are for girls wanting to party without getting messed with by any man. Spice is in her zone as she flaunts her viral success and riches. “And he packin’, I know by his pants (Grrah)/ He a rapper, but don’t got a chance.“
‘Princess Diana’ continues the simplistic production and methodical flow that Spice displayed on the opening track. You can hear the influence and swagger of rappers like Soulja Boy here. She continues her braggadocio lines against hard-hitting bass beats. She works her analogy of Princess Diana and being the “Princess of the People.” My favorite line comes from her only use of the title, “In the hood I’m like Princess Diana.”
Ice brings in fellow Bronx rapper Lil Tjay for ‘Gangsta Boo.’ The song contains a throwback to a 90s rap classic ‘I Need a Girl (Part 2)’ by P. Diddy, Ginuwine, Loon, and Mario Winans. While this adds a little funk and soul to the sound, the bass and beat are too similar to ‘Princess Diana” to provide much difference between the sound of the tracks. However, I welcome the change in theme around her sexual prowess.
‘Actin a Smoochie’ adds sultriness through its sample of the Tierra Whack song ‘Cuttin’ Onions.’ This track elevates the sexuality of Ice’s rhymes. It strengthens her ode to releasing your inner thot, and the moments of humor she adds to her lines are classic girl-power swagger: “Actin’ a smoochie when I’m off the liquor (Like)/Showin’ my thong, goin’ ku (Go ku).”
Both singles ‘Bikini Bottom'”‘ and ‘Munch (Feelin’ U)’ come in at just under two minutes, making them the perfect length for TikTok. The former has some exceptionally infectious beats. The title seems to be a nod to criticism of the Spongebob-like guitar riffs used in the track.
Spice’s rhymes here spotlight her bad bitch persona. She sells this quite well, although the track could be a touch longer to sell us on its theme.
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The break-out single, ‘Munch (Feelin’ U),’ has some of the best bass out of all the tracks here. There’s no denying Ice has created a bop out of this short but sweet piece. She cut this track in just over an hour. She told SiriusXM the following about how she was able to get the song together in such a short time:
“I was actually in my room and I was like, ‘How can I make a song mad fast?’ I was challenging myself to make the quickest song I could make, and I was just like, “I’m not going to overthink.” I didn’t overdo the takes and stuff in it. It was just fun, I was feeling the vibes. I think I was a little wine drunk.”
The song’s appeal to female listeners is apparent. Like Cardi B and Megan the Stallion‘s feminine sexuality, Spice’s rhymes are an anthem to cunnilingus. There is no doubt that it is the EP’s frontrunner.
I am surprised I avoided all the hype around Ice Spice until recently. I have heard both sides of the fence around her sexualized lyrics and one-dimensional themes. Although I agree to some extent (every song on this EP focuses on sex, money, and fame), I greatly appreciate her style. She knows her audience and plays to it. Her smooth flow is a pleasure to listen to. If she expands her rhymes into a more personal realm (on her life in the Bronx), I think she’ll be a force to reckon with. As it says, we will have to wait to see if her success is merely a flash in the pan or if she’s just getting started.
