- Ice Spice, born Isis Gaston, has a lot more going on than just viral hits — from a love for anime to her Bronx pride.
- She’s a self-taught rapper, a talented artist, and almost went into nursing before music took over.
- With influences like Lil' Kim and a natural head for poetry, Ice Spice is all about originality and staying true to herself.
12 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Ice Spice (But Should)
Alright, let’s talk Ice Spice. She’s everywhere right now — from TikTok feeds to collabs with Nicki Minaj — and she’s got that Bronx energy that just hits different. But there’s so much more to her than her viral track “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and those catchy hooks. Think you know everything about her? Spoiler: you don’t! From her anime obsession to some seriously unexpected talents, Ice Spice is a lot more layered than you might think.
So, here’s a rundown of 12 things you probably didn’t know about Ice Spice but definitely need to. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just scrolling by, these fun facts will make you see her in a totally new way. Buckle up, because the queen of Bronx rap has more surprises than you’d guess!
1. Her Real Name is Not What You'd Expect
Let’s start with the basics: Ice Spice was born as Isis Gaston. Her stage name is a twist on her real name and her love for “spicy” things (both in personality and attitude). “Ice Spice” captures her cool yet fierce vibe perfectly—and honestly, it’s hard to imagine calling her anything else now!
2. She's a Self-Taught Rapper
No private tutors, no big-name producers—Ice Spice taught herself how to rap by freestyling over random beats she found online. She spent hours practicing on her own, building her flow and confidence from scratch. That self-made hustle? Totally her vibe, and it’s why fans love her. She’s proof that you don’t need a big budget to make big moves.
3. Her Dad Was Also in the Hip-Hop Scene
Ice Spice didn’t just discover hip-hop by chance; it runs in her family. Her dad was an underground rapper back in the day, so she grew up surrounded by music and the rhythm of the Bronx. She credits him with introducing her to the world of rap and inspiring her to find her own voice.
4. Her Hair? 100% Natural
The iconic curly, copper hair? Yep, it’s all hers—no dye, no wigs, just pure natural curls. She’s said she loves her hair and hopes to inspire other young women to embrace their natural textures. It’s become such a big part of her brand that fans can’t imagine her without it.
5. She's Obsessed with Anime
Ice Spice is a hardcore anime fan. Shows like Naruto and Attack on Titan are some of her favorites, and she’s even hinted at anime-inspired visuals in her music videos. She says anime has been a big influence on her creativity, and fans are always waiting to catch her next anime reference. If you see her rocking a ninja headband one day, don’t be surprised!
6. Her Cat's Name is… Munch
Of course, she had to name her cat after her breakout song, “Munch.” Munch the cat has become something of a mini-celeb in his own right, with fans going wild whenever he pops up on her social media. The duo is iconic, and we’re here for all the cute (and sometimes chaotic) cat content.
7. She Almost Became a Nurse
Before she fully committed to her rap career, Ice Spice was actually taking pre-nursing classes in college. She planned on going into healthcare, but her passion for music pulled her in a different direction. Imagine Ice Spice in scrubs saving lives—wild, right? She’s said she still has huge respect for healthcare workers, but she’s happy she followed her dream.
8. Her Zodiac Sign Fits Her Perfectly
Ice Spice is a Capricorn, born on January 1st. Capricorns are known for their drive, ambition, and persistence, and she’s basically the poster child for those traits. She’s got that “go-getter” energy that makes her unstoppable, and she’s not afraid to put in the work to reach her goals. So if you feel that bossy, determined vibe from her, now you know why.
9. She Can Sketch Like a Pro
Here’s one you probably didn’t see coming: Ice Spice is actually a talented artist! She loves sketching in her downtime and has a real knack for drawing. Her friends say she’s super detailed, whether it’s doodling characters or random designs. It’s a side hobby she keeps mostly private, but who knows—maybe we’ll see some of her artwork on an album cover someday.
10. She's a Huge Lil' Kim Fan
Ice Spice has said that one of her biggest style and music influences is Lil’ Kim. She grew up watching Kim’s bold looks and fearless attitude, and she credits her for inspiring her to be unapologetic about her style. From fashion to music, Ice Spice sees Lil’ Kim as the ultimate icon, and honestly? We can totally see the influence.
11. She's Got a Thing for Poetry
Beyond rap, Ice Spice is also a big fan of poetry. She reads and even writes poetry in her spare time, and she says it helps her tap into different emotions that influence her lyrics. For her, poetry and rap are two sides of the same coin, and she loves bringing that lyrical, poetic vibe into her music. Turns out, she’s as much about art as she is about beats.
12. She's Proud of Her Bronx Roots
Ice Spice is Bronx-born and raised, and she reps her hometown with pride. The Bronx isn’t just her home; it’s her identity. You’ll hear her shout out the Bronx in her lyrics, her interviews, and even her fashion. She wants the world to know where she’s from and what the Bronx represents, and she’s become a bit of an unofficial ambassador for her city. As she says, the Bronx is always in her heart.
And there you have it — 12 reasons why Ice Spice is way more than just a viral hitmaker. She’s a Bronx-born, anime-loving, poetry-writing artist who’s bringing something totally unique to the music scene. Every layer of her — from her self-taught rap skills to her low-key love for sketching — proves that she’s in this game for more than fame. She’s about authenticity, creativity, and showing Gen Z what it means to stay true to yourself.
So next time you catch a snippet of “Munch” on TikTok, remember that there’s a whole story behind that beat. Ice Spice is rewriting what it means to be a hip-hop star in 2024, and we’re here for it. Whether she’s rapping, sketching, or showing love for the Bronx, Ice Spice is making her mark — one spicy verse at a time.
Stay tuned to Woke Waves for more on the artists shaping Gen Z.
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