What is Ice Spice real name behind the viral Bronx drill rapper taking the music industry by storm? Born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, Ice Spice has transformed from a college student working at Wendy’s to one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names.
At just 26 years old in 2026, she’s amassed an estimated net worth of $5-8 million through chart-topping hits, strategic brand partnerships, and sold-out world tours.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Ice Spice
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Isis Naija Gaston |
| Stage Name | Ice Spice |
| Birth Date | January 1, 2000 |
| Age (2026) | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York City |
| Ethnicity | African American & Dominican |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $5-8 million |
| Breakout Song | “Munch (Feelin’ U)” (2022) |
| Record Labels | 10K Projects, Capitol Records |
| Parents | Joseph Gaston (father), Charina Almanzar (mother) |
| Siblings | 4 younger siblings |
The Story Behind Ice Spice’s Real Name
What is Ice Spice real name and how did she choose her stage identity? Her birth name is Isis Naija Gaston, a name rich with cultural significance.
The name Isis carries ancient Egyptian heritage, while Naija is a common nickname for Nigeria. Her surname Gaston comes from her father Joseph Gaston’s family lineage.
Ice Spice created her stage name during her freshman year of high school. The origin story is surprisingly relatable and stems from teenage social media creativity.
She came up with “Ice Spice” at age 14 while creating a finsta account. A finsta is a fake or secondary Instagram account used for posting more privately to close friends.
“My name is Isis, but I came up with the ‘Spice’ part when I was like 14,” she explained in an interview. “I was just trying to come up with a finsta name, and I was like, ‘What rhymes with ice?’ It was spice.”
The name stuck throughout high school and eventually became her professional identity. She had a childhood nickname “Ice” that inspired the first part of her stage name.
Ice Spice’s Age and Birthday
How old is Ice Spice in 2026? Ice Spice was born on January 1, 2000, making her 26 years old as of 2026.
Being born on New Year’s Day makes her birthday particularly memorable. She celebrates her birthday as the world rings in each new year with fireworks and festivities.
As a millennial born at the turn of the millennium, Ice Spice represents the Y2K generation. This influence is evident in her aesthetic, music style, and cultural references.
Her zodiac sign is Capricorn, known for ambition, discipline, and determination. These traits align perfectly with her rapid rise in the competitive music industry.
At just 22 years old, Ice Spice achieved viral fame with “Munch (Feelin’ U).” By 23, she had multiple top-ten Billboard hits and collaborations with industry legends.
Ice Spice’s Ethnic Background and Heritage
What is Ice Spice real name’s cultural significance? Her heritage blends African American and Dominican roots in meaningful ways.
Her father Joseph Gaston is African American with a background as an underground rapper. He introduced Ice Spice to hip-hop culture from an early age.
Her mother Charina Almanzar is Dominican American who worked at a car dealership. Ice Spice proudly identifies as Afro-Latina, representing both sides of her heritage.
Growing up in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop, shaped her musical identity. The Fordham Road neighborhood where she was raised influenced her authentic Bronx drill sound.
Ice Spice is the eldest of five siblings in her blended family. Her parents divorced when she was just two years old due to work commitments and busy schedules.
She spent much of her childhood with her grandparents and cousins. This extended family support system helped raise her while her parents worked demanding jobs.
Early Life and Childhood in the Bronx
What is Ice Spice real name’s origin story in New York? Isis Naija Gaston grew up immersed in the vibrant culture of the Bronx.
She attended school in the Bronx until fifth grade before transferring. Her education continued at Sacred Heart High School, a Catholic school in Yonkers, where she graduated in 2018.
At age seven, Ice Spice discovered her passion for hip-hop music. She listened to iconic female rappers like Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj who became her early inspirations.
French Montana used to visit her elementary school when she was in fourth grade. These early exposures to the rap world planted seeds for her future career.
Her father’s rap background exposed her to legends like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Wu-Tang Clan. She grew up listening to hip-hop constantly, absorbing the culture and lyricism.
Ice Spice wrote poetry and freestyle raps from elementary school through high school. She would type lyrics in her iPhone Notes app and rap over instrumentals downloaded online.
The Nicki Minaj Inspiration
How did Ice Spice discover her calling? Nicki Minaj became her primary inspiration for pursuing rap professionally.
“When I saw Nicki [Minaj], I was so mesmerized,” Ice Spice recalled in a Billboard interview. “She’s the first female rapper that I seen. And ever since then, I was kinda set on what I wanted to be.”
Nicki’s success as a female rapper from Queens resonated deeply. Ice Spice saw someone who looked like her achieving massive success in hip-hop.
Years later, Ice Spice would collaborate with her idol on multiple tracks. The “Princess Diana” remix and “Barbie World” brought the two artists together professionally.
This full-circle moment validated Ice Spice’s childhood dreams. Working with Nicki Minaj represented the realization of goals she set as a young girl.
College Years and Career Beginnings
What is Ice Spice real name connected to her educational background? Isis Gaston enrolled at State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase in 2018.
She initially majored in biology with aspirations beyond music. Ice Spice also played on the school’s volleyball team as a freshman, excelling at the back row position.
Later she switched her major to communications for better career flexibility. However, college life didn’t align with her growing musical ambitions and creative goals.
Ice Spice dropped out around her sophomore year citing multiple reasons. “I left because I felt like I was in the wrong place,” she explained about her decision.
She also mentioned the strenuous commute as a factor in leaving. The time spent traveling could be better used creating music and building her career.
Before fame, Ice Spice worked regular jobs to support herself. She was a cashier at Wendy’s, folded clothes at The Gap, and babysat in Westchester County.
Meeting RiotUSA: The Turning Point
The pivotal moment came in 2021 when Ice Spice met producer RiotUSA. They were both students at SUNY Purchase and connected through the campus music scene.
RiotUSA produced her debut song “Bully Freestyle” released in March 2021. This marked Ice Spice’s official entry into the music industry as a recording artist.
Before “Bully,” a video of Ice Spice doing the “Buss It” challenge went viral on Twitter. This viral moment gave her initial online visibility and a small following.
Her song “Name of Love” gained traction on SoundCloud organically. The track’s popularity led to increased followers on Instagram, building her early fanbase.
Ice Spice continued working with RiotUSA on subsequent releases. Their creative partnership produced the signature sound that would eventually break through mainstream barriers.
The “Munch” Breakthrough Moment
What is Ice Spice real name associated with her biggest hit? “Munch (Feelin’ U)” became Isis Gaston’s breakthrough moment in August 2022.
Released on August 10, 2022, the song was distributed by WorldStarHipHop. The accompanying music video showcased Ice Spice’s signature curly red hair and confident delivery.
Drake played “Munch” on his Sirius XM radio station Sound 42. This endorsement from one of hip-hop’s biggest stars gave the song immediate credibility.
The track went viral on Twitter and TikTok almost overnight. Users created countless dance videos, memes, and content using the catchy Bronx drill beat.
“Munch” charted on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number 34. It also appeared on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, signaling imminent mainstream success.
Ice Spice later revealed she earned at least $2 million from “Munch” alone. This single song changed her financial situation and validated her decision to pursue music.
Record Deal and Industry Recognition
Following “Munch’s” success, Ice Spice signed with major labels in late 2022. She inked deals with 10K Projects and Capitol Records for distribution and promotion.
Her manager James Rosemond Jr. advised strategic independence first. “Deals came to her—production deals, 360 deals—but they were deals that I knew could be better,” he told Billboard.
By building leverage through independent releases, Ice Spice secured better terms. Reports suggest she signed for approximately $3 million, far exceeding initial offers.
In September 2022, she appeared on B-Lovee’s song “One Time” as a featured artist. This collaboration expanded her reach within the drill music community.
October 28, 2022 saw the release of “Bikini Bottom,” a SpongeBob reference. The single continued building momentum for her upcoming debut EP.
The “Like..?” Debut EP
Ice Spice released her debut EP “Like..?” on January 20, 2023. The project featured hit singles “Bikini Bottom” and “In Ha Mood” alongside other tracks.
The EP peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It sold 20,000 copies in its opening week, outperforming established artists like Nas.
“Like..?” showcased Ice Spice’s relaxed rapping style over drill beats. Music critics noted her unique delivery that set her apart from other drill artists.
The project solidified her signature sound and aesthetic. Her curly orange hair, confident demeanor, and quotable lyrics became instantly recognizable.
Chart-Topping Collaborations
What is Ice Spice real name linked to in terms of major collaborations? Isis Gaston landed four top-ten Billboard hits in just one year.
In February 2023, she collaborated with Lil Tjay on “Gangsta Boo.” This tribute to the late Memphis rapper became her first Hot 100 entry at number 82.
“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress peaked at number 3. Released on February 3, 2023, the remix became the highest charting for both artists at that time.
The “Princess Diana” remix with Nicki Minaj dropped in April 2023. The song reached number 4, giving Ice Spice her second top-ten hit.
Taylor Swift personally called Ice Spice to collaborate on “Karma” remix. Released May 26, 2023, the song became a cultural moment bridging pop and hip-hop.
“Barbie World” with Nicki Minaj and Aqua dominated summer 2023. Featured on the blockbuster Barbie movie soundtrack, the track reached top-ten status.
These collaborations established Ice Spice as 2023’s breakout star. She became the artist with the most Hot 100 top-five singles that year.
Ice Spice’s Net Worth in 2026
What is Ice Spice real name’s financial worth? Isis Naija Gaston’s net worth ranges from $5 million to $8 million in 2026.
Celebrity Net Worth and other sources estimate her fortune at approximately $5 million. More optimistic projections based on recent deals and tours suggest up to $8-10 million.
Her wealth comes from multiple diverse income streams. Music sales, streaming revenue, touring, and brand partnerships all contribute significantly.
Ice Spice has accumulated over 3 billion streams across platforms. With approximately 2.6 billion Spotify streams and 538 million YouTube views, streaming generates substantial passive income.
Her record deal reportedly guaranteed $3 million upfront. This provided financial security while she built her catalog and brand.
Touring and Live Performance Revenue
The Y2K! World Tour ran from July 2024 through January 2025. Spanning 40 shows across Europe, North America, and Oceania, the tour was a massive success.
Each concert generated substantial ticket sales and merchandise revenue. The tour significantly boosted her annual income and expanded her international fanbase.
Performing at major festivals and events adds to her earnings. Ice Spice has become a sought-after headliner for music festivals worldwide.
Brand Partnerships and Endorsements
What is Ice Spice real name associated with in terms of brand deals? Ice Spice has secured partnerships with major companies.
Mercedes-Benz signed Ice Spice for a significant endorsement deal. The luxury car brand recognized her influence among young consumers.
Dunkin’ Donuts partnered with her for promotional campaigns. The “Ice Spice Munchkins Drink” became a viral menu item in 2023.
Fashion collaborations include Marc Jacobs, SKIMS, and Ivy Park. Ice Spice walked runways and appeared in campaigns for luxury brands.
Athletic brands like Adidas, Converse, and Coach signed her. These deals leverage her style influence and massive social media following.
She also partnered with Alexander Wang for fashion campaigns. These high-profile partnerships elevate her status beyond music into fashion icon territory.
Music Sales and Streaming Revenue
Ice Spice’s debut album “Y2K!” dropped in July 2024. The album featured collaborations with Travis Scott, Gunna, and Central Cee.
Before the album, she had sold over 10 million copies of music. This includes 13 singles and one EP sold across digital platforms.
Streaming platforms pay approximately $3 per 1,000 streams. With billions of streams, Ice Spice earns millions from Spotify and Apple Music alone.
YouTube ad revenue from her 538 million views adds hundreds of thousands. Combined with music video views, these platforms provide steady passive income.
Merchandise and Additional Ventures
Ice Spice’s official merchandise shop sells clothing and accessories. Items range from $20-$65, including T-shirts, hoodies, and vinyl records.
Popular items include “Like Grrah” tank tops and “In Ha Mood” apparel. Fans purchase merchandise at concerts and through her online store.
She’s also exploring acting opportunities in film and television. Ice Spice secured roles in “Highest 2 Lowest” (2025) and voice work for “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.”
These ventures diversify her income beyond music alone. Building a multi-platform brand ensures long-term financial stability.
Personal Life and Relationships
What is Ice Spice real name’s personal life like? Ice Spice keeps her romantic relationships relatively private from public scrutiny.
She identifies as bisexual and has been open about her sexuality. In a 2023 interview, she also mentioned identifying as queer.
In 2025, Ice Spice confirmed she previously dated NFL cornerback Sauce Gardner. The relationship garnered significant media attention but eventually ended.
Various rumors have linked her to Drake, Pete Davidson, and Caleb McLaughlin. However, Ice Spice rarely confirms or denies these relationship speculations publicly.
She relocated from the Bronx to New Jersey following her career breakthrough. The move provided more privacy while staying close to New York City.
Family Relationships and Upbringing
Ice Spice maintains close relationships with her family members. As the eldest of five siblings, she views herself as their protector.
“I’m the eldest sister to five siblings, and I was their self-appointed protector,” she told The Cut. This responsibility shaped her mature, driven personality.
Her relationship with both parents influenced her career path. Her father’s underground rap background provided direct music industry exposure.
Her mother introduced her to manifestation and “The Secret” self-help concepts. Ice Spice credits manifesting success as part of her achievement strategy.
She spent significant time with grandparents and extended family. This tight-knit family structure provided stability during her parents’ divorce.
Musical Style and Influences
What is Ice Spice real name’s musical identity? Ice Spice’s sound is primarily Bronx drill with unique characteristics.
Bronx drill features hard-hitting beats and aggressive delivery patterns. Ice Spice subverts expectations with her relaxed, almost whispered flow over these beats.
She prefers lyrics that are “super simple” and “digestible.” This accessibility makes her music instantly quotable and shareable on social media.
Ice Spice writes all her own lyrics personally. She doesn’t consider herself a traditional lyricist but values authentic self-expression.
Her influences span beyond hip-hop into alternative music. She’s listed Coldplay’s “Yellow” and The 1975’s “Sex” among her favorite songs.
“When I was 13 or 14, I was playing The 1975 all the time,” she shared. This eclectic taste influences her genre-blending approach to music.
Hip-Hop Influences and Inspirations
Sheff G and Pop Smoke first inspired Ice Spice to start rapping. These Brooklyn drill pioneers showed her the commercial potential of drill music.
Female rappers like Lil’ Kim, Nicki Minaj, and Foxy Brown shaped her style. Their New York roots and unapologetic confidence resonated deeply.
Cardi B and Remy Ma also influenced her approach to female rap. Ice Spice studied how these artists built sustainable careers and loyal fanbases.
Beyond rap, she admires Erykah Badu, Rihanna, and Lauryn Hill. She appreciates their “graceful angelic vibe of timeless beauty” and artistic longevity.
Taylor Swift became an unexpected influence after their collaboration. Ice Spice studied Swift’s business acumen and fan engagement strategies.
Industry Feuds and Controversies
What is Ice Spice real name involved in regarding industry drama? Ice Spice has faced public feuds with fellow rappers.
Her relationship with Latto has been compared as a rivalry since 2022. The origin of the feud remains unclear, but tensions escalated publicly.
In January 2023, fans interpreted lyrics from “Princess Diana” as Latto disses. A year later, both artists exchanged subtle jabs through unreleased track snippets.
Ice Spice released a snippet of “Think U the Shit (Fart)” targeting Latto. The song title alone generated viral memes and social media discussions.
In May 2024, she received backlash from Nicki Minaj fans. Former friend Baby Storme leaked private text messages between Ice Spice and others.
The leaked messages allegedly showed Ice Spice speaking negatively about Minaj. This controversy threatened her relationship with her idol and frequent collaborator.
Industry Plant Accusations
What is Ice Spice real name facing criticism about? Some critics have labeled Ice Spice an “industry plant” due to her rapid rise.
The term “industry plant” suggests artificial promotion rather than organic growth. Skeptics question how she achieved success so quickly without extensive prior work.
Ice Spice and her team have addressed these accusations directly. They point to years of working independently before major label involvement.
Her manager emphasized the strategic approach to building leverage. Releasing successful independent music first resulted in better deal terms.
The viral nature of “Munch” and TikTok’s algorithm contributed to perception. However, Ice Spice had been building a foundation since 2021.
Awards and Recognition
What is Ice Spice real name achieving in terms of accolades? Ice Spice has received numerous nominations and awards.
She won Best New Artist at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. This major recognition came less than two years into her career.
Ice Spice earned four Grammy nominations including Best New Artist. She’s been nominated for Best Rap Song and other categories.
Billboard named her 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Year. This honor recognized her unprecedented chart success and cultural impact.
She won Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist at the 2023 BET Awards. The award celebrated her emergence as a major force in hip-hop.
The 2024 People’s Choice Awards gave her New Artist of the Year. This fan-voted award demonstrated her broad appeal beyond hip-hop audiences.
Time magazine described Ice Spice as a “breakout star” in 2023. The New York Times dubbed her “rap’s new princess,” cementing her status.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Ice Spice boasts 1.8 million Instagram followers as of early 2026. Her social media presence significantly contributes to her brand value and reach.
Her TikTok account @icespicee has over 13 million followers. She regularly posts musical content, behind-the-scenes footage, and trending videos.
TikTok proved crucial to her initial viral success. The platform’s algorithm helped “Munch” reach millions of users organically.
Ice Spice understands digital marketing and fan engagement. She interacts with fans, responds to comments, and participates in viral challenges.
Her distinctive aesthetic translates perfectly to visual platforms. The curly red hair, Y2K fashion, and confident attitude create instantly recognizable content.
Future Projects and Career Outlook
What is Ice Spice real name planning for the future? Ice Spice shows no signs of slowing down in 2026 and beyond.
She’s exploring acting opportunities with more film and TV projects. Building a multi-platform entertainment career ensures longevity beyond music alone.
New music and collaborations are constantly in development. Ice Spice continues working with both established artists and emerging talent.
International expansion remains a priority for her team. The Y2K! World Tour’s success internationally proved her global appeal.
Fashion and beauty ventures are potential future expansions. Her influence in these industries could lead to product lines or partnerships.
Ice Spice has expressed interest in eventually producing other artists. Using her platform to elevate new talent aligns with her values.
Comparing Net Worth to Other Female Rappers
How does Ice Spice’s wealth compare to peers? Nicki Minaj has a net worth of approximately $150 million after nearly two decades.
Cardi B’s net worth sits around $80 million following her 2017 breakthrough. She’s had more time to build wealth through music and television.
Megan Thee Stallion has an estimated net worth of $30 million. She started in the mid-2010s and built wealth through music and endorsements.
Fellow 2022-2023 breakouts like GloRilla have $2 million net worth estimates. Latto shares Ice Spice’s $5 million range despite starting earlier.
Ice Spice’s rapid accumulation of wealth is remarkable. Reaching $5-8 million in under five years demonstrates exceptional business savvy.
The Business Mind Behind the Music
What is Ice Spice real name’s approach to business? Isis Gaston demonstrates sophisticated understanding of the music industry.
Her manager James Rosemond Jr. brought valuable experience from working with previous artists. He taught Ice Spice about contract negotiations and deal structures.
“I was privy to a lot of his deal-making,” Rosemond explained. Ice Spice absorbed lessons about approaching labels and maximizing value.
They strategically released music independently to build negotiating power. This patience resulted in significantly better deal terms than initially offered.
Ice Spice maintains creative control while partnering with major labels. This balance protects her artistic vision while accessing distribution resources.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
What is Ice Spice real name’s impact on culture? Ice Spice represents Gen Z’s takeover of hip-hop.
Her Y2K aesthetic revival influenced fashion trends among young people. The early 2000s nostalgia she embodies resonates with her generation.
Ice Spice’s success proves the power of social media in launching careers. She utilized TikTok and Instagram more effectively than traditional industry pathways.
Her Afro-Latina identity brings important representation to mainstream hip-hop. Ice Spice proudly showcases her Dominican heritage alongside her rap credibility.
The “People’s Princess” nickname reflects her relatable, accessible persona. Unlike some distant celebrities, Ice Spice maintains connection with regular fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ice Spice’s real name?
Ice Spice’s real name is Isis Naija Gaston. She was born on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York. She created the stage name “Ice Spice” at age 14 while making a finsta Instagram account.
How old is Ice Spice in 2026?
Ice Spice is 26 years old in 2026. She was born on New Year’s Day (January 1) in 2000, making her a Capricorn. She achieved mainstream success at just 22 years old with “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022.
What is Ice Spice’s net worth?
Ice Spice’s net worth in 2026 is estimated between $5-8 million. Her wealth comes from her $3 million record deal, streaming revenue, touring, and brand partnerships with companies like Mercedes-Benz, Dunkin’, and Marc Jacobs.
What is Ice Spice’s ethnicity?
Ice Spice is Afro-Latina, with an African American father (Joseph Gaston) and Dominican mother (Charina Almanzar). She was born and raised in the Fordham Road neighborhood of the Bronx, New York.
How did Ice Spice get her stage name?
Ice Spice created her stage name at age 14 when making a finsta (fake Instagram) account. Her birth name is Isis, and she chose “Spice” because it rhymed with “Ice,” a childhood nickname.
What was Ice Spice’s first hit song?
Ice Spice’s breakthrough hit was “Munch (Feelin’ U)” released in August 2022. The song went viral on TikTok after Drake played it on his radio station. She reportedly earned at least $2 million from this single song alone.
Is Ice Spice signed to a record label?
Yes, Ice Spice is signed to 10K Projects and Capitol Records. She signed in late 2022 for a reported $3 million deal after strategically building leverage through independent releases first.
Who has Ice Spice collaborated with?
Ice Spice has collaborated with Taylor Swift (“Karma”), Nicki Minaj (“Princess Diana” and “Barbie World”), PinkPantheress (“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”), Lil Tjay (“Gangsta Boo”), and artists like Travis Scott and Gunna on her Y2K! album.
What is Ice Spice’s height?
Ice Spice is 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm). Her distinctive curly orange hair and confident stage presence make her easily recognizable despite her average height.
What college did Ice Spice attend?
Ice Spice attended State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase where she initially majored in biology before switching to communications. She played volleyball and met producer RiotUSA there before dropping out sophomore year to pursue music full-time.
Conclusion
What is Ice Spice real name, and what has she accomplished? Isis Naija Gaston has transformed from a Bronx-raised college dropout into one of hip-hop’s brightest stars in less than five years.
Her journey from working at Wendy’s and The Gap to commanding stages worldwide demonstrates the power of talent, timing, and strategic thinking.
At just 26 years old in 2026, Ice Spice has already achieved what many artists spend decades pursuing—chart-topping hits, major collaborations, industry recognition, and financial success with a net worth estimated between $5-8 million.
The story behind Ice Spice’s real name reveals her multicultural heritage as an Afro-Latina woman representing both African American and Dominican roots.