Just a year ago, 22-year-old Isis Naija Gaston, known as Ice Spice, attended the MTV Video Music Awards as a plus-one for a friend. At the time, she was a budding rapper from the Bronx with a single viral hit, “Munch (Feelin’ U),” but she was virtually unrecognized. Her seat was tucked away in the upper rafters, far from the main stage. “I couldn’t see anything,” she recalls. “I just kept thinking, ‘I can’t wait to be part of that.’” Fast forward a year, and Ice Spice is not just a part of it—she’s one of the main attractions.
This September, Ice Spice took center stage at the VMAs, making an unforgettable impression. Her presence was impossible to miss, even for those who didn’t tune in to MTV. She was seated next to Taylor Swift, who had invited her to collaborate on a remix of “Karma” earlier this year. Ice Spice’s custom white Dolce & Gabbana lace dress, reminiscent of Britney Spears’ iconic 2003 VMA outfit, drew comparisons to Madonna’s style. Though Ice was only three years old during that infamous Britney-Madonna moment, she found inspiration by searching for “VMA outfits” online. Social media exploded with memes of the pair, fueled by the constant camera focus on Swift throughout the evening.
The highlight of the night came when Ice Spice won the fan-voted award for Best New Artist. Overwhelmed with emotion, she fought back tears while thanking her dedicated fans, known as Munchkins. “I was trying so hard not to cry,” she admits. “I’m so grateful, so blessed, and so excited. That award is going straight to my studio for inspiration.” She closed her speech with a proud shout-out to her Bronx roots: “Shout-out the Bronx. Period!”
Reflecting on Stardom
The day after the VMAs, Ice Spice took a rare moment to reflect on her rapid ascent to fame. Sitting in a quiet photo studio just a subway ride from her Bronx hometown, she wore a neon pink hoodie, Balenciaga socks, and a diamond cross necklace, her signature orange afro standing out vibrantly. Despite her whirlwind success, she remains grounded.
“I hear a lot of people saying, ‘I’ve never seen someone blow up so fast,’ or calling me a ‘plant,’” she says. “At first, it bothered me. But now, I just let people believe what they want. It’s part of the lifestyle.”
That lifestyle now includes connections with some of the most influential figures in the world. Taylor Swift, who has formed a close bond with Ice Spice, describes her as a unique talent. “Her dedication and focus impressed me from the start,” Swift shared in an email. “She’s professional but not cold, playful yet focused. She sets clear boundaries with grace and studies the industry while carving her own path. It’s that balance that makes her extraordinary.”
A Unique Friendship
Ice Spice fondly recalls her time sitting next to Swift at the VMAs. “That’s my sis,” she says with a laugh. “We were talking about everything. She’s so funny. We had a little drink and just vibed.” Their friendship began when Ice Spice watched Swift’s 2020 documentary, Miss Americana, and was inspired by the pop star’s resilience and professionalism.
From a no-name artist with a viral hit to a celebrated figure in music, Ice Spice has embraced her newfound fame with humility and determination. With only a handful of tracks to her name, she’s already captivated audiences worldwide. Her rapid rise serves as a testament to her talent, hard work, and ability to connect with fans and fellow artists alike. The Bronx native’s journey is just beginning, and she’s clearly here to stay.