Isis Naija Gaston, known professionally as Ice Spice, is an American rapper and songwriter from the Bronx, New York, who emerged with startling speed as one of the most talked-about and commercially successful new voices in hip-hop. Born on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, Ice Spice exploded onto the music scene in 2022 with her viral single Munch (Feelin U) and quickly established herself as a defining voice of her generation with a string of hit singles, high-profile collaborations, and a distinctive Afro-Latina identity that resonated powerfully with audiences worldwide. Her music, characterized by its drill-influenced production, playful confidence, and culturally sharp lyricism, has made her one of the most recognizable and influential new artists in contemporary hip-hop.
Early Life
Isis Naija Gaston was born on January 1, 2000, in the Bronx, New York City. She is of mixed ethnicity; her father, Joseph Gaston, is African American and was a rapper himself, while her mother is Nigerian. Ice Spice is the eldest of five siblings. Growing up in the Bronx, one of New York City's most musically storied boroughs and the birthplace of hip-hop, she was immersed in a rich rap tradition from childhood. Her father's involvement in music provided an early and immediate connection to the hip-hop world, and she grew up listening to and absorbing the genre with an intensity that would eventually manifest in her own music career.
The Bronx provided Ice Spice with a distinctive cultural perspective and a deeply authentic connection to the roots of hip-hop that would become central to her artistic identity. Her upbringing in the borough gave her the grittiness, confidence, and humor that characterize her music and her public persona. She has spoken fondly about her Bronx roots and regularly acknowledges the community that shaped her.
Education
Ice Spice attended school in the Bronx, New York, and later enrolled at SUNY Purchase, the State University of New York at Purchase, where she studied communications. It was during her time at SUNY Purchase that she began seriously pursuing music, connecting with producer RiotUSA, who would become a key creative collaborator in the early stages of her career. She began releasing music while still enrolled at university, and the rapid success of her releases eventually led her to focus full-time on her music career.
Career
Ice Spice began releasing music in 2021, working with producer RiotUSA to develop her distinctive sound. The release of Munch (Feelin U) in August 2022 was the moment that changed everything. The song, with its hypnotic drill beat, sharp wit, and Ice Spice's effortlessly cool delivery, went explosively viral almost immediately. Drake shared the song on his SiriusXM radio channel, an endorsement that catapulted it to even greater heights and confirmed her as a genuine phenomenon rather than a one-time viral moment. The song reached the Billboard Hot 100 and marked the beginning of an extraordinary run of commercial success.
She followed Munch with a series of hit singles including Bikini Bottom, In Ha Mood, and Princess Diana (with Nicki Minaj). She collaborated with Taylor Swift on a remix of Karma from Swift's Midnights album, one of the most high-profile collaborations in pop music that year, and joined Swift on stage during the Eras Tour. She released her debut EP Like..? in 2023 to widespread commercial success. Her collaboration with PinkPantheress on Boy's a Liar Pt. 2 reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating her remarkable crossover appeal. She signed a major recording deal with 10K Projects and Capitol Records, providing her with the infrastructure to sustain and grow her commercial momentum.
Personal Life
Ice Spice is known for a carefully maintained private personal life outside of what she shares through her music and social media. She is not publicly in a committed relationship and has no children. Her close relationships with her family, particularly her siblings, are important to her, and she has spoken about the role her upbringing in the Bronx plays in keeping her grounded amidst the pressures of sudden global fame. She is proud of her Afro-Latina identity and has become a prominent cultural figure for young women of mixed African and Latina heritage.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Ice Spice's estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her wealth has been generated through music streaming royalties, touring, brand partnerships and endorsement deals, merchandise, and her recording contract. Given the sustained commercial momentum of her career and her status as one of the most in-demand new voices in hip-hop, her net worth is expected to continue growing.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Isis Naija Gaston
- Stage Name: Ice Spice
- Date of Birth: January 1, 2000
- Birthplace: The Bronx, New York City, USA
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 ft 3 in
- Net Worth: $5 Million (estimated 2026)
- Relationship Status: Single
- Children: None
- Profession: Rapper, Songwriter
- Best Known For: Munch (Feelin U), Taylor Swift Karma remix, Boy's a Liar Pt. 2
