Ice Spice Gives Haters ‘A Sly Wink’ In New Paper Magazine Cover Story

The recently crowned “People’s Princess” gave a compelling interview to Paper Magazine on Wednesday for their latest cover, revealing how stardom is treating her as the new chart-topping, red-carpet-walking, music-industry-dominating viral star.

As an up-and-coming hip-hop artist following the release of her breakout hits, “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and “Bikini Bottom,” Ice Spice has become a pioneer of sorts, with her unique look and distinct voice vital to her success.

“I think it’s just a combination of things that makes me who I am, honestly,” she said. “I can’t really pick myself apart trying to figure out why people are interested in me. I just like to focus on having fun and being myself and thinking about what I want to do and not really what other people want me to do.”

Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston, reveals she is a “true hip-hop head” like her father but acknowledges that her music — like her voice — doesn’t sound like everyone else’s. 

“I don’t know if I fit in. I think that’s what makes me so different,” she said. “I feel like it’s a new lane that I’ve started, and I’m starting to hear a lot of other artists sound like they belong in my lane now.”

Even female artists out in the game claim to be inspired by her to the point that some of their new songs sound a lot like the 23-year-old rapper’s tunes. Unfazed, Spice is booked and busy, with her remix “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress reaching the top three of the Billboard Hot 100. This comes on the heels of her first success, which reached No. 34 on Billboard’s US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The “Munch” star “doesn’t spit in haters’ faces so much as she gives them a sly wink.” Paper Mag reported, but instead marvels at her sudden popularity as the “the forefront of rap’s female renaissance.” Despite that title, the Bronx native doesn’t see herself as in competition with male rappers of the traditionally hyper-masculine genre.

“New York raised me,” she said. “I’ve been knew this, been around men, had to pass men in the streets, had to take the train with men. So coming into the industry, it’s not just like, ‘Whoa, there’s men here?’ It’s like, ‘Okay, that’s the world.’”

So what’s next for this impressive newcomer and her growing brand? For now, it’s as a performer for Rolling Loud Miami in July.

Since cosigning with the likes of Nicki Minaj and Drake, we can only anticipate more bangers from the “Bikini Bottom” star as she enjoys her time in the limelight.