Ice Spice, the Bronx-born drill and hip-hop artist, released her first full record, Y2K!, via Capitol Records. The main topic of the 10-track LP revolves around meme and internet culture, cleverly integrating the traits and identities of Gen Z.
The album follows her 2023 EP, Like..?, which was produced by her longtime collaborator RiotUSA, and her collaboration “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2” with U.K. hyperpop-garage artist PinkPantheress. Known for her fiery orange hair and sassy attitude, the singer first gained visibility on TikTok for participating in a trending challenge. As an “overnight success,” fans were worried that Ice Spice would become what some call, a music industry sell-out, especially since her top hits like “Deli” and “In Ha Mood” blend street aesthetics with major pop appeal. The artist was even nominated in a pop category at the Grammys this year, which didn’t help curb the criticism.
Nonetheless, Y2K includes more drill songs and tough flows about contemporary New York, reminding listeners that Ice Spice wants to be taken seriously as a rapper. Now that the album is here, audiences can decide if Ice Spice is more than a viral moment or if her talents are backed by artistic innovation.
