Ice Spice proves herself with latest hip-hop EP ‘Like..?’
Up-and-coming rapper Ice Spice released her first EP “Like..?” since her rise to fame last summer.
Ice Spice’s hit single “Munch” followed by other popular tracks “Bikini Bottom” and “In Ha Mood” have attracted millions of fans on TikTok and other platforms over the past few months. She has since become a pop culture icon among the youth online with some calling her this generation’s Princess Diana.
Her first EP features six drill tracks. Three were singles she has already released, and the other three are new. This is what I think of each one.
“In Ha Mood”
Snippets of this song trended quickly on TikTok. Feminine lyrics combined with R&B melodies over a drill New Jersey club beat creates a different sound she has not previously explored. The more feminine vibe of the song created by the R&B elements elevates this track tremendously. It is hard not to dance to this and this is my favorite track from her yet.
“Princess Diana”
The title of this song is a reference to the memes made about Ice Spice being the people’s princess. She embraces this title in her lyrics stating, “in the hood I’m like Princess Diana.” Between witty references and an addicting chorus, the lyricism and vocal delivery are strong on this one. The rhythm is driving and clean but there is something about the production that is slightly off to me. Overall, I like this track and think it is underrated.
“Gangsta Boo (with Lil Tjay)”
Although “Gangsta Boo” has a catchy chorus, I think it is the weakest of the six tracks. The overly simplistic rhythm and timid, repetitive melody makes the song feel incomplete and uninteresting to listen to. Also, Lil Tjay’s feature is too long and seems out of place on this track.
“Actin A Smoochie”
Like “In Ha Mood,” “Acting A Smoochie” features R&B melodies on top of a club drill beat. I enjoyed this one, and I think it may be my favorite of the three new releases. She takes a more masculine approach to her vocal delivery combined with the more feminine-sounding beat and the lyrical content is captivating.
“Bikini Bottom”
Ice Spice initially released this song as a single following “Munch.” Like “Munch,” this song reached widespread popularity. In an interview with Genius, she says that having two consecutive hits shows she is not just a one-hit wonder. This song is characterized by its quick, catchy chorus and interesting beat that sounds as if it could be from “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Although I am always repeating the chorus, I think the beat is a bit too silly. Overall, this song is lighthearted and enjoyable, but this EP has much stronger tracks.
“Munch (Feelin’ U)”
“Munch” is the song that led to Ice Spice’s fame, and she deserves all the praise she has received for this track. In an interview with Complex, Ice Spice said that she loves drill beats and was inspired by other New York drill artists like Pop Smoke in her earlier music. This inspiration is prevalent on this track. The fast-paced and cold rhythms combined with her tight, creative lyrics makes the song addicting to listen to. I find myself repeating the chorus to myself due to her use of catchy lingo. This track serves as a reminder that women can do drill music and do it well.
For her first release, this EP is strong and shows that Ice Spice has much potential as an artist going forward. She provided varied tracks that remain true to herself and her style. It will be interesting if Ice Spice continues with drill or tries other sounds going forward. Ice Spice is just getting started but has already built a name for herself and has shown she has the potential to be a star. I am definitely feelin’ her.
Sydney Allabaugh is the editor-in-chief of The Beacon. Allabaugh joined The Beacon as a first-year student writing for the opinion section. She became...