While Ice Spice’s debut album Y2K!didn’t exactly set the world on fire, it’s generally agreed that the standout song is “Popa.” Naturally, that’s the latest song from the project to get the music video treatment, and the video is, well, basically a strip club commercial. There are lots of G-strings and BBLs and pretty much everybody is twerking for most of its two-minute, 40-second runtime. Don’t watch it at your desk, is what I’m saying here.
Ice Spice and her entire generation have come to prominence under a truly ridiculous amount of scrutiny. That she’s able to shake it off, stick to her guns, and continue to deliver is something to admire, even if you don’t always agree with the content.
Ice Spice has responded to the reports that her debut studio album, Y2K!, only moved 28,000 units. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday afternoon, Spice thanked her fans for their support and reflected on how much she’s been enjoying her ongoing tour. She also brought up her first EP, Like..?, which only sold 15,000 copies.
“Like..? did 15k so thank u to everyone who supported me then & thank u to all the new supporters,” Spice wrote. “Y2K! WORLD TOUR been so fun that these numbers are cool and all but b*tch u should of seen that Boston CROWD last night. NYC TOMORROW.”
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 30: Ice Spice performs onstage during Ice Spice Kicks Off Y2K! World Tour on July 30, 2024, at The Anthem in Washington, DC. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Live Nation)
In response, fans shared plenty of supportive messages for Spice. “As long as you continue to be a better version of yourself that’s all that matters,” one user wrote. “You ate tf down the munchkins are so proud of you.” “Doubling you sales and having the second highest selling Female Rap Album of the year is,” another wrote with fire emojis. Others complained about her alleged feud with Nicki Minaj. “Poor baby you could’ve had a cute 50k debut if you didn’t decide to be weird towards nicki but congrats girly,” one fan posted. More users trolled her over the somewhat low sales. The project only peaked at No. 18 on the US Billboard 200. Check out the full post on X below.
Ice Spice Reacts To Album Sales
Like..? did 15k so thank u to everyone who supported me then & thank u to all the new supporters Y2K! WORLD TOUR been so fun that these numbers are cool and all but bitch u should of seen that Boston CROWD last night NYC TOMORROW https://t.co/Saio5q7RR3
Spice dropped Y2K! back on July 26. The project features collaborations with Central Cee, Travis Scott, and Gunna. She promoted it with several singles including “Think U the Sh*t (Fart),” “Gimmie a Light,” and several more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ice Spice on HotNewHipHop.
Ice Spice says we live in a “misogynistic world” and discussed how breaking into the entertainment industry has given her a new perspective on how difficult it is to make it as a woman. Speaking with Rolling Stone, she argued that women have to be “hot” in order to land the necessary opportunities. The conversation began with her discussing her performance of her hit track “Phat Butt,” at the BET Awards.
“I used to judge other artists’ awards show performances,” she confessed. “I’d be like, ‘Oh, that was awkward. Why the f**k would they do that? Why was she looking there?’” She added: “When you’re doing it yourself, you’re like, ‘OK, this is a lot.’ There are like 10 different cameras. There are cues, and everything is just so much, but it’s fun, though. At the end of the day, when it’s over, it’s fun.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 30: Ice Spice performs onstage during the 2024 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
From there, Spice discussed the differences between genders in the music industry. “We do live in a misogynistic world where it’s like you have to be breathtakingly hot to get certain opportunities,” she said. “I was born as a woman and raised as a woman, so I only know this lifestyle, but I could just imagine how easy it is for guys.” She added that she even gets jealous of the men on her team from time to time. “I am very jealous when the men on my team get to sleep an extra five f**king hours because they don’t have glam,” she remarked.
Spice’s interview with Rolling Stone comes after she dropped her debut studio album, Y2K, last month. Elsewhere in the interview, she discusses working with Taylor Swift, her feelings towards Matty Healy, and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ice Spice on HotNewHipHop.
Following months of teasing, Ice Spice finally unleashed her debut album last week, Y2K. It boasts features from the likes of Gunna, Central Cee, and Travis Scott. Unfortunately, while the project had a ton of potential, many feel like it left a lot to be desired. Some were even quick to dub it the worst project of the year. That’s clearly up for debate, as the Bronx-born baddie arguably delivered at least a couple of bangers. Either way, the album’s commercial performance has been less than impressive.
According to Hits Daily Double, Y2K is on track to move 20k units in its first week. Social media users agree that this number is shockingly low, even considering all of the criticism surrounding the project. As a result, X users are now clowning the “Deli” rapper, and comparing her performance to that of peers like JT, Latto, and more.
Social media users are also speculating what could have caused the apparent drop-off. Some think it could be related to her shady comments about Nicki Minaj or other beef. Others also think she should change up her sound, and argue that listeners are simply getting bored. Luckily, not everyone has something bad to say about Y2K, as Pitchfork recently gave it a controversially high rating. The publication rated it 7.6 out of 10, the highest rating they’ve given a mainstream rap tape all year.
With that being said, many other critics have ripped the album to shreds. The same can be said for a new bonus track she unveiled today, “GYAT,” which has also elicited lukewarm reactions from listeners. What do you think of Ice Spice’s new album Y2K? What about it being on track to sell 20k units in its first week? Are you surprised or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Even though there are a lot of Ice Spice fans coming to her defense, especially over the last seven days, the critics are still quite loud. The New York rapper basically had the entire hip-hop community either groaning or anxiously awaiting the release of her debut album Y2K! It had been relentlessly teased and pushed by the media, essentially billing it to be one of the major tapes for 2024 overall. Sadly, for Spice and her team, many of the reviews have been extremely negative. Many pointed to the fact that its one-dimensional and way too short making it a popcorn project. However, with her still being one of biggest names out, delivering some sort of deluxe on bonus edition was practically inevitable. Well, that is what Ice Spice is doing, dropping potentially the lone track for it, “GYAT”.
Clocking in at just 1:55, “GYAT” raps exactly what you’d expect Ice Spice to rap about, her butt. Making this track even more forgettable is the overly repetitive refrain. “She throwin’ it (Back, back, back) She throwin’ it (Back, back, that a**) Haters get (Back, back) Haters get (Back, back)“. Like the original set on Y2K!, the writing is vapid on “GYAT”, but maybe even worse is the lack of energy. She sounds just as uninterested as the listeners are in what she has to say. “Girl just get a ghost writer”, one IG commenter demands. “U lucky u fine asf bra . Yo music so poop”, another adds. Still, give the song a shot and see what you think.
Got out the hood and I ain’t going back Built like a Barbie, but act like a brat You know I’m the baddest, like, keep it a stack If it ain’t ’bout money, I ain’t talkin’ ’bout that I be poppin’, you b****es be flat I be shakin’, and he like, “Gyatt” (‘Yatt, ‘yatt, ‘yatt, that a**)
Ice Spice just released her new album Y2K!. Welp, time to start the next one.
When asked in a new Billboard interview if he has started working on a new album, Ice responded, “I am definitely so ready to start another album. So that’s great. I know my label is gonna be really excited to hear that. I don’t wanna start teasing the next album, we in Y2K!.”
Elsewhere during the conversation, she said of working with collaborator RiotUSA on Y2K!, “We wanted to make what we like. I just love drill beats, and his specifically. We just locked in for a whole year and really got to it when we could. We have the busiest schedules, but I think that’s why it’s important to have a close bond with whoever you’re collaborating with. You have to make time when you can.”
She also doesn’t seem to be feeling any pressure over the new album, saying, “I think people try to put that pressure on me just because I have been so successful. I don’t really put too much weight into it. Of course, I appreciate it and I prefer it, but it’s not a make-or-break for me. I’m just happy with the album I made.”
After becoming one of hip-hop’s biggest rising stars over the past couple years, Ice Spice released her debut album, Y2K!, last month. It turns out she had one more song in the queue, as she just unveiled “Gyat,” a new Y2K! bonus track.
For those not plugged in to what the kids are talking about these days, Urban Dictionary notes that “gyat” is an exclamation typically used in response to seeing a woman with a large behind.
Ice sets the tone on the first verse, rapping (as Genius notes), “I’m from the X, so I’m packin’ that jatt / Got out the hood and I ain’t going back / Built like a Barbie, but act like a brat / You know I’m the baddest, like, keep it a stack / If it ain’t ’bout money, I ain’t talkin’ ’bout that / I be poppin’, you b*tches be flat / I be shakin’, and he like, ‘Gyatt.’”
Meanwhile, Ice Spice just kicked off her Y2K! World Tour a few days ago, so don’t be surprised if “Gyat” gets added to the setlist for upcoming shows, since her setlist includes essentially every song she’s released so far in her young career.
Listen to “Gyat” above.
Y2K! is out now via 10K Projects/Capitol Records. Find more information here.
The opening weekend for Ice Spice’s debut album, Y2K!, as expected, has been great, to put it bluntly. Overall, the project has not been receiving too many favorable reviews. Pitchfork seemed to disagree with the masses, leading many to question their critique. Seeing all of this makes it safe to say that not many out there want to see the New York rapper succeed in any fashion. Some will go as far as to claim that she doesn’t deserve all of this attention. That is up for you all to decide, but Spice is going to keep on chugging along.
Speaking of which, just last night, the Y2K! World Tour kicked off in Washington D.C., following several festival dates that were included in the set of 24. Close collaborators, RIOTUSA and Cash Cobain, are assisting along this major career milestone. From videos and images making the rounds online, it seems like Spice completely filled the arena to the brim. The crowd seemed to be into most of the live performances, proving that she is certainly the superstar that she has quickly become.
Of course, though, there are still a lot of people that aren’t too impressed. “They played it smart and booked theaters”, one user on IG writes. “And acting like they arenas & stadiums with camera angles ” another replies. “How? She has like 5 songs. ”, someone else adds. However, there were a lot of fans stepping into quiet down the hate. “She got fans idk why people act like she don’t the hate seem like it’s only online ”. “I LOVE SEEING PEOPLE WIN THAT ARE CONSTANTLY TALKED ABOUT NEGATIVELY ”.
What are your thoughts on the turnout for Ice Spice at her first stop on the Y2K! World Tour? What is your opinion on her debut album? Do you think she will be able to continue to sell out shows going forward? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ice Spice. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Ice Spice is a unique victim of social media, one whose rise almost felt like someone was playing an unfunny joke on hip-hop. Before her break into the mainstream, Ice had five songs to her name. She built buzz as a New York drill artist whose soft-spoken delivery contrasted with the rest of that scene. “No Clarity,” a November 2021 track sampling Zedd’s “Clarity,” went semi-viral, and the video briefly became a meme. A few months later, On The Radar invited her to freestyle on their show. After reaching stardom, the video became one of the most viewed on their YouTube channel.
Ice released her breakout song “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in August 2022. The track trended on TikTok for the rest of the year and introduced new slang into public usage. Since “Munch,” Ice has had the success of an entire career in less than two years. She received a co-sign from Drake after one popular song. In early 2023, Nicki Minaj endorsed her. Their collaboration “Barbie World” appeared on the Barbie soundtrack and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. TheNew York Times dubbed her “Rap’s New Princess” after an EP. She collaborated with PinkPantheress on “Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2,” a track that became one of the biggest of the year. She even became friends with Taylor Swift.
Ice Spice Fails To Show Growth As An Artist On Y2K!
All of this happened because much of the public ignored her most fatal flaw: Ice Spice is not a very good rapper. She lacks any substance as a lyricist. The beats she raps on, produced almost exclusively by former college classmate and closest collaborator RiotUSA, are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Because social media can produce a new celebrity overnight, Ice went from uploading tracks to SoundCloud to attending the Super Bowl with pop culture royalty faster than you can say “grah.” But, because social media has also made music the most accessible it’s ever been, Ice had no time to develop her sound meaningfully. Her debut album makes this abundantly clear.
Y2K! is the culmination of the last three years for Ice Spice. Itis the punchline to a joke that’s gone far too long. In her Rolling Stone cover story, she said that one of her goals was to prove that she can actually rap. Instead, her most glaring weaknesses take center stage, making for one of the most vapid, repetitive releases of 2024.
Y2K! opens with “Phat Butt,” which is the most interesting performance Ice puts forth on this album. She tries out a new flow, clearly taking inspiration from Nicki Minaj. The beat is also one that a younger Minaj would’ve flexed over. Not everything on this song lands. “Jamaican plug named Batman, pack smellin’ like trash cans / Let him beat it from the back and he eat it up like Pac-Man,” is especially clumsy. Even with that, this song is one of the rare occasions where anything on the album approaches “good.”
“Oh Shhh…” is the next track, featuring Travis Scott. Scott sounds like he has no desire to be there. Ice raps about twerking on a rival’s baby daddy out of spite. She rhymes “clappers” with “slappers,” which is not the only time she uses that scheme on the album. “B*tch I’m Packin” is another dud. She ditches her naturally subdued vocals for a raspy not-quite-whisper that sounds like it strains her to do. It sounds equally strenuous when she gets loud on “Gimmie A Light,” another song about how much money she has, her physical features, and how she’ll steal someone’s man simply because she’s better than who they’re with now. Ice must’ve written this album with a checklist next to her to make sure that she hit the same few topics.
On the topic of stealing a man, “Did It First,” the result of Ice Spice’s and Central Cee’s months-long fake relationship stunt, is not bad. It’s less than two minutes long, much to the song’s benefit. Their verses are both about infidelity and neither of them diverts from the subject. Ice raps about cheating to get revenge on a man who did it to her. Cench is more concerned about not getting caught in the act. The beat has a Clams Casino-meets-New-York-drill feel, making it one of the more unique moments on Y2K!
Unfortunately, for every moment on Y2K! that offers even a sliver of potential, there are even more moments that show there is no reason to ever expect anything more from her—the biggest example of this being the shocking amount of bars about poop on this album. Ice Spice is not the first to have lines about poop in her discography. However, she might be the worst offender.
On “BB Belt” and “Gimmie A Light,” (a track with a distracting sample of Sean Paul’s “Gimme the Light”) she calls herself “Miss Poopie.” On “Oh Shhh…” she says she’s “standin’ on sh*t like a floor mat.” “Think U The Sh*t (Fart),” the lead single and response to some shade from Latto, opens with “think you the sh*t, b*tch? You not even the fart.” Every rapper is entitled to one poop bar since rappers naturally feel like they’re “the sh*t.” But, after the fifth one, it’s time to find new material.
Overall, Y2K! is not an inspiring debut album. It does not prove that Ice Spice is a capable rapper, nor does it prove that she is here to stay, despite the accolades she’s already received. At only 23 minutes, it feels double that runtime, made worse because she just doesn’t have anything to say. Ice became famous before becoming a worthwhile artist, and she has yet to show any growth since becoming famous. Perhaps things would be different if she had time to incubate before being thrust into the spotlight, the way her predecessors did before the internet made music discovery instantaneous. Sadly, we’ll never know.
Ice Spice supported Doja Cat on The Scarlet Tour last year, but now it’s her turn to headline: The Y2K! World Tour just kicked off in Washington DC last night (July 30).
Given that Ice Spice is relatively early in her career and hasn’t released all that many songs just yet, she put just about everything she has into her setlist (per setlist.fm). Her set had 21 songs in total, including all 10 tracks from Y2K!, eight songs from the deluxe edition of her 2023 EP Like..?, and three of her collaborations with other artists: “Barbie World” with Nicki Minaj, “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress, and “Fisherrr” with Cash Cobain. Cobain is opening on the tour, so he actually joined Ice on stage for the song.
Check out the setlist below, as well as Ice’s remaining tour dates.
Ice Spice’s ‘Y2K! World Tour’ Setlist
1. “Popa”
2. “Munch (Feelin’ U)”
3. “Princess Diana”
4. “Phat Butt”
5. “Barbie World”
6. “Gimmie A Light”
7. “Plenty Sun”
8. “Bikini Bottom”
9. “Butterfly Ku”
10. “Gangsta Boo”
11. “Actin A Smoochie”
12. “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2”
13. “B*tch I’m Packin’”
14. “Deli”
15. “BB Belt”
16. “In Ha Mood”
17. “TTYL”
18. “Oh Shhh…”
19. “Did It First”
20. “Fisherrr” (with Cash Cobain)
21. “Think U The Sh*t (Fart)”
Ice Spice’s 2024 Tour Dates: Y2K World Tour
08/01 — Montclair, NJ @ The Wellmont Theater
08/02 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
08/04 — Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
08/06 — New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
08/09 — Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
08/11 — Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
08/13 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
08/14 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
08/17 — Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
08/19 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
08/21 — Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
08/23 — Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
08/25 — Dallas, TX @ The Factory Deep Ellum
08/26 — Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
08/28 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
08/31 — Miami Beach, FL @ The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
Y2K! WORLD TOUR been so fun that these numbers are cool and all but bitch u should of seen that Boston CROWD last night 
NYC TOMORROW 
”. “I LOVE SEEING PEOPLE WIN THAT ARE CONSTANTLY TALKED ABOUT NEGATIVELY 
”. 