Ice Spice creates bangers perfect to add to a hype playlist. Isis Gatson, better known as Ice Spice, is an up-and-coming rapper based in The Bronx. She is most known for her song “Munch (Feelin’ You)” released on Aug. 10, 2022, and rereleased in her new album Like…?. Her music has gained popularity through TikTok. Her songs consist of a mix of R&B and rapping, and her voice replicates a buttery smooth R&B feel with rap lyrics.

The message of this album Like…? is to promote self-confidence and becoming one’s own person, especially in the new year, which makes the timing of the drop of her album more successful. Like…? was released on Jan. 20. The rap industry mainly consists of male artists, but Ice Spice hopes to break the barrier and normalize women in the industry. While she explores her sexual freedom, the lyrics are in less explicit terms and more focused on people wanting her rather than the act of sex itself. The songs are also about chasing the bag and flexing her newfound status. In her song “Bikini Bottom,” Spice promotes a winning mentality and raps about her success, various friendships that she dropped, and prioritizing what she wants. Listeners may recognize snippets of her songs from TikTok, specifically the first song on the album, titled “In Ha Mood.” This album consists of only six songs with a total playtime of thirteen minutes.

Spice released her first song to Spotify in 2021, called “Bully Freestyle,” and it currently has 1 million listens. She has also collabed with female British rapper PinkPantheress to create “Boys a liar” and “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2.” Both songs were released in 2022, and the initial song “Boy’s a liar” reached 67 million streams and also went viral on TikTok.

“In Ha Mood” is the standout of the album due to the R&B introduction and lyric adlibs in the background, along with a stellar beat that adds to the lyrics talking about female confidence regarding body image and asserting one’s position in life. Spice refers to being “in ha mood” to focusing on herself and grinding to overcome her problems. Spice’s music is for all those teenage girls ready to change their mindset. This song encourages young girls to have tenacity when dealing with life and praises when one can block out distractions and focus on becoming successful and happy with oneself.

Most Tiktok songs disappoint listeners when they hear the full song off the app, however, Spice’s entire songs are enjoyable. I would like to see Spice move from her current style of songs (such as rapping to the same similar beats and melodies) and incorporate more R&B into her music, such as vocalizing in the chorus or different parts of songs. There is no question that she is talented but these days TikTok has given so many new artists a platform to spread their music and to keep it popular through the trends created with the sound. I am not able to distinguish what sets her apart from the rest of the female rappers because her sound is not too unique. AURORA, another artist popular on TikTok is an artist that I could distinguish from the rest based on her unique sound. I would not find myself adding any other of her songs to my playlists and they all sound similar. However, she does have lyrical knowledge and her voice is pleasing to listen to on this album.