Upon listening to Ice Spice's extended play, “Like..?,” I couldn't help but feel inspired to find out how far I can push myself to embrace my individuality and confidence without compromising my authenticity.
The Bronx rapper’s first EP released on Friday is a masterpiece that offers a twist on drill rap - a subgenre of hip-hop music that originated in Chicago, according to a Aug. 17, 2022 article by Vulture magazine, a website that covers the entertainment industry.
Although drill rap commonly includes riotous lyrics, “Like..?” does a fantastic job at keeping the same slow-tempos and synthetic snares similar to the popular 2020 drill song, “Suburban, Pt. 2,” by 22Gz, a Brooklyn rapper who made a name for himself in the drill scene in 2010, according to AllMusic, an American online music database.
The EP includes six songs, three of which were previously released in 2022. “In Ha Mood,” “Bikini Bottom” and “Munch (Feelin’ U)” went viral on TikTok when creators started making dances to the songs.
Spice was able to maintain the prominent East Coast drill sound throughout the EP while adding her own feminine flare and lessening the emphasis on violence.
The second song “Princess Diana,” caught my attention at first glance because of her renowned status and the amount of charity work she contributed.
Spice relates her sky-rocketing career to Princess Diana’s popularity, emphasizing how she’s respected and well known in the Bronx.
The lyrics say, “Nowadays I be duckin' them cameras/ And they hype that I'm up on them banners/ Callin' my phone, but they know I don't answer/ In the hood, I'm like Princess Diana.”
This track is my favorite because Spice embodies how envious people can be when someone’s confidence and independence intimidates them.
The lyrics, “Like, grrah, keep it a stack, bitches move wock 'cause they know I got bands/ They be chattin' I don't give a damn and I'm still gettin' money I know who I am,” reminds listeners to stay true to themselves despite how much haters can gossip.
“Gangsta Boo” featuring Lil Tjay, is another favorite of mine because it samples the popular 2004 R&B song, “I Need a Girl, Pt. 2,” by P. Diddy.
I was definitely flustered listening to the first few seconds of the song– I quickly recognized the rework of the R&B classic, but I was amazed at how well the added 808s and Spice’s adlibs fit with it.
In “Gangsta Boo,” Spice talks about how she chose her partner over other love interests because she noticed how notable they are despite the obstacles they faced, promising them that being together will guarantee success.
It is easy to envision how invested the rapper is in her relationship in the lyrics. She raps “I'ma help you get back at the opps, they cannot come with me/ Spinnin' their blocks/ And I swear that you be on my mind, yeah, I'm lit but/ For you I make time.”
Her loyalty to her partner is evident because of how willing she is to get revenge on their enemies, planning to outsmart them.
In the fourth song “Actin A Smoochie,” Spice expresses how she is uninterested in anyone who only wants her for pleasure.
Her confidence can be heard throughout the song, stating how she’s not afraid to speak her mind when someone wrongs her.
Spice’s condescending and angry tone exhibits how she’s not willing to tolerate a partner that doesn’t give her what she wants.
The lyrics, “Gimme a tissue/ Why would I miss you when you was the issue?/ Don't wear the shoe if the shoe doesn't fit you/ Only around me when it's beneficial,” suggest that she doesn’t need anyone that can’t take accountability.
“Like..?” proves that Spice is on the path to becoming a prominent figure in the rap industry.
Her sound, lyrics and overall message is one that empowers women to work towards excellence and to surround themselves with individuals who do the same.
She’s innovating the traditional drill rap sound by providing a powerful and much-needed representation for women in the genre.
Spice’s ability to infuse her own style and perspective into a traditionally male-dominated genre is truly remarkable, and is a testament to her talent and creativity as an artist.
If she continues to push the boundaries and challenge the status quo of drill rap, there is no doubt that she will soon become a pop star.
