Ice Spice, also known as Isis Naija Gaston, is a rising star in rap music. Her ascent to stardom came about when her viral TikTok sensation, “Much (Feelin’ U),” gained immense popularity on the platform in 2022. The track was also featured simultaneously on the top 10 of the Billboard Top Rap Songs chart and top 40 on the Billboard 200. Despite her growing international fame, she remains deeply connected to her roots in the Bronx, New York, where she was born in 2000 to parents, Charina Almanzar and Joseph Gaston. Spice, who comes from a Dominican and Nigerian heritage, has mentioned that her parents are huge supporters of her career and served as a profound influence in her life.
Ice Spice’s Early Career
At the age of seven, Ice Spice developed a fondness for hip-hop, embracing a diverse musical palette that included Latin artists like Aventura and hip-hop icons such as Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jadakiss. She also drew inspiration from prominent female rappers like Nicki Minaj, incorporating elements of their music styles into her songwriting. Her passion for freestyle and poetry continued to flourish throughout her high school years at Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, New York. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Ice Spice, with “Ice” being a shortened version of her first name, Isis.
In 2021, Ice Spice embarked on her rap career while pursuing a degree in communication at SUNY Purchase. Since her debut, she’s delivered tracks like “Deli,” “Princess Diana” and “Like..?” Notably, the rapper has joined forces with renowned artists including Nicki Minaj, PinkPantheress, and Taylor Swift. She is still on the rise within the rap music industry. With such success already under her belt and a clear fondness for her heritage, it begs the question: Who are Ice Spice’s parents?
Who Is Ice Spice’s Mom?
Charina Almanzar, an American with Dominican heritage, currently resides in New Jersey. At the age of 17, she became a mother when Ice Spice was born. Throughout her daughter’s journey, Almanzar has consistently been her most notable supporter. She met Spice’s dad at a McDonald’s chain in New York, however, the two separated when she was just 2 years old.
The bond between mother and daughter is clearly evident by their joint appearances at various events, and in a world where family plays a pivotal role in an artist’s life, Charina Almanzar has provided unwavering support and love for Spice. She even serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for the star. The two were captured in a photograph together back in 2021 at an event, which eventually went viral due to their startling resemblance. Moreover, Almanzar recently gained widespread attention as she was seen enjoying one of her daughter’s songs. This sparked a surge of interest from fans who flocked to Instagram in search of more videos featuring her.
Who Is Ice Spice’s Dad?
Joseph Gaston, Ice Spice’s father, is African-American with Nigerian roots. He, himself, has made significant contributions to the world of rap music. As an underground rapper, Gaston’s early exposure to the hip-hop scene allowed him to share his passion and knowledge with his daughter. His influence on her journey has been unwavering, as he introduced her to the intricacies of the recording studio when she was just a toddler. Moreover, Gaston’s guidance and support have played a crucial role in shaping Ice Spice’s career and artistic development, with his impact going beyond the music realm.
Both Almanzar and Gaston continue to be integral parts of their daughter’s life and career. As she continues to skyrocket in the music industry, their support and grounding will be all the more instrumental for her.
