Photo Credit:Lea Winkler
The 25-year-old “Phatt Butt” rapper recently spoke to _NYLON_ for the magazine’s latest cover story, where she opened up about embracing pressure in the rap world. She explained that competing with other women in the industry helps her remain motivated and creatively sharp.
During the conversation, Ice reflected on her early days in the spotlight and admitted that revisiting some of her old interviews makes her cringe. One moment highlighted by _NYLON_ was her 2022 Genius interview, where she jokingly called herself a “two-hit wonder” in response to critics who dismissed her as a “one-hit wonder” after the success of her breakout track “Munch (Feelin’ U).”
“Clearly, I was always just feeling, like, ‘Oh my God, I need to be better than my last time,’ you know?” she said.
For Ice, that feeling is not a burden but a driving force. “Honestly, the pressure’s great,” she shared. “I think the girls [in rap] also enjoy the friendly competition amongst each other. I feel like that’s what keeps the spark.”
Her comments arrive as she continues to strengthen her presence in the rap scene. Recently, the Grammy-nominated artist put to rest a long rumored feud with Latto by joining forces on a new collaboration titled “Gyatt.” The release marked a shift from speculation about tension between the two into a show of solidarity and artistry.
Although competition fuels her, Ice made it clear that her relationship with some peers is based more on support than rivalry. One such friendship is with Taylor Swift. “The thing about Taylor is that she keeps it so real,” said the “In Ha Mood” star. “Not even kidding, but one of the biggest things that I always think about that Taylor said is ‘As long as you keep making music, everything’s going to be fine.’”
Ice shared that their time together often feels casual and genuine. “Every time we hang out, she’s not just giving me advice, you know what I mean? We’re talking about the food we’re eating or whatever’s going on in the moment.”
Even so, she admitted that Swift’s words continue to echo in her mind. “Whenever I’m feeling doubtful or not as confident, having writer’s block, no matter what it is, things like that really, really stand out to me. She said that to me a few years ago, and it still stood with me.”
“Clearly, I was always just feeling, like, ‘Oh my God, I need to be better than my last time,’ you know?” she said.
For Ice, that feeling is not a burden but a driving force. “Honestly, the pressure’s great,” she shared. “I think the girls [in rap] also enjoy the friendly competition amongst each other. I feel like that’s what keeps the spark.”
Her comments arrive as she continues to strengthen her presence in the rap scene. Recently, the Grammy-nominated artist put to rest a long rumored feud with Latto by joining forces on a new collaboration titled “Gyatt.” The release marked a shift from speculation about tension between the two into a show of solidarity and artistry.
Although competition fuels her, Ice made it clear that her relationship with some peers is based more on support than rivalry. One such friendship is with Taylor Swift. “The thing about Taylor is that she keeps it so real,” said the “In Ha Mood” star. “Not even kidding, but one of the biggest things that I always think about that Taylor said is ‘As long as you keep making music, everything’s going to be fine.’”
Ice shared that their time together often feels casual and genuine. “Every time we hang out, she’s not just giving me advice, you know what I mean? We’re talking about the food we’re eating or whatever’s going on in the moment.”
Even so, she admitted that Swift’s words continue to echo in her mind. “Whenever I’m feeling doubtful or not as confident, having writer’s block, no matter what it is, things like that really, really stand out to me. She said that to me a few years ago, and it still stood with me.”