Ice Spice Defends Lyricist Skills Amid Persistent Criticism

Ice Spice, the Bronx rapper known for hits like "Munch (Feelin' U)" and collaborations with Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift, is pushing back against criticisms that she is not a lyricist. In recent interviews, she acknowledged that early in her career she allowed the narrative that she lacked lyrical skill to go unchallenged, but she now asserts that this perception is false and that she has always known her worth as a writer. She revealed that her creative process has evolved to include more intentional songwriting rather than relying solely on freestyling, fueled by a desire to improve and friendly competition within the rap community. Ice Spice also shared her ambition to retire by age 35, though she questions the realism of that goal. Her recent work includes the single "Baddie Baddie," which samples M.I.A.'s "Bad Girls," signaling a new phase in her career focused on affirming her artistic identity and lyricism. Throughout, Ice emphasizes that while she once felt no need to prove herself, she is now unapologetically standing firm on her skills as a lyricist.