Ice Spice turned the internet into a frenzy this past week when she announced the release of her EP titled “Like..?” paired with a 6 song tracklist. The cover art amped up the buzz surrounding the announcement. A cartoon depiction of the Bronx rapper, bent over, dressed in a two-piece swimwear, and “ICE SPICE” placed on each thigh. Ice Spice is a marketing genius with the formation of the EP title. It becomes evident from the first track–why she chose it.
The Review
The intro track In Ha Mood produced by RIOTUSA, who is known popularly for producing Ice Spice’s Munch (Feelin’ U), captivates the listener and is suited as the starter to the EP. The song influenced by a Jersey Club upbeat track rattles on a man eager to persuade Spice into staying with him, even with the knowledge that she is carousing at a party. Lines that standout and hint at Ice Spice’s pen prowess include,
“Like, what? Let’s keep it a buck (Huh)
Bitches too borin’, got ’em stuck in a rut (Damn)
Lamborghini roarin’ when I hop out the truck (Huh)
Pretty bitch like Lauryn with a big ass butt, yup
Pretty face and the waist all gone (Huh)”
Ice’s use of adlibs at the end of each bar intensifies the song altogether, and the addition of “Like” is much more impactful.
Princess Diana is manifold. The parallels to past occurrences with the late Monarch are complex. Ice Spice cleverly aligned the lyrics to indicate the similarities between herself and the original influencer without overdoing it. The song starts off with,
“Grrah, grrah
(Stop playin’ with ’em, RIOT).”
so it’s clear, RIOT aka RIOTUSA is an important player in Ice Spice’s team. This is another hit song on his hands. Ice throws in connotations between herself and the Princess,
“In the hood I’m like Princess Diana (Grrah)
I’m thick ’cause I be eatin’ oats (Huh)
Bitches not takin’ shit from me but notes
Wanna be me, so she do my emotes
And my name in her mouth so I bet she gon’ choke (Bitch)”
When Twitter was curious about the similar physical looks Princess Diana and Ice Spice possessed. She chose to entertain the narrative and make a profit out of it. In this music climate, milk every opportunity you get. She finessed this for her own good.
The follow-up song Gangsta Boo featuring Lil Tjay relays the message of a “baddie” getting what she wants. In this instance, Ice Spice wants a “Gangsta Boo.” Cosigning with Tjay for the ideal “Gangsta Boo” completes the song. their back and forth in verse 2 between the rappers elevates the level of synchronicity.
On Actin A Smoochie, Ice Spice appears to transform into her NY slang heritage. Actin A Smoochie refers to a “ho”, “thot” or a treesh. Ice interpolates her On The Radar Freestyle line “I’m a smoochie, like, you cannot change me.”
Bikini Bottom followed up after the release of the hit single “Munch (Feelin’ U)”. It has similar elements to Ice Spice’s breakout single–the drill beats, flow, and lyrics. Bikini Bottom sails on about her extravagant lifestyle, expensive purchases, and fame. Late last year, Ice spoke on the song title, “that song called bikini bottom 😭spongebob my fav show idc idc”.
Munch (Feelin’ U) placed last is befitting and ideal. I have to say, listening to it last helped trump my reservation of not reviewing the EP. It was a good business decision to place it last. The EP deserves an 8/10 for a myriad of reasons. Ice Spice stays true to her craft, signature lines, and her lane. The EP was fun but aside from that, I respect her more for not deterring due to the amount of hate she receives on a daily. I anticipate wonderful things in this year and hope a great team backs her up.
What would you rate “Like..?” on a scale of 1-10?