Ice Spice Credits Taylor Swift’s Steady Guidance Amid Scrutiny as Remix Tops 5M Streams
Taylor Swift’s remix with Ice Spice opened business records, surpassing 5 million streams on its first weekend and setting new milestones for both artists. Swift had reached out personally to propose the collaboration, giving the original Bronx rapper a high-profile boost just as her profile was skyrocketing.
That partnership cemented a friendship forged during a rapid climb to fame. At 25, Ice Spice has already claimed four Top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 since her debut single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” landed in August 2022. Critics have questioned her skills on occasion, but the rapper carried on with quiet confidence.
In a conversation with Nylon, she addressed creative doubts and public scrutiny, crediting Taylor Swift for offering steady guidance when her career took off. “The thing about Taylor is that she keeps it so real,” Ice Spice said. “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.’”
She recounted critics questioning her skills on their own terms before asserting her own talent. “People were trying to say that I’m not a lyricist, and I just kind of went in with the attitude of ‘Yeah, they’re right. I’m not.’ But it’s just not true,” she said. “I didn’t really feel like having to prove that. But I figured I’d let you know that I definitely knew I was [a lyricist]. The whole time.”
She said Swift’s advice has stayed with her through moments of writer’s block and low confidence. “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. “She said that to me a few years ago, and it still stood with me.”
That reminder resonates whenever she feels pressure to top her own achievements. As her fame rose, that message became a guiding force in her creativity.
