Ice Spice is the picture of indifference on ‘Y2K!’

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As a seasoned movie critic with a particular fondness for hip-hop culture and its intersection with pop music, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Ice Spice’s debut album, “Y2K!” Having closely followed her meteoric rise to fame since her viral hit “Munch (Feelin’ U),” I was intrigued by the notion that this young Bronx rapper would use her long-awaited LP as an opportunity to prove she’s more than just a one-hit wonder.

After achieving pop stardom with my breakout hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” two years ago, I’m thrilled to finally share my debut album with the world. This is my long-awaited chance to show that I’m not just a viral sensation, but a talented rapper with substance to offer.

Eh, why bother?

In a laid-back and captivating manner spanning just 23 minutes across 10 tracks, Ice Spice expresses her thoughts on sex, rivalry, and infidelity in “Y2K!” without a care in the world. She sings about retaliation in romantic betrayal: “If he’s cheating, I’ll make things worse.” And her attitude? She doesn’t seem to mind because he started it first.

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In the grand tradition of distinctive New York City voices, Ice Spice emerged in 2022 with an nonchalant demeanor tailored for TikTok’s brief format. Since then, she has climbed to the top 5 collaborating with PinkPantheress, ventured into “Barbie World” alongside Nicki Minaj, earned four Grammy nominations, and established a friendship with Taylor Swift. (She even filmed a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial featuring Ben Affleck.) However, on her track “Y2K!,” she maintains an unimpressed expression, as if fame and global recognition have merely added another annoyance to her plate.

In “BB Belt,” she casually mentions, “Everyone will know my name.” But her goal isn’t recognition or fame. All she desires is the money.

The success of her approach lies in the contrast between Ice Spice’s low, conversational flow and RiotUSA’s beats. His production, influenced by drill but with elements of trap and Jersey club, can range from icy and ominous (“Oh Shhh…” and “BB Belt”) to cheerful and lively (“Think U the S— [Fart]” and “Did It First”). Together, they transform casual phrases into infectious hooks and then develop those hooks into rhythmic mantras.

Central Cee, Travis Scott, and Gunna make cameos on the track named “Y2K!” which is a reference to Ice Spice’s birth year of January 1, 2000. While they contribute well, Ice Spice’s clear-cut anger outshines their somewhat indistinct rapping.

Has the anticipation behind “Y2K!” felt a tad underwhelming considering its lengthy build-up? Yes, it has. However, this album’s carefree and uncomplicated nature is quite appealing in contrast to the intricately planned pop releases like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Boss” and Swift’s “The Melancholic Writers Club,” which have dominated the year. Unlike her friend with a storied past of exes, Ice Spice doesn’t seem weighed down by any significant emotions in these sassy, dismissive tracks. Instead, she seems to be enjoying her indifference.

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2024-07-26 23:47