If there ever was a year for new artists to show themselves, it's without a doubt been within the post-pandemic era. Thanks to the increasingly widespread rise of the social media platform, TikTok, artists have secured another means of promoting their work and figured out how to cash in on simply being viral sensations. New artists such as Coi Leray, Yung Baby Tate, Doechii, and Ice Spice are just a few examples of on-the-rise superstars who've thrived from TikTok streams, and inevitable Billboard charting success, but Ice Spice, alone, is figuring out her own lane: one that’s about being herself and enjoying young, rockstar lifestyle fame.
And if you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, then you’ve probably heard, seen, and been enamored by the star that the kids can’t get enough of – whether streaming videos, reading about her in headlines, or learning from them what a ‘munch’ is.
Standing at 5-foot-7, she dons an enviable, signature curly ‘fro, as she raps in a calm, Bronx-laced monotone flow. She rose to popularity in the fall of 2022 with "Munch (Feelin U)" which took social media by storm, and is now, sitting pretty on Billboard’s #3 Hot 100 Song as a feature on PinkPantheress’ "The Boy’s a Liar Part 2." Now, it’s her time to shine as she becomes the face of Gen-Z’s best attribute: rebelling against society’s made-up rules and trailblazing their own paths.
So, while we sit back and wait for her to shoot into superstardom, here are 7 things you should know about emerging hip-hop starlet, Ice Spice:
1.Her music is considered ‘Bronx-drill.’
Despite the cute pop sound you’ve heard from her lately, Ice’s roots are heavy into the Bronx’s drill music scene. Originating in Chicago in the 2010s from artists like Chief Keef, drill music is a type of hip-hop trap music that focuses on inner city daily occurrences and crime. Although it can get pretty dark, the drill sound means a lot to those who can relate to the lyrics and the city from which it originated from. When asked about her hit song, "Munch (Feelin U)," Ice Spice, 23, told Rolling Stone:
“‘Munch’ is bringing out the fun in drill. It was a little serious before, a little violent sometimes, which is cool. I be bumping that rah-rah shit all day. But ‘Munch’ definitely brought out the zesty side of it. I want everybody to feel like a baddie.”
2.Despite her genre, Ice Spice wants to collaborate most with Rihanna.
We're not sure how the two sounds would mix, but she sure doesn’t mind telling Ellethat she loves Coldplay and The 1975, but if she could collaborate with any artist—it would be Rihanna. "She's the GOAT. She's gorgeous. I love her. I'm obsessed with her.”
Spice also lists Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj as dream collabs.
3.Erykah Badu and her daughter, Puma Curry, interviewed her for 'Interview Magazine.'
Puma introduced her legendary mother to Ice Spice’s music, which prompted them to sit down for an interview. The trio discussed what life was like growing up for Ice in the Bronx, her relationship with her parents as she adjusts to fame, and her plans for 2023. They thanked her for her time and gave her words of encouragement, with Spice simply replying, “Thank you. Puma, you’re the GOAT.”
4.Ice Spice credits her dad for giving her the courage to rock her signature ‘fro.
When asked about her signature hairstyle, Spice gave credit to her dad, who she says taught her the importance of individuality:
“I think my father helped me get past [wearing my curls] because he would always say, 'It’s beautiful, you’re beautiful, wear your natural hair.' I loved to straighten my hair and I loved to pretend it wasn’t curly. I would literally pray to God before I went to sleep, like, 'Please let me wake up with straight hair,' because at the school I went to, there were so many white girls, and I was the only one with curly hair.”
She adds:
“Once I finally started doing it, it was like ripping off a Band-Aid. I’ll never forget the first time I went to school with my natural hair. I spent so much time in the bathroom just looking at myself before going back to class. I was so nervous for something that didn’t even fucking matter. But when you’re 15, the whole class’s opinion matters to you."
5.She’s all about girl power.
During her Interview Magazine interview, Spice was asked what type of imprint she wants to make during her career to which she responded, “I want to make girls feel confident. Like the Marilyn Monroe impact or the Rihanna impact, the Erykah impact. You have a way of hypnotizing people, you cast a spell on them. I want to do the same thing.”
Confidence is a constant theme for Spice as she also says ‘confident’ is one of the top three words she’d use to describe herself.
6.Ice Spice's influence has the numbers to back it up.
You know how the saying goes, “men lie, women lie, numbers don’t,” and when it comes to Spice, this rings true. Whether you understand her rise to stardom or not, the girl has pull and certainly has the figures to back it up. In addition to sitting pretty at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100, the hashtag #munch now has over 2 billion views on TikTok, with videos reiterating the song’s lyrics “You thought I was feeling you?” as a trend. The hashtag #IceSpice has over 4 billion views.
But don’t think she isn’t planting her roots. Her EP Like..?, released on Jan. 20, included singles “Bikini Bottom,” which samples music from the cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants, and “In Ma Hood,” which has over 30 million collective Spotify streams.
7.Beyoncé personally chose her for IVY PARK x Adidas “DISCOVER YOUR PARK” collection.
On Feb. 9, IVY PARK dropped its new Park Trail performance-wear collection in collaboration with Adidas. The brand tapped Ice Spice as one of the celebrities to star in the campaign for the launch, alongside Offset (and his son Kody Cephus), Devon Aoki, and more sporting head-to-toe camouflage in the form of cargo pants, jackets, and even sock boots.
Ice Spice told PEOPLE:
"When I got the call I was in disbelief. It was all sinking in on the flight over [to the photo shoot]. I'm still so excited to be a part of this!"
In an Instagram post, Beyoncé herself said that IVY PARK Park Trail is “my favorite drop to date.”
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Featured image by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Spotify
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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