Ice Spice Defends Taylor Swift Friendship: 'It's Rude to Think It's About Clout'

Ice Spice is setting the record straight about her friendship with Taylor Swift. In a cover story for Rolling Stone the ‘Deli’ rapper, whose real name is Isis Gaston, expressed her frustration over people assuming that her bond with Swift, including their collaboration on the ‘Karma’ remix, was just for show.

"Why would she not want to be my friend?” Ice said. “Taylor genuinely likes me. She’s so funny, and our personalities really click.” The 24-year-old artist recalled her excitement when she learned about Swift's interest in having her on the "Karma" remix while she was living in her first apartment in New Jersey. Ice’s producer, RiotUSA, was recording her when she received a call from her manager, who typically communicates via text.

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“He said, ‘Taylor Swift has a record for you to get on from her album.’ I was trying to stay composed on the phone, but once I hung up, I was hysterically crying,” Ice shared. “I was in my walk-in closet thinking, ‘This can’t be real.’ Riot filmed my reaction, and it might end up in a documentary someday.”

Swift also praised Ice in the interview, admiring her interest in the business side of the music industry. "I love when I meet a new artist who is curious about the industry's workings, not just the music itself,” Swift said. “Ice is keen on understanding the strategic and financial aspects of her career, which is empowering. She’s not just a passenger; she wants to drive her career.”

At the 2024 BET Awards in late June, Ice hinted at potential collaborations on her debut album, ‘Y2K’!, but remained vague about whether Swift would feature on it. "I think she did me the favor," Ice said of Swift. "But let’s see what happens."

–Farheen Ali