Ice Spice's Parents: Everything to Know About the Rapper's Family Background

Ice Spice's parents played a pivotal yet quiet role in her rise to fame. While the world sees the confident star on stage, her journey began with two guiding forces at home.

Behind her fame and success, Ice Spice’s parents have played a key role in shaping the artist she is today. The talented rapper, born Isis Naija Gaston on January 1, 2000, grew up in the Bronx under the care of her mom, Charina Almanzar, and dad, Joseph Gaston.

Though her parents were separated, Spice found strength in her family, especially as the eldest of five siblings. From her early days as a self-proclaimed protector to the moment her rise to stardom surprised even her mother and siblings. Her family has remained a central part of her journey. Here is everything we know about Ice Spice’s parents.

Ice Spice's Parents and Their Cultural Roots: How Her Father Sparked a Musical Journey

Though Ice Spice’s parents separated when she was young, they remained present in her life, both living nearby as she grew up in the Fordham Road neighborhood of the Bronx. Her upbringing was shaped by her multicultural background. Her mother is Dominican, and her father is Nigerian — a blend that added rich layers to her identity.

While both parents influenced her in different ways, it was her father, Joseph, who ignited her passion for music. A former underground MC, Joseph’s stage name remains undisclosed by the rapper out of respect for his privacy.

Today, he works in real estate, but the echoes of his musical past continue to resonate in his daughter’s career. “He definitely inspired me to want to record,” Ice shared in an interview.

She recalled early childhood memories of being in the studio with him, even as a toddler. "Of course, not every detail, but small things like that being shown to you at such a young age make an impression on you."

Her father's deep appreciation for hip-hop left a lasting mark. "He's a true hip-hop head, beyond me, honestly. He knows everything,” she added. “He's always educating me on hip-hop." In many ways, Ice’s path as an artist began with her father’s influence — an early exposure that helped shape the sound and confidence she brings to music today.

How Ice Spice's Parents Influenced Her Style and Confidence — Especially Her Mother's Bold Presence

While her father sparked her love for music, Ic credits much of her boldness and style to her Dominican mother, Charina. Describing her mom as confident and glamorous, Ice Spice often reflects on how Charina's presence shaped her own attitude and appearance.

Growing up, she saw her mother as the embodiment of confidence, always turning heads, always polished. Ice Spice has shared that her mother’s unapologetic style and sass were early lessons in self-expression.

She recalled how Charina always kept her nails done and looked her best, which left a strong impression. As a child, Ice Spice remembered classmates being captivated by her mom’s looks, describing herself as the kid with the good-looking mom.

But Charina's influence went beyond fashion and confidence. She also nurtured her daughter's early artistic talent. Ice Spice revealed in an interview with Billboard that her mother had been recording her singing since she was around four years old.

The “Barbie World” rapper recalled a recent moment when her mother shared a video of her as a toddler, singing—a memory the artist had completely forgotten. Seeing that video, she said, was both surprising and a reminder of how long her creative journey had been supported at home.

Together, Ice Spice’s parents each played a distinct role in her development— her father introducing her to music, and her mother instilling in her a fearless sense of self.