Ice Spice hasn’t taken numerous losses, however in the event you let the web inform it, the album cowl for her debut LP, Y2K!, is considered one of them. Since its reveal in early June, the art work has been subjected to a month-long roasting session, with of us accusing the Bronx rapper of utilizing AI and being typically lazy and unimaginative. She hasn’t backed down from the quilt; in truth, she later unloaded a equally 2000s-coded various. If the alt was a concession, it wasn’t precisely a profitable one: followers have bashed that cowl, too. However Ice Spice shouldn’t express regret for a job well-done. In spite of everything, by honing in on a garish aesthetic, she’s continued an genuine hip-hop custom whereas producing consideration for her new challenge. Being cheesy wasn’t an accident right here—it was the purpose.
Part of the entire deal is that, sadly, for many people who grew up within the aughts, tackiness was a lifestyle. Simply take into consideration the frosted suggestions, and people rattling Ed Hardy shirts and Von Dutch hats. For all of the complaints about Ice Spice’s first Y2K! album cowl, her largest mistake could be that she pulled off 2000s-chic too effectively. The picture sees the Bronx artist dripped out like she’s 24 years late for a Nelly present. She’s clad in lime-green boots, a Christian Dior saddle bag that debuted across the identical time as Slim Shady and jean shorts that will encourage a T-Ache and Flo-Rida music. Posting her hand in opposition to a silverish brick wall that’s received her title graffitied throwback model, she appears again on the digital camera lens, which additionally captures an Ice Spice-themed subway and a trash can with the Y2K emblazoned in neon pink. There’s even an Ice Spice Metrocard mendacity on the bottom in entrance of her.
