Ice Spice, also known as Isis Naija Gaston, grew up in the vibrant borough of the Bronx in New York City, alongside her beloved siblings. Her passion for music blossomed during her childhood, and she always felt a strong sense of responsibility to set a positive example for her brothers and sisters.
As the oldest sibling, Ice Spice took it upon herself to protect her siblings from bullies and taught them valuable self-defense skills. In an interview with The Cut, she revealed that her siblings began receiving better treatment at school after her rise to fame, which she found heartwarming.
Among her siblings is her younger brother, Joey Gaston, who has made a name for himself as a talented football player and model. With over 20,000 Instagram followers, Joey often shares football-related content and proudly showcases his sister's achievements in the music industry. While the rest of Ice Spice's siblings lead more private lives, she has shed light on their strong bond in various interviews.
During an Apple Music interview in July 2023, Ice Spice expressed her gratitude for having a large family, stating, 'I'm very grateful that I have so many siblings. ... I feel like I learned a lot of things at home that apply to real life now.' She also acknowledged the significance of being an influential figure in their lives, comparing it to the way many people now look up to her. She believes that her upbringing and the admiration of her siblings have prepared her for the responsibilities and pressures of her career.
Ice Spice's parents, Charina Almanzar and Joseph Gaston, welcomed her into the world in the Bronx, New York. During a tour of her hometown for Apple Music, she revealed that she was raised near the McDonald's where her parents first met while working. Although her parents separated when she was just two years old and went on to create separate families, Ice Spice and her siblings maintained a close relationship. Remarkably, her parents and grandparents continued to live within a one-block radius of one another, fostering a sense of unity within the family.
In the Bronx, Ice Spice experienced a rich and diverse upbringing. In an interview with Zane Lowe, she described the Bronx as 'one of the most authentic places in New York,' filled with people from various backgrounds. She reminisced about her fun and vibrant childhood, acknowledging, however, that she can only view it from her own perspective.
During a GQ interview in November 2023, Joey reflected on his upbringing, revealing that he moved upstate with his father during high school. Explaining the decision, Joey mentioned a bigger house and improved surroundings as reasons for the move. Although he expressed excitement about leaving the Bronx, he also acknowledged that it could be tough living there at times. Change brought new opportunities, including a chance to attend Iona Prep in New Rochelle, New York, where Joey currently plays football as the team's quarterback.
Ice Spice's childhood was not without its challenges due to the complex dynamics of her family. In an interview with Interview Magazine in December 2022, she shared that her parents only had her during their relationship, and afterward, they each started separate families. Initially, she struggled with feelings of jealousy towards her siblings, who shared both parents. Today, however, she cherishes her uniqueness and feels special.
Joey Gaston signed with Next Models and has delved into the world of modeling alongside his football career. He has always had a passion for photography and loves to take photos. His talent caught the attention of Next Models, and he eagerly embraced the opportunity to express himself through professional photoshoots. Alongside his football successes, Joey aspires to pursue both his passions after graduating high school in 2025. His dreams include playing college football and continuing his exploration of the modeling industry.
To Ice Spice's younger siblings, she is simply their big sister. In an interview with Teen Vogue, she humorously remarked, 'I love them down ... to them, I ain't s---.' Joey echoed this sentiment during his GQ interview, emphasizing that he sees Ice Spice as his older sister, Isis. He wants to be recognized not just as her brother, but as his own person. At school, he has established his own identity as the quarterback and is known by his peers as Joey rather than Ice Spice's little brother.
As the eldest sibling, Ice Spice takes her role as a role model seriously and feels protective of her younger siblings. From a young age, she was reminded to behave well because her sister was watching. In an interview with Apple Music, she shared memories of empowering her sisters to stand up against bullies, providing them with guidance and a sense of strength. Today, Ice Spice's siblings are recognized and treated well due to her fame, and she appreciates the positive impact she has had on their lives.
Despite her bustling career, Ice Spice finds it challenging to dedicate as much time to her siblings as she did before. Their bond remains strong, though, and she expressed her love for them during her Apple Music interview, noting how much she misses them. She recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships with the people she grew up with, even as she travels the world and caters to the demands of her fans. Striving to strike a balance between her family and her musical ambitions, she appreciates the fact that her siblings miss her, as it exemplifies the depth of their love and connection.
Joey, in particular, has shown unwavering support for his older sister's music career. He expressed his faith in her from the start, proud of her accomplishments and the success she has achieved. While he may not listen to her music all the time, he embraces opportunities to enjoy her songs, particularly when they collaborate with his favorite artist. Joey's admiration and encouragement for Ice Spice are evident in his social media posts, where he celebrates her achievements and publicly shows her love.
Ice Spice and her siblings share a bond that transcends fame and success. They have weathered challenges together, and despite their different paths, their love and support for one another remain steadfast. As Ice Spice continues to make waves in the music industry, her siblings will undoubtedly be there, cheering her on from the sidelines and relishing in her triumphs.
