Ice Spice’s Munch (Feelin’ U): Sex and Power from the Bronx

Women in hip hop have redefined the genre over the last 5 years and took the sexual agency of Missy Elliott and turned it up to 11. Ice Spice has followed the path paved by Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Cardi B and Doja Cat with her track Munch (Feelin’ U). Ice Spice has only recently come out on the scene with a list of singles and EPs, but this track is set to propel her to a probable full LP in the future…hopefully in 2023. Let’s take a closer look.

This sub two minute has a lot packed in it. The beat is a stripped back trap with restrained bass and not a lot of bells and whistles. This gives the track a street level, like DIY feel that gives it a grounded vibe. This is opposed to Lizzo or other highly produced tracks that have more of an epic feel. This is a track by someone on the way up with nothing to hide. Instead of an operatic hip hop anthem, this is a guided missile.

Ice Spice has a monotone, almost disinterested delivery that really works. Her no nonsense style causes you to sit up and listen as she rips through bars at breakneck speed. Her delivery has a power behind it as she raps about agency, sex and owning her body. Ice Spice is in control of her sexuality and not a nameless conquest of some man. This follows a movement in women’s hip hop of women tearing down the male gaze and in full control of their sexuality. They call the shots in sex for both pleasure and power. This is a genre littered with men casting women as mere objects only meant for their ego and satisfaction. Ice Spice is not playing that game and she is the one calling the shots.

Munch (Feelin’ U) is taking music and pop culture by storm. It is a quick track that packs a punch. This reminds me of 1980s punk where women were putting out napalm fuelled tracks under two minutes that took down toxic masculinity and redefined the genre. Ice Spice and women rappers like her are the new punk and they are here to stay. Let’s hope we get a full record from her in 2023.

Listen to Munch (Feelin’ U)