In a bold move that has sent ripples through the hip-hop world, Bronx rapper Ice Spice is back with a fresh snippet that’s already generating buzz.

On August 21, 2025, the 25-year-old artist took to Instagram to tease her upcoming single, tentatively titled “Baddie Baddie,” which prominently samples M.I.A.’s 2012 anthem “Bad Girls.” The track, with its infectious Middle Eastern-inflected beat and empowering energy, signals a new chapter for Ice Spice, blending her signature drill roots with a nod to one of hip-hop’s most influential tracks.

A Strategic Sample With Swagger

M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls,” from her 2013 album Matangi, is a cultural touchstone. Written by M.I.A., Marcella Araica, and Danja, and produced by the latter, the song’s midtempo hip-hop groove, infused with worldbeat and dancehall elements, became a global hit.

Its iconic refrain, “Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well,” delivered in M.I.A.’s haughty rap-sung style, captured a generation with its unapologetic celebration of female empowerment and rebellion. The track’s legacy extends beyond music, having soundtracked fashion shows, TV episodes like The Mindy Project, and even a 150-skater performance for Moncler’s 60th anniversary during New York Fashion Week in 2012.

Ice Spice’s decision to sample “Bad Girls” is a calculated one. The snippet, shared on Instagram with the caption “Baddie Baddie im feelin nasty ,” features her leaning into the song’s rebellious spirit while adding her own flair.

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In the nearly 30-second clip, she raps, “They said they wanted a bop, I was just poppin’ my shit / I ain’t even really mean to go pop,” over the unmistakable “Bad Girls” beat. Dressed in a red leather cropped jacket, distressed denim shorts, and light blue strappy heels, Ice Spice exudes confidence, dancing and posing with a playful yet commanding presence.

The sample doesn’t feel like a lazy rehash but rather a clever reimagination. As one commenter on The Coli noted, the track sounds like “one of those fan edits where someone took one of her songs and placed it on the bad girls beat,” yet it retains Ice Spice’s signature flow, rooted in her Bronx drill aesthetic.

Fans on social media have been quick to praise the snippet, with reactions like “She’s back ” and “Oh you have a hit on your hands,” suggesting that the track could mark a triumphant return after a relatively quiet period since her debut album Y2K! dropped in July 2024.

Ice Spice’s Evolution & Power Of Sampling

Ice Spice, born Isis Naija Gaston, has been a polarizing figure in hip-hop since her breakout in 2022 with the release of “Munch (Feelin’ U).” Her rise, fueled by viral TikTok moments and collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Central Cee, has cemented her as a “breakout star” in the eyes of music journalists.

Yet, she’s also faced criticism, with some accusing her of relying too heavily on samples or lacking originality. Her previous single, “Gimme A Light,” sampled Sean Paul’s “Gimme the Light,” sparking debates about her tendency to lean on familiar beats. However, sampling is a cornerstone of hip-hop, and Ice Spice’s choice to rework “Bad Girls” feels like a nod to the genre’s tradition of reinterpreting classics to create something new.

The “Bad Girls” sample aligns with Ice Spice’s persona—bold, unapologetic, and distinctly feminine. M.I.A.’s original track was a feminist anthem, challenging stereotypes and celebrating women who live on their own terms.

Ice Spice channels this energy, rapping about dismissing suitors who “don’t want me for me” and embracing her “nasty” side, a playful nod to her confident, flirtatious lyricism. The choice also reflects her knack for blending her drill roots with pop-leaning sensibilities, a move that could broaden her appeal while staying true to her sound.

Fan Reactions & Speculation

The teaser has sparked a frenzy online. Fans, affectionately called “Munchkins,” have flooded social media with excitement, noting that Ice Spice’s recent decision to clear her Instagram of all content signals a new era. “And the haters were saying YOU FLOPPED ,” one Instagram commenter wrote, referencing the skepticism she’s faced since Y2K!’s mixed reception. Others speculate that “Baddie Baddie” could be the lead single for a larger project, possibly a follow-up to her debut EP Like..? or Y2K!.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some fans on platforms like Lipstick Alley expressed reservations, arguing that Ice Spice’s strength lies in her drill sound and that sampling a pop-leaning track like “Bad Girls” feels like a departure.

“I feel her lane is more drill and riot makes great beats without sampling,” one user commented, referring to her frequent collaborator, producer RiotUSA. Others have been more critical, with posts on X questioning her reliance on samples or dismissing her as a “clone” in the industry. Despite the mixed sentiments, the buzz around the snippet is undeniable, proving Ice Spice’s ability to stay relevant in a crowded hip-hop landscape.

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A Broader Cultural Moment

The timing of the teaser coincides with other developments in Ice Spice’s career. Beyond music, she’s been making waves in Hollywood, landing a role in an upcoming Spike Lee film and contributing a song to the SpongeBob soundtrack.

Her rumored romance with NFL player Sauce Gardner has also kept her in the headlines, with the pair spotted together at events like Adin Ross’ boxing match in April 2025. While neither has confirmed the relationship, Gardner’s comments to TMZ Sports about their shared New York roots and mutual experience with public scrutiny have only fueled speculation.

Ice Spice’s sampling of “Bad Girls” also taps into M.I.A.’s enduring influence. Mathangi Arulpragasam, known for her genre-blending approach and provocative lyricism, has long been a trailblazer in hip-hop. Her work, from Arular to Matangi, has inspired artists to experiment with global sounds and challenge conventions. By sampling “Bad Girls,” Ice Spice not only pays homage to M.I.A. but also positions herself within a lineage of artists who use music to assert their individuality.

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What’s Next?

While “Baddie Baddie” lacks an official release date, the excitement surrounding it suggests Ice Spice is poised for a comeback. The track’s fusion of M.I.A.’s iconic beat with her own drill-infused style could be the bop fans have been waiting for. As she continues to navigate fame, controversy, and artistic growth, Ice Spice is proving she’s more than a viral moment—she’s an artist with staying power.

Whether “Baddie Baddie” becomes a chart-topping hit or a divisive experiment, one thing is clear: Ice Spice is ready to reclaim the spotlight, and she’s doing it with the same unapologetic energy that made M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls” a classic. As the refrain goes, “Bad girls do it well”—and Ice Spice is doing it her way.