Meet Ice Spice's parents: All about Joseph Gaston and Charina Almanzar
An artist’s upbringing deeply shapes their music and style. For Ice Spice’s parents, Joseph Gaston and Charina Almanzar, their guidance was instrumental in her journey, a fact she highlighted by saying:
I ended up becoming an artist because I saw my father be one first.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Ice Spice’s father is African American, while her mother is Dominican, reflecting her multicultural background.
- Her parents divorced in 2002 when the Princess Diana rapper was two years old.
- She is the eldest of six, growing up with five half-siblings.
- Her father was an underground rapper, inspiring her early passion for hip-hop.
Profile summary
| Real name | Isis Naija Gaston |
| Nickname | Ice Spice |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 1 January 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Place of birth | The Bronx, New York, USA |
| Current residence | New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Bisexual |
| Height | 5'3" (160 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Body measurements in inches | 33-26-37 |
| Hair colour | Auburn orange |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Parents | Charina Almanzar and Joseph Gaston |
| Siblings | 5 |
| School | Sacred Heart High School |
| University | State University of New York |
| Profession | Rapper, songwriter |
| Net worth | $5-$8 million |
| Social media | InstagramX (Twitter)TikTok |
Who are Ice Spice’s parents?
The MTV Award-winning rapper was born to Joseph Gaston and Charina Almanzar. Her parents met at a McDonald’s when Charina was a teenager and had her at 17. They separated two years later but remained in the same neighbourhood.
In a 2022 Interview Magazine feature, she reflected on her bond with her mother, saying:
She had me at 17, so we kind of grew up together. She gives me sister vibes, and she’s a little crazy, but I’m thankful because that’s why I am who I am. It’s chaotic, but we love each other down.
Ice Spice also described her father as more grounded, saying:
My father, he’s more leveled, which is also why I feel like I am the way that I am. So I’m grateful for both, they’re a perfect combination.
Source: Original
Who is Ice Spice’s real mom?
Ice Spice's mother is Charina Almanzar, a former car dealership employee who went viral after a video of her vibing to her daughter's song gained attention. Despite facing early pregnancy and divorce challenges, she has always supported her daughter.
In a 2022 Billboard interview, the rapper credited her Latina mother for shaping her personality, saying:
My mom's raised me to be just like her. You already know Latina girls have that sass. I remember she would always have her nails done so that trickled down to me. She was just always looking so good. I was that kid in the class who had the good-looking mom.
What does Ice Spice's dad do?
Joseph Gaston works in real estate but was once an underground rapper. His passion for hip-hop profoundly shaped his daughter’s career. As a rapper, Ice Spice’s dad introduced her to the genre early, often bringing her to the studio as a toddler.
In an interview with Paper Magazine, the Deli rapper recalled:
He definitely inspired me to want to record. I remember being in the studio with him. I was a toddler, probably. And I remember little flashes. Of course, not every detail, but small things like that being shown to you at such a young age make an impression on you.
He also introduced her to artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Jadakiss. Ice acknowledged her father's versatility in the music industry. She claimed he knew so much and was always educating her on hip-hop.
Source: Twitter
Is Ice Spice's father Nigerian?
In a six-part TikTok series, rapper and former friend Cleotrapa sparked debate over Ice Spice's father’s ethnicity, alleging that Joseph Gaston is Hispanic. The claims gained traction, prompting Gaston to respond on X, stating:
@iamcleotrapa we met twice in the green room. We barely spoke, who said I’m Hispanic?
Addressing further speculation, he shared that an ancestry test confirmed he is 30% Nigerian, with roots in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, and Taino heritage. He also acknowledged having Latino family members.
Who are Ice Spice’s siblings?
The Barbie World rapper is the eldest of six, with five half-siblings who maintain private lives. Among Ice Spice's siblings, her brother Joey is a football player and model, signed to Next Models. He plays quarterback at Iona Prep in New Rochelle, New York.
Following a viral photo of the hip-hop star with a mystery woman, speculation arose that she was Ice Spice's sister. While her identity remains unconfirmed, the rapper spoke about her close bond with her siblings in a 2023 Apple Music interview, saying:
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. I guess their looking up to me is kind of a reflection of now, so many people looking up to me... It did really prep me.
Source: UGC
Frequently asked questions
- What is the age of Ice Spice’s mom? Her mother, Charina Almanzar, is 40 years old in 2025. She was allegedly born in 1985.
- What is Ice Spice’s real name? The Bronx rapper’s real name is Isis Naija Gaston.
- What is Ice Spice’s ethnicity? She is of mixed heritage, with Dominican roots from her mother and African American ancestry from her father.
- Who is Ice Spice’s family? Her family includes her parents and five half-siblings.
- What race is Ice Spice's mom? The hitmaker's mother is of Dominican descent, making her racially Hispanic.
- Who is Ice Spice’s brother? The music star’s brother, Joey Gaston, is an emerging football player and model.
Although Ice Spice’s parents separated early, they influenced her identity and artistry. Their impact, especially her father’s musical roots, shaped her path, highlighting the lasting role of family in an artist’s development.
READ ALSO: Ice Spice: Age, height, real name, career highlights, full biography
As Briefly.co.za published, Ice Spice is an American hip-hop star widely recognised for the hits Princess Diana, Gangsta Boo, Barbie World and Name of Love.
Often described as a breakout star by tabloids, she has bagged several accolades, including a BET Hip-Hop Award and four Grammy Awards nominations.
Source: Briefly News
