Pod Insights Baby, this is Keke Palmer "Baddie Baddie" from the Bronx with Ice Spice About this episode When Ice Spice pulls up, we get into EVERYTHING—past, present, AND future. She talks holding onto her Bronx roots (from food to fashion) and how she accidentally slept on her breakout track "Munch." Fresh off teaming up with Latto for their latest track "Gyatt," she’s teasing what’s next, including her "Baddie Baddie" era! Plus, Keke and Ice are diving into it all – dating in the public eye (fans clockin’ her in France, at the Jets game, everywhere!), why she spoke out about her bisexuality, and the question on all our minds: is Keke her type?!
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Transcript 11,940 words · 7 speakers
Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
0:05 Speaker 00 A dark night, a quiet house, but inside, danger was lurking.
0:09 Speaker 01 Oh, not really. We have Xfinity Shield, so we're not worried. What if protecting your home and devices could be drama-free? Xfinity. Imagine that. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas.
0:20 Keke Palmer? This episode is presented in partnership with Airbnb, where the best end-of-summer memories are made with your closest friends. Now, let's get on with the show.
0:59 Keke Palmer? Ice Spice, welcome to Baby, This is Keke Palmer, all the way from the Bronx, BX. That's the initials, right? BX, that's what I'm saying? Period. BX. Thank you for coming to the show. How are you feeling? I'm good. Thank you for having me. Yes. Well, I'm glad you did the pre-show pull-ups, so I can get into your mind before we get into the show. Okay, so today, I'm giving Pretty, Absolutely, with the side of [BLEEP]. We love [BLEEP]. I love to just give the girls what they need with the [BLEEP]ness. Today's mood in one word, peachy. I love that peachy. That feels very sweet. But also, the hair is very peachy. I think that's where I got it from. I was sitting in front of the mirror when I wrote that. Period. She was like, "Let me look at me. Mirror, mirror on the wall." Okay, what did you listen to on the ride here? 3 a.m.?
1:42 Keke Palmer? Um, Don Tolliver just dropped. Don Tolliver is so good. I love his music. I don't know what type of bag he gets into, but it just, it's the type of thing you want to dance to, but also you can zone out to. I need to hear this one. I ain't heard the 3 a.m. Okay, last screenshot on your phone. No deleting. Show me. Me and Lotto song.
2:03 Speaker 03 Yes, that's my last screenshot. A fan leaked our song.
2:06 Keke Palmer? Wait a minute, now what's the vibes? Like, tell me how y'all got to doing this song?
2:10 Speaker 03 Well, it's dropping now that it was leaked. But that was the last screenshot, cuz it was a mess in the group chat earlier.
2:15 Keke Palmer? Ooh, so how did y'all get into doing the song? Like, what was the, like, what was the DMs? What was the conversation, like, get into the scene?
2:23 Speaker 03 Um, so we, the DMs was like, back in like January, I think. We were just like, our managers connected and like, gave us each other's number.
2:33 Keke Palmer? Right?
2:33 Speaker 03 And we're just like, hey, girl, like, if you have a song, like, send it or whatever.
2:36 Keke Palmer? And this is in the midst of all the back and forth beef that we are assuming is happening online? Like, in the middle, they connected y'all?
2:43 Speaker 03 Uh, well, towards, I mean, I think it was like, over with.
2:46 Keke Palmer? Okay, it was the time, the time had passed, and so it was like, [BLEEP] was like a record.
2:49 Speaker 03 That it was like, yeah, cute. So, but we didn't like, have anything for, until just now, like, a month ago.
2:56 Keke Palmer? Okay, so what's the vibe? Cuz I didn't hear the leak.
2:59 Speaker 03 You didn't hear it yet?
2:59 Keke Palmer? I didn't hear it yet, thank goodness.
3:01 Speaker 03 It just hit the TL. It's cute.
3:03 Keke Palmer? Come on, it just hit the TL, yes! It's very cute, okay, I'm excited. I like Lotto's music, I like your music, so I think you guys would sound very good together.
3:11 Speaker 03 Thank you, yeah, we look really good.
3:12 Keke Palmer? Now, what's the name?
3:13 Speaker 03 Yet.
3:14 Keke Palmer? Yet, okay, yet, period. Okay, now, what's your zodiac sign? I'm seeing, you know, your big three. And I want you to know, from seeing your big three, we are like, best friends.
3:25 Speaker 03 I felt like that, too, when I was writing it.
3:28 Keke Palmer? Girl, you're a Capricorn, I'm a Virgo, so off top, that's a match. I live for Scorpios, but then you're also a Virgo. So, your Virgo matches my Virgo sun. It's giving, made for each other.
3:38 Speaker 03 Yeah, I think so.
3:39 Keke Palmer? Yes, you're saying, yeah, I think so. What's your love language? Gifts and quality time? What type of gifts are we talking? Cuz I see you iced out on your neck, like, are we talking jewelry?
3:49 Speaker 03 Well, yes.
3:52 Keke Palmer? What is the craziest gift you ever got?
3:54 Speaker 03 Um, craziest gift? Recently, probably the Birkin.
3:58 Keke Palmer? Who gave you that?
3:59 Speaker 03 Um...
4:03 Keke Palmer? Girl. Don't even tell me now, we gonna get into it. Okay, what this now, this is unexpected to me. When you, when you said this, what's the most unexpected thing on your talent rider? A yoga mat. My girl is into yoga. I live for the wellness and everything.
4:17 Speaker 03 I did one hot yoga class like one time.
4:20 Keke Palmer? And then you became addicted?
4:21 Speaker 03 No. This was one time ever.
4:25 Keke Palmer? So is the mat just for the vibes and the energy?
4:27 Speaker 03 So I bring the mat usually on tour. That's like my tour rider.
4:32 Keke Palmer? Okay.
4:32 Speaker 03 Because I need to stretch. Like, I stretch every single day.
4:35 Keke Palmer? You have to with all that ass shaking.
4:37 Speaker 03 Right.
4:38 Keke Palmer? Period. But I do feel like you're into fitness. You be working out a lot.
4:42 Speaker 03 Yeah, I, I like to work out, but now I'm trying to find like a good balance between like working out enough and not overworking out and like staying in shape, so.
4:51 Keke Palmer? Yeah. Is it tough for you? Because I feel like people are always talking about your body. Either they're over-sexualizing your body, which maybe is not a problem to you, or they're like, now she's too fit and now, you know, how do you deal with that when you're just trying to be your best?
5:03 Speaker 03 Um, yeah, that's all I do is just try to be my best for real. You summed it up great. Um, yeah, I try to like just do things in moderation.
5:12 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
5:13 Speaker 03 As much as like I can.
5:14 Keke Palmer? Yeah. And it's also hard when, when you're on tour, when you're working a lot, like, before you know it, you do be strong. Because it's like, I'm **** working every day. Like, I'm on stage moving and moving.
5:23 Speaker 03 Right, exactly.
5:24 Keke Palmer? I can't help the cardio burn.
5:25 Speaker 03 Yeah.
5:26 Keke Palmer? Um, and then you gave me your autograph. Ice Spice is so cute.
5:29 Speaker 03 You know, that's not even the right one. I started, why I started doing my real signature, like, when I sign like a check or something.
5:35 Keke Palmer? It's giving like playing, you know, when I'm in middle school, like just giving a little part of a guy.
5:41 Speaker 03 Yeah.
5:42 Keke Palmer? But your full name is Isis.
5:43 Speaker 03 Isis.
5:44 Keke Palmer? Isis what?
5:45 Speaker 03 Isis Nigel Gaston.
5:47 Keke Palmer? Ooh, that's so cute. Isis Nigel Gaston. Mine is Lauren Keanu Palmer. You seemed gagged because you thought my name was just.
5:52 Speaker 03 I swear, I thought it was Keke Palmer.
5:55 Keke Palmer? So, I mean, girl, I'm glad to catch up with you because I feel like you left us hanging for a minute. You went bye-bye on our asses. So where was you at? What's tea, boo?
6:04 Speaker 03 Uh, yeah, I was resting, taking a little nap.
6:09 Speaker 03 I had to. I was like, I need my beauty sleep. And, um, yeah, I'm excited to be back outside. I miss my friends.
6:16 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
6:16 Speaker 03 Yeah.
6:17 Keke Palmer? But I feel like probably as an artist, I mean, you know, we need creativity. So it's like, sometimes if you're working, working, working, then you have nowhere to pull from. So when you were taking that break, what kind of vibes did you feel like you got into that helped usher us into this new era?
6:30 Speaker 03 Um, I did a lot of stuff. Like, I was hanging with my family more. That's something that I really, really appreciate about this break. Like, I was able to, like, spend more time with my sisters, my mom, my dad, and like, everybody. Um, and my friends too. Like, I miss my friends and my home. I'm finally starting to put my, like, apartment together. Because I was in the midst of moving for like, two years, it felt like.
6:53 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm.
6:54 Speaker 03 You know?
6:54 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
6:55 Speaker 03 So now I'm like, getting my space all cozy and personalized. So that's been keeping me, like, inspired a little bit.
7:01 Keke Palmer? Yeah, it's giving grown, sexy, chill, and cool.
7:03 Speaker 03 Thank you.
7:04 Keke Palmer? Now, in Interview Magazine in 2022, you said your mom, Sharina? Am I pronouncing that right?
7:09 Speaker 03 Sharina.
7:09 Keke Palmer? Sharina, who's Dominican. She had you at seventeen, so you guys kind of grew up together.
7:13 Speaker 03 Yeah.
7:13 Keke Palmer? I mean, what was that like when you think about that now? Like, and even just how you guys' relationship has grown now that you're an adult? Like, what's the difference between then and now?
7:22 Speaker 03 Uh, well, I mean, it still feels like pretty much the same.
7:25 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
7:26 Speaker 03 Like, I think not much has, like, changed between us. I feel like we've always been like sisters.
7:33 Keke Palmer? Wow.
7:33 Speaker 03 Yeah, because she had me so young. So like, I feel like it gives sisters.
7:38 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
7:39 Speaker 03 I don't know, we look like sisters damn near.
7:42 Keke Palmer? Yeah, your mom is beautiful.
7:43 Speaker 03 Thank you. Um, she's my idol.
7:46 Keke Palmer? Oh, my gosh.
7:47 Speaker 03 I love her.
7:48 Keke Palmer? So what did she teach you, kind of like, about resilience, especially coming into the rap game? Because I know that your dad was also Joseph Gaston. This is New York.
7:55 Speaker 03 Joseph Gaston.
7:56 Keke Palmer? Yeah, Gaston. He was also a rapper. So, I mean, coming into the game, what kind of support did she give you and how was he supportive to you?
8:03 Speaker 03 Um, yeah, both of my parents always were so supportive from the beginning. Like, my dad is so big on, like, he, every day on the way to school, like, the days he would take me, he would always be on some, like, oh, so what's going to be your career? Like, what's your job? Rrrr. And I would always just be like, I'm tired. It's like, seven in the morning, like, shut the [BLEEP]. You know what I mean?
8:26 Keke Palmer? Ah, yes.
8:26 Speaker 03 But I'm so grateful now, looking back, that he did that because it really instilled in me that like I needed a job fast.
8:34 Keke Palmer? Sure.
8:34 Speaker 03 You know.
8:35 Keke Palmer? Did you um feel like you eh like did you immediately feel like I'm gonna go into music? Like, did you, were you inspired by his music career or did this come out of nowhere for you?
8:44 Speaker 03 No, I think I was so inspired by his music career because um growing up, like that's what I was around. He was like doing music when I was like a toddler.
8:52 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
8:52 Speaker 03 So like.
8:53 Keke Palmer? That's how my mom was.
8:54 Speaker 03 Right, it was real like, I was real impressionable at that time.
8:57 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
8:58 Speaker 03 So I think I just soaked up everything my parents were doing and like low key I'm that now. Like what both of them did.
9:04 Keke Palmer? People always say that you are what you see, that's why it's good when we see our parents like living out their dreams and stuff. Especially for me, like as a mom now, I'm always trying to make sure that I don't. You know, when you become a parent, you wanna just give everything to your kid, but your kid gotta also see you give things to you. Because then in the end, they like know, it's okay for me to chase my dreams and do my thing.
9:23 Speaker 03 Right, spoil yourself.
9:24 Keke Palmer? Yes, now you're the oldest of five siblings, all girls?
9:28 Speaker 03 I have one brother.
9:28 Keke Palmer? So one brother.
9:29 Speaker 03 Yeah.
9:29 Keke Palmer? Four girls, one brother. I mean, you're the oldest sibling, so how much, you probably had a lot of responsibility.
9:35 Speaker 03 I did, but it was broken up because three of my sisters are on my mom's side. And then I have a brother and sister on my dad's side.
9:42 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
9:42 Speaker 03 So I got to spend time with both of them growing up, but it was a lot of responsibility. I always say I feel like I'm a mom, cuz it's like, I feel like I raised them.
9:51 Keke Palmer? Yeah, how much older than you, eh how much older are you than them?
9:53 Speaker 03 My youngest baby sister is thirteen years younger than me.
9:56 Keke Palmer? Wow.
9:57 Speaker 03 Which is great, right?
9:58 Keke Palmer? Yeah, so it is, I mean, you could have. Well, you could have, you know.
10:03 Speaker 03 Right, if we was like two hundred years ago, that would have been normal.
10:09 Keke Palmer? So how do you feel like that helped you with your career, being responsible so early, or did it, you know?
10:14 Speaker 03 I feel like, I feel like it did for sure, cuz it gave me a sense of like, I got [BLEEP] to do.
10:19 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
10:20 Speaker 03 You know, and I feel like if I was like. If I didn't have that, like, oh my god, I have people to take care of. It wouldn't have made me feel so like driven towards like a goal.
10:30 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm.
10:31 Speaker 03 You know?
10:32 Keke Palmer? Cause you know, somebody's watching you. That's definitely how it was for me with my siblings. I'm also, I'm seven years older than my youngest siblings. And I would often think about that when I was working as a kid, being like, okay, this is for the twins. You know, cause I want them to have access that I didn't have.
10:44 Speaker 03 Oh, you have twins?
10:45 Keke Palmer? Twin siblings, yes.
10:46 Speaker 03 Me too.
10:47 Keke Palmer? What? Boy and a girl or two girls?
10:48 Speaker 03 Two girls, they're fraternal.
10:50 Keke Palmer? Oh, yeah, my brother and sister, they're fraternal. But let me get you into this, girl. The gag is my mom's a twin and my dad's a twin.
10:56 Speaker 03 So are you gonna have twins?
10:58 Keke Palmer? Woo! My sister already got three kids and one, none of them twins. So it's gonna go to either me or my baby sister. But you know, honestly, I would be fine with twins as long as it was just like boom, you know, knock them out. You know, we, we just, you know, quick and easy.
11:12 Speaker 03 I feel that. Wrap it up after that.
11:15 Keke Palmer? Uh-uh, not wrap it up after that. I should've wrapped it up beforehand. Anyway. Now your parents.
11:21 Keke Palmer? Now your parents split when you were what, two years old?
11:24 Speaker 03 I was like two, but they was already like separated, I think. So I don't remember them together like that.
11:31 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
11:31 Speaker 03 But I think I have like one memory maybe of them in the same place at once.
11:36 Keke Palmer? But they live like down the street from each other.
11:38 Speaker 03 Which is crazy.
11:39 Keke Palmer? I know, but it's perfect for you guys because then you were able to bounce them back and forth. Like, do you think that was really helpful to you, like having them so close by?
11:46 Speaker 03 Certainly was. I would lie all the time. Like, they know this now, but like, I mean, do they know? I don't know. I feel like they put it together. But I would like always tell my mom, like, oh yeah, I'm at my dad's house. Or I'll tell my dad, I'm at my mom's house. And because they didn't like talk, nobody would check if that was the case.
12:05 Keke Palmer? I hear this a lot from my friends whose parents were divorced, that they would literally play off the fact that
12:10 Speaker 03 Yeah.
12:10 Keke Palmer? the parents ain't talking and they don't like each other. Or you know what I mean? They would be able to do whatever they wanted to do. So did you feel like in them streets, you was like wildin' out?
12:19 Speaker 03 Not even in the streets, really on my best friend's crib. Cause that's where I would be at for the most part. Like, I'd just be chillin'. Yeah.
12:25 Keke Palmer? So what kind of childhood or, or like high school vibe did you have? Well, how were you in school?
12:30 Speaker 03 I went to Catholic school, so I was very, yeah. Right.
12:34 Keke Palmer? We was uptight.
12:35 Speaker 03 Yeah, we was a little uptight. Like, I had like priests and nuns walking around like
12:41 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
12:41 Speaker 03 the school, you know, it was like a different vibe.
12:43 Keke Palmer? Yeah. And then what was your after-school life? Like, was you?
12:46 Speaker 03 I played volleyball. I, uh, I did like some clubs and stuff like that in school. I always liked to be like involved. I feel like that's important.
12:53 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
12:53 Speaker 03 as a kid or like growing up to be like involved in the school because you make friends that way and you also just kind of like, um, learn a lot about people and like how people work and stuff like that.
13:06 Keke Palmer? Mmm, yeah, my sister in college, she was like Miss every part of every club and she said the same thing. She went to FAMU and she was like, in this political club and this AKA and that, you know, so it makes total sense. I didn't get to go to high school, but I imagine that if I did, I would have
13:20 Speaker 03 Oh, my God, because you was famous. That's crazy.
13:25 Keke Palmer? Girl, I was on these sets to work and be in the VP. Um, so you started writing poetry and freestyles at just seven years old?
13:33 Speaker 03 I mean, ever since I could write, I would always write like little, like liners. That's what I would call it now, looking back. Like, I'd always write like two, three lines and then eventually like as the years went on, it would become like full-on songs.
13:48 Keke Palmer? Mmm.
13:48 Speaker 03 But I never got into like a studio and recorded until I was nine, I was twenty.
13:54 Keke Palmer? Mmm, you never really took it seriously until then.
13:56 Speaker 03 I didn't record until I was twenty ever.
13:58 Keke Palmer? Mmm.
13:59 Speaker 03 Like, you know, I do wish that I grew up recording more, though.
14:02 Keke Palmer? Yeah. What did you think, like, do you remember any of those early rhymes? Like, do you remember what your style was back then? Is it anything similar to what you do now?
14:10 Speaker 03 Nothing. Well, actually, you know what? It probably is similar. So, it probably is similar. Because I feel like people's art is always like evolving, but like still kind of like.
14:20 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
14:20 Speaker 03 You know what I mean?
14:21 Keke Palmer? Yes.
14:22 Speaker 03 The same.
14:22 Keke Palmer? Give me your lunch, you know?
14:26 Keke Palmer? Could you imagine? No, so who are some of your biggest inspirations when you think back then? I mean, obviously it was like Lil Cam, but who were some of the like other people that you listened to?
14:35 Speaker 03 Um, Nikki was the first female rapper I ever seen. Of course, my dad put me on to her because he used to like distribute like her tapes or something like back in the day.
14:46 Keke Palmer? He was a promoter?
14:47 Speaker 03 Yeah, like he would like give out, like take them little road trips and like give CDs to the stores or something like that.
14:52 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
14:53 Speaker 03 So I remember he would like put me on to her music and like Fabulous, Jada Kiss.
14:59 Keke Palmer? Come on Fab.
15:00 Speaker 03 Yeah.
15:01 Keke Palmer? Jada, Jada.
15:06 Speaker 03 You know.
15:06 Keke Palmer? Girl, I was watching 106 The Park. Did you remember 106 The Park? You remember, but do you remember AJ and Free? Who was your hosts?
15:13 Speaker 03 No, I don't remember the hosts, but I know the show you're talking about.
15:15 Keke Palmer? Yeah, anyway, Free one time when Jada Kiss came on, I'll never forget. She told me I'm Jada, Jada. And ever since then, that's how I say his name.
15:22 Speaker 03 I'm crying, damn. That seemed like such a good era. I wish that would come back, like.
15:27 Keke Palmer? Girl, me too.
15:28 Speaker 03 Like premiering music videos on TV, like that would eat.
15:31 Keke Palmer? What were the TV shows that you grew up watching?
15:33 Speaker 03 Um, I grew up watching like a lot of like, um, I was both a Disney and a kid.
15:41 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
15:42 Speaker 03 Like I watched both.
15:43 Keke Palmer? Did you watch like Victorious? Where you like that era?
15:45 Speaker 03 I was watching Victorious for sure.
15:48 Keke Palmer? Randy Cosgrove?
15:49 Speaker 03 Like iCarly, yeah.
15:50 Keke Palmer? iCarly, Jackson VP.
15:58 Keke Palmer? Honey, I don't care what the pumpkin spice industry says. Summer ain't over just yet. And let me tell you, I had the vision of the perfect late summer getaway that would make earth, wind, and fire proud. I can already see it now, and I'm dancing in a spacious Airbnb living room, surrounded by my crew, belting out "Do You Remember?", because trust me, this is a memory in the making. With all the back to school chaos, sometimes you need a breather. Last year, I booked a guest favorite for a quick family escape. We had bedrooms for days, a kitchen big enough for our chopped leftover edition competitions, and the kids could do their schoolwork without feeling like they were in detention. You're looking for that last taste of summer or a cozy fall retreat? Check out Airbnb Guest Favorites.
16:42 Keke Palmer? I mean, seriously, these are the cream of the crop, y'all. Perfect for family trips or friend getaways. You get more space, privacy, and locations that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. Whether you're chasing the last rays of summer or embracing the pumpkin everything, Airbnb has a spot for you.
17:02 Keke Palmer? Baby, I just had the wildest ride with The Prophecy: Season 2 on Audible. And Kerry Washington, she's taking supernatural thriller to a whole new level. Dr. Virginia Edwards really thought she could finally breathe easy, but the universe said, "Not today." Just as she's setting in with her family, the power-hungry billionaire cult leader shows up threatening everything she's protected. On top of that, she's being hit with these intense visions, cryptic, otherworldly, and impossible to ignore. Now, she's racing against time with just one month to decode them before the world falls apart. And where do these visions lead her? Straight into the deep south on a relentless run. Giancarlo Esposito is locked in as the villain, and he's hot on her heels and coming with full force.
17:47 Keke Palmer? But good thing Virginia's got her trusted Ally Moses, played by Dulé Hill riding shotgun. He and Kerry Washington go way back to psych, but this time, their characters are trying to stop a plan that could change the world forever. The performances will grab you, and the sound design, it'll pull you so deep into Virginia's world, you'll be looking over your shoulder at every strange noise. Whether you caught the first season or you're diving in fresh, The Prophecy: Season 2 serves up thrills, chills, and some serious "what would I do?" moments. Ready to test your faith and face your fears? Listen to The Prophecy: Season 2 now on Audible. Head to audible.com/prophecy2 for your free trial.
18:30 Keke Palmer? Trust me, this is one prophecy you want to hear.
18:35 Keke Palmer? So you started like writing like little stuff when you were seven, but didn't really know what you was doing. You was just getting into a vibe. Then you recorded your first song at 19. What made you say, "I'm going to take this seriously"? Was there a moment or a person that you saw doing something that made you say, "Maybe I could do a song, or this could be a career"?
18:53 Speaker 03 I feel like Cardi B definitely like brought back that like hope of like, girls could rap. You know what I mean? Because for a long time, like Nikki seemed so like unattainable and like, you know, that's part of the lore too.
19:09 Keke Palmer? Yes.
19:10 Speaker 03 Of why I was so obsessed. Because I'm like, only she could do it.
19:12 Keke Palmer? So seeing Cardi was like, okay, especially she's from your, is she from the Bronx?
19:16 Speaker 03 She's from the Bronx, yeah.
19:17 Keke Palmer? Exactly, she's from the Bronx. And so then you started taking it seriously. When did you meet Ry? Is that your producer, your main producer you were working with?
19:23 Speaker 03 Yeah, we came up together. We met at SUNY Purchase, because I went to SUNY Purchase for like a year and change.
19:29 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
19:30 Speaker 03 That's where we met as sophomores, I think.
19:33 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
19:33 Speaker 03 So like right before we left. I mean, right before I left. He graduated. I wish I graduated, looking back. I might go back to school.
19:39 Keke Palmer? Yeah. I mean, it is what it is. You out getting at work.
19:43 Speaker 03 Yeah. At some point, let's see. But yeah, we met there and we just kind of clicked. Like, the school is full of arts.
19:51 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
19:51 Speaker 03 So everybody there like does music or dances or something creative like that. And yeah, some of the alumni is still like around. We bump into each other a lot.
20:04 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm.
20:05 Speaker 03 Yeah.
20:05 Keke Palmer? And then you came up with the name Ice Spice. It was on your Finsta at first?
20:09 Speaker 03 Yeah, it was my Finsta since I was like 14.
20:12 Keke Palmer? That's so cute.
20:13 Speaker 03 Like in school, I remember my bestie Lucy helped me come up with it. I was like, "Girl, help me come up with a Finsta name, like what rhymes with ice?" And I low-key think she said spice, I'm not gonna lie.
20:23 Keke Palmer? That's so cute. Shout out to you, Lucy.
20:25 Speaker 03 Yeah.
20:26 Keke Palmer? And so then, you know, you changed your name. Your name is Ice Spice. You released in 2022, Munch. Put it up on TikTok. I mean, it blew up. Drake played it. I mean, it became a whole moment. Did you, at this time, were you even thinking about being signed? Were you signed? Like, I don't know any of your music connections at that point or where this was in your music journey.
20:46 Speaker 03 I was independent when I put out Munch.
20:50 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
20:50 Speaker 03 But I was already like, labels were like hitting me up.
20:53 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
20:54 Speaker 03 But I was just kind of like low-key waiting until a bigger bad game.
20:58 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm.
20:59 Speaker 03 And I kind of wanted to get some more like traction before signing. Um, just to feel like I kinda like did it first. You know what I'm trying to say?
21:07 Keke Palmer? Yeah, and then you can go without having your hand out. It's kinda more like, who's gonna give me what I want? Cause I already got the fans.
21:15 Speaker 03 A little bit, like.
21:20 Keke Palmer? Not a little bit.
21:20 Speaker 03 Yeah.
21:21 Keke Palmer? So what was it like for you to see the reaction? You know, like, to see that they responded to that? Did you even know when you did Munch that it was gonna be? Like, did you know, hey, this, this song is gonna be that girl?
21:30 Speaker 03 I had no idea Munch was gonna do anything. Like, I had it just in the tuck for a minute.
21:35 Keke Palmer? Yeah, yeah.
21:36 Speaker 03 Um, and I wasn't even playing it for people. Like, when I would play them some songs I had unreleased, it wouldn't even come to mind. Like, I low-key didn't even have it on my phone.
21:44 Keke Palmer? What made you put it out? Was it like Riot or somebody on your team?
21:46 Speaker 03 Somebody else had it. I think it was Riot or somebody had it and was like, what about that song? I don't remember who had it, but, uh, I was like, you sure? Like, I don't know, they was like, yeah, why don't you just like, I don't know, was it James? Right? Yeah, I think James, my manager. And, um, was like.
22:03 Keke Palmer? Not your James, he had a good ear. Cause I love that feeling you.
22:07 Speaker 03 Thank you, it worked out, he ate that.
22:10 Keke Palmer? It gives you that vibe, like.
22:11 Speaker 03 Yeah.
22:12 Keke Palmer? I used to love when you did that little move when you bend down. I mean, it's very.
22:17 Keke Palmer? I can't do it in this dress, but I'm like, yes.
22:20 Speaker 03 I love, yeah.
22:21 Keke Palmer? It's so cute, it's like.
22:22 Speaker 03 So cute.
22:23 Keke Palmer? Cause it's Munch's. Anyhow.
22:25 Speaker 03 And it is.
22:28 Keke Palmer? So in 2023, you dropped your debut EP, like.
22:32 Speaker 03 Yeah.
22:33 Keke Palmer? Like, I live. And then you linked, you linked up with, uh, Pink Petrus, which I love that song, the Boys A Liar Part Two. I live for that song.
22:42 Speaker 03 I love that song.
22:43 Keke Palmer? I mean, did you sleep on that one or did you immediately know?
22:45 Speaker 03 Uh, no, I was a fan of Boys A Liar, um, like the original.
22:50 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
22:51 Speaker 03 And I had put it on my story and she hit me up, like, you wanna remix it? And I'm like, yeah. So I did it on my birthday trip in Mexico, I remember. Um, and like, it was one of the faster verses I had did, I remember. Like, at that time, I was like, wow, like, this eight. And, cause it's short, and so I sent it back to her and she thought I recorded it like on my phone. Cause I wasn't in a studio.
23:16 Keke Palmer? All shit.
23:16 Speaker 03 She was like, yeah, I record on my phone too. I was like. I was like, girl, that was not on my phone.
23:22 Keke Palmer? I did that perfectly in the studio.
23:24 Speaker 03 Yeah, but like, it worked out and um, I was always a fan of her before like, I had any type of motion.
23:32 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm.
23:33 Speaker 03 So, I was excited to work with her.
23:34 Keke Palmer? And I thought it was a good follow-up, especially after Munch, you know, when you have a big record like that, people are like, okay, what's she coming with next? What's her vibe? What is really the storyline? And so when you came out with that, I felt like, okay, I felt like I was really feeling like you were becoming an artist, like that I'm following.
23:48 Speaker 03 It showed like a different side, because I was talking about like, love a little bit, instead of just like, [BLEEP].
23:53 Keke Palmer? Yeah, exactly, exactly. And then you did the Barbie collab with Nicki. I mean, that was a very massive moment. I mean, you picked up Grammy nominations, so, and that's your girl, like you said, somebody that you look up to. So, what was it like not only seeing like, all these people becoming new fans online, having this virality? But then also getting validated by the industry with like, actual, you know, Grammy nominations and then even like, Nick, somebody like Nicki Minaj, icon, being like, yo, I like what you're coming with.
24:19 Speaker 03 Insane. Crazy. Like, crazy, crazy, crazy. I had no, like, I always wanted that to be the case, but it's just like, when it happens, you're like, whoa, like, is this real life? Two records with her, I was gassed, like, of course, I still am, like, that's, I feel like, it was...
24:39 Keke Palmer? What was it like working with her? Did you guys have like, a one-on-one type of process? Or was it kind of like, I'mma send it to you, you send it back?
24:45 Speaker 03 We would do a lot of sending back and forth, like via text and stuff like that, but she would always like, um, gasp, like what I did. Like, she would just be like, oh, I love your um, accent and like, your tone and flow, and I would be like screaming, like when she...
24:58 Keke Palmer? Yes!
24:59 Speaker 03 You know what I mean?
25:00 Keke Palmer? Now, I know at one time, it was talks of her possibly signing you. What made you kind of think? Because I know it can be tough when you're an artist, and then you're signing her artist.
25:08 Speaker 03 Yeah.
25:09 Keke Palmer? Sometimes it's like, man, is that the right decision to make? But then also, she's incredible. So, kind of what was, how did you navigate that and then maintain the love?
25:17 Speaker 03 Well, I really let like our lawyers, well, I tried to like really let our lawyers like handle everything and like our managers. But um, I was already signed when she was trying to sign me, so I think that's where like the hiccups were. Cause it was like really no room anymore at that point. To make like a new deal. I'm signed to two labels, so that was already like a thing. Yeah, but I mean like.
25:42 Keke Palmer? But she understood y'all, you know, it's all love and it's just like, it's the industry.
25:46 Speaker 03 Well, yeah, it's all love like always. I still look up to her. That's she's mother.
25:50 Keke Palmer? Period. Okay. So what did you feel like you've learned about yourself so far dealing with all of the fame and the pressure and the comments and the? You know, just fame is not all cute. It definitely is fun. You know, it's great when you know people are living for it, but people don't live for you all the time. Okay? So how is it dealing with the, after having all of these many highs, dealing with some of those lows?
26:12 Speaker 03 Yeah, I mean, I feel like it's just like almost like anything else. Like, you know, right? Like. I was looking back like on, cause I had a lot of time to reflect. And I was just like, this is kind of like how it always has been throughout life. Like, I remember getting to different schools and like. Going through those same motions and it kind of feels like that, like comparing it to school where it's like. You get there, you're like the new girl and then it's like everyone's obsessed and like. And then it's like when you're doing good, it's like they start hating on you and they're like.
26:49 Keke Palmer? Why did we like you to begin with? I don't know.
26:53 Keke Palmer? Y'all the ones that liked me. It is crazy like that though, but it's, but it's life. No matter what, whether you're famous, going to new school, whatever people are rocking or not. What keeps you getting back up on that bull? Because it's like. Music is tough.
27:09 Speaker 03 Yeah.
27:09 Keke Palmer? But specifically female rap, it could get vicious out there for y'all.
27:13 Speaker 03 Mm-hmm.
27:13 Keke Palmer? What keeps you getting back on your horse, being like, no, this is for me and this is the career I want?
27:17 Speaker 03 Well, it is the best job I've ever had, for sure. And it's also so fun, like, I think it's so fun and it's, um, it's like a dream, like, what, so many, I wouldn't give it up.
27:30 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
27:30 Speaker 03 Like, no matter how, like, hard it gets or whatever, I would just keep going, because it's like, I already made it this far, like, this is too far to give up now, like, you know what I mean?
27:40 Keke Palmer? Who is your closest confidant, you would say? Is it, is it your mom or is it like a best friend?
27:45 Speaker 03 Yeah, it's definitely my mom, my bestie, my dad, we're very close, like, my sisters.
27:51 Keke Palmer? Yeah. Close family.
27:53 Speaker 03 Real, real close, yeah.
27:55 Keke Palmer? I'm the same one with my family. I feel like there's no way that I could do the industry without my family, because...
27:58 Speaker 03 I need them.
28:00 Keke Palmer? They the ones that know us for real.
28:01 Speaker 03 Yeah.
28:02 Keke Palmer? So when people start saying and stuff and make you confused, like, damn, is, is that me, your mom and daddy be like, no.
28:06 Speaker 03 Yeah.
28:06 Keke Palmer? That's not at all.
28:07 Speaker 03 Right, exactly.
28:08 Keke Palmer? Um, what would you describe your music as? Like, how, you know, I, I feel like when you came in, it was definitely giving fresh. Obviously, people that really know what's happening in the underground might have heard some of those sounds before, but I feel like you definitely pushed that to the mainstream. Um, how would you describe it? And when you're going into the studio, are you thinking about storytelling or are you thinking about wordplay?
28:28 Speaker 03 Ooh, it depends what the vibe is, like, I, I like to think about the beats and the energy, like, that's giving first, like, before. I'm really big on, like, beat selection and I don't just like to use anything, like, you know? Because I really want it to slap, like, I want people to like the song when the beat starts before I even come in.
28:48 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm.
28:49 Speaker 03 You know? I do feel like it's such a mutual collaboration between, like, the producer and the artist. But, uh, I would, I like that, um, who told me, my guard, she just told me that, uh, she works out to my music and I do like when people say that, like.
29:04 Keke Palmer? No, yeah.
29:04 Speaker 03 I feel like it gets...
29:05 Keke Palmer? Your music does get people pumped.
29:06 Speaker 03 Yeah.
29:07 Keke Palmer? Whether it's pumped to dance, I'm getting ready, getting glam, I'm in the gym.
29:10 Speaker 03 Yeah, yeah.
29:11 Keke Palmer? You know, it definitely does have that energy.
29:13 Speaker 03 I like that, like, when people work out to my music.
29:15 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
29:16 Speaker 03 Yeah.
29:16 Keke Palmer? Well, who's your favorite producer to collaborate with? I mean, obviously, you have a, you, you've originated your sound or curated your sound with Riot, but you've worked with other people now, like, have there been other people that you've started to feel like, okay, I can catch a good vibe with you and see what you can do with my style?
29:30 Speaker 03 I'm really excited because I just started to get in with um some new producers and I can't wait to share that.
29:38 Keke Palmer? So you can't tell me yet?
29:39 Speaker 03 Not yet.
29:40 Keke Palmer? Well, you gotta give us the key.
29:42 Speaker 03 Because you know what it is, I wanna like have like it together.
29:47 Keke Palmer? Yeah, yeah.
29:48 Speaker 03 Before I like, you know, I gotta like package it.
29:50 Keke Palmer? Yeah, I'm with it. I'm with I'm with the curation.
29:52 Speaker 03 Yeah.
29:52 Keke Palmer? I'm with the curation. Now, you recently gave fans "Baddie Baddie." What does this single say about where you are personally and creatively? We heard a little snap.
30:02 Speaker 03 Yeah.
30:02 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
30:02 Speaker 03 "Baddie Baddie" is cute. Um, I made that a couple of months ago with Riot and Alau. Um, like my OG producers and we were just in the studio having fun. Like, the MIA sample is like, MIA is the GOAT, love her. So it just felt very fun and like it it just, I don't know, I love it. Like, I really do. Like, it grew on me, though. Like, at first, I was like, guys, I don't know. But then now, I like, I like it. It's cute.
30:31 Keke Palmer? And when you tease it, you kind of wiped your whole Instagram. It's like, it was giving clean slate. Like, what type of message was that? Is it kind of like?
30:37 Speaker 03 Um, well, yeah, I just wanted to clear my like archive it. I didn't delete nothing. Like, I'll probably put it back up at some point, I don't know. But I was just like, let me archive my post because um, yeah, it's like new music coming in, so I want the focus to be that.
30:51 Keke Palmer? Yeah, yeah. I love that. What's the word you would describe this new era about?
30:55 Speaker 03 Um, "Baddie Baddie" to start off with, for sure. But I have like some other cute songs in the tug that I can't wait to share with my fans. I feel like they're really gonna like it.
31:05 Keke Palmer? I feel like you're really good talking with your fans. Like, anytime anything goes down, I'm like randomly on X app and I'm seeing you in the damn group chat conversation on live.
31:14 Speaker 03 Really, really?
31:14 Keke Palmer? Yes, you've been talking to your fans. I love it. Like, but but it's like, you you don't have any fear of doing that. I mean, sometimes it can be a lot. It can fuel stuff, or it can be more getting gossipy, or you know, it can just be a lot, you know, as entertaining. You never know when to push and pull.
31:28 Speaker 03 Yeah.
31:28 Keke Palmer? But it seems like that's important to you to have this kind of close vibe with them.
31:32 Speaker 03 They would tell you the the opposite. They would tell you I never speak to them.
31:36 Keke Palmer? Gagged.
31:36 Speaker 03 Yeah, they're so like.
31:39 Speaker 03 They're so needy.
31:40 Keke Palmer? How was it on tour?
31:41 Speaker 03 On tour is so fun. Meeting them is the most, nah, you know what's crazy? When I see them and I know who they are because I recognize their like.
31:49 Keke Palmer? You've seen them at a couple of shows or their profile? Yes, yes.
31:51 Speaker 03 I'm like, I'm meeting you.
31:52 Keke Palmer? Yes, no, girl, I feel the same way with my fans. I'm like, girl, I know you.
31:56 Speaker 03 Right, exactly.
31:56 Keke Palmer? And they be like, girl, I know you.
31:57 Speaker 03 But you know, do you remember I seen you on a plane? The, uh, do you know what I'm talking about? We were like, uh.
32:06 Keke Palmer? Yes.
32:06 Speaker 03 Getting on a flight.
32:07 Keke Palmer? Yes, I do remember.
32:11 Keke Palmer? And I remember when we went to the Met Gala, girl, and I came up to you and I was like, girl, I love what you're doing. You were like.
32:18 Keke Palmer? I was like, she's too cute. You're literally like a avatar. You're like.
32:22 Speaker 03 I was just emoting, right?
32:23 Keke Palmer? You were emoting, not just like.
32:26 Speaker 03 I learned some words since then.
32:29 Keke Palmer? I live for the vibe, though. I live for it. Now, I was interested because you said Coldplay, you were interested, you were inspired by them, especially the song Yellow at Sheeran. I mean, and you dibbled dabbled in some pop stuff. I mean, we seen you with Taylor. You guys have developed a relationship. So how do you feel with that balance? Because I do think that's also hard with hip hop and with rap. A lot of times they be like, what is you doing, girl?
32:52 Speaker 03 Yeah, yeah, yeah. I see what you're saying, like, for sure it is. But I feel like that's just like, whatever happens for you naturally is like what you should just go with, I feel like. Um, I've, I feel like I've always been part of both crowds. Like, does that make sense?
33:08 Keke Palmer? Yeah, of course. I mean, I love my music too, yeah.
33:10 Speaker 03 Yeah, I grew up like, listening to both and like, more than just those two, like, mad other genres as well, you know? Yeah, that's just like the vibe, like in New York, I feel like too, like, pop radio's always busting. You have to.
33:27 Keke Palmer? Music is music.
33:27 Speaker 03 Yeah, music is music. Like, you know certain records even if you don't want to know them.
33:31 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
33:32 Speaker 03 So it's like, you just end up liking them or they grow on you or whatever the case is. There's some songs now that I listen to that I wouldn't have played back then. You know, like, it changes.
33:42 Keke Palmer? Yeah. Who are some people that you haven't worked with yet that you would like to work with? Or that, maybe that you've worked with that we haven't heard the records of? Like, you obviously said you just worked with Lotto, but I mean, you've worked with so many people.
33:51 Speaker 03 Yeah, that was such an unexpected collab, like, to be honest, you know? So that's why I never really know what to say when I'm asked that. Because I'm like, who the hell knows? Like.
33:59 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
34:00 Speaker 03 I've definitely.
34:02 Speaker 03 Like, worked with some cool ass people already, so I'm just like, kind of whatever happens naturally and like, sounds good. That's what I care about more than like, working with somebody specific. I care more that it like, sounds good.
34:15 Keke Palmer? Yeah, exactly. Like, what's the vibe they were catching? And I mean, when you do a collaboration, is it kind of like, I'm hopping into your DM, or they hop into your DM, or are you actually in studio?
34:25 Speaker 03 Um, it's usually like-
34:26 Keke Palmer? Or do you prefer one or the other?
34:28 Speaker 03 I prefer, like, if we just gonna chop it up, for the first time, like, we're meeting, the studio, and just like, get to know each other. If we're starting from scratch, but it's like, if you have a record and just send it to me, like,
34:38 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
34:38 Speaker 03 I'll probably just get on it, send it back, we go back and forth until it sounds right, or whatever.
34:43 Keke Palmer? Yeah. How do you explain to people, like, your hustle and your success in this game? Because it's very, you know, we live in a generation too, especially now, people are like, everybody's an industry's plant. Especially if, especially if it feels like it's come out of nowhere. But nothing, at least in my experience, nothing ever really comes out of nowhere, like, it's always, it seems like it did because you just heard about it, but meanwhile, that person's been working for so many years. So,
35:06 Speaker 03 Yeah.
35:06 Keke Palmer? What do you think the key is, is to your success?
35:09 Speaker 03 To mine specifically? Um, I think it was a mixture of just like, faith, trust, and pixie dust, for real, like-
35:17 Keke Palmer? Come on!
35:18 Speaker 03 I don't think you could like-
35:19 Keke Palmer? Come on!
35:20 Speaker 03 I feel like-
35:21 Keke Palmer? We pop-up girls.
35:24 Speaker 03 If we knew, like, exactly how and why, I feel like people would do that a lot, but I don't know, like, I know just as much as y'all, to be honest.
35:34 Keke Palmer? Yeah, I mean, that's really real. At the end of the day, there is no, like, because if there was a science to it, then everybody would make it happen, but sometimes-
35:40 Speaker 03 I wish there was a science to it.
35:42 Keke Palmer? Blessing fate.
35:43 Speaker 03 It's literally a mix of all of that, like, prayers and answers.
35:50 Keke Palmer? So you sat down with Ebro, and you were open about being bisexual. What was this, why was that something that you were like, let me go ahead and tell y'all, because you didn't have to tell us?
35:58 Speaker 03 I didn't.
35:59 Keke Palmer? You didn't have to, but I'm glad you didn't. The real question is-
36:02 Speaker 03 I don't even remember-
36:03 Keke Palmer? Am I your type?
36:04 Speaker 03 I feel, I think you are, I think you are, yeah. The way I stutter.
36:09 Keke Palmer? You heard it here, guys.
36:10 Speaker 03 Yeah. Yeah, Kiki's my type, guys.
36:14 Keke Palmer? How do you go about knowing what you want to share and what you don't want to share, really, though?
36:18 Speaker 03 Um-
36:19 Keke Palmer? Because I feel like your life is mostly pretty private, like, you don't share too much about who you're dating, but we be getting in your business-
36:24 Speaker 03 But then it's like, you be in my business, too.
36:28 Speaker 03 So I try to keep it private, but it's just like, whatever. I mean, like, I'll try to keep it private and then it's like I'm at the grocery store and then now it's not private. So, yeah. It's like, I try my best.
36:38 Keke Palmer? Because fans clocked you at the Jets game in 2024.
36:42 Speaker 03 They did.
36:49 Keke Palmer? When I think about Church's Chicken, I'm taking back to those nights we tried to figure out what we were picking up for dinner and my dad would say, "Churches." I'm not gonna lie, we had a little tradition of our own. We'd always snag one of those fresh baked honey butter biscuits for the car ride home. Sorry, family, quality control purposes, you know? That's what makes Church's so special. It's fresh, hand-breaded chicken seasoned just right. I still do the jalapeno squeeze, just like my dad taught me. It's part of the experience now. And those honey butter biscuits I mentioned, baked from scratch, daily. And yes, they're worth the potential family drama. What I love is how Church's always comes through with portions that can feed everybody. Even after our little quality control moments, everything's made with real care and you can taste it.
37:33 Keke Palmer? At the end of the day, Church's Chicken is more than just a meal. It's family, it's tradition, it's home. Find your next meal and deal at churches.com.
37:44 Speaker 03 But they didn't clock anything, though.
37:46 Keke Palmer? Ooh, so they was wrong about the tea there?
37:48 Speaker 03 Yeah.
37:48 Keke Palmer? It was bitter.
37:49 Speaker 03 It, no, it was not there yet.
37:53 Keke Palmer? Well, okay, okay, love that. It was not there yet. This was like, because then later on, you pretty much confirmed your relationship with Sauce Gardner?
38:01 Speaker 03 Yeah, I guess I did, that one. Yeah, I did confirm that on my Instagram.
38:05 Keke Palmer? Wow, Miss Girl, what made you want to do that as a Capricorn? You know, you guys are very, mm.
38:10 Speaker 03 Yeah, we are, but honestly...
38:13 Keke Palmer? You liked that man.
38:14 Speaker 03 Yeah, he's cute. He's cute.
38:16 Keke Palmer? And he got a good job.
38:19 Speaker 03 Love that.
38:19 Keke Palmer? I love a career.
38:20 Speaker 03 Yeah, I love a man with a job.
38:22 Keke Palmer? That's fabulous. I mean, y'all even hit the Vanity Fair Oscars party together. What was it like being public with someone like, I mean, obviously, all your relationships before, I'm assuming, have been private and maybe not somebody in the spotlight. I mean, he's popular, he's in the spotlight. So what did it feel like stepping out with someone that had as much popularity, maybe as you, or at least out there?
38:42 Speaker 03 I mean, I didn't think it would be such a like, big deal, but like, it really is a big deal.
38:47 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
38:48 Speaker 03 Like, I guess people like, it isn't entertaining, because when I was growing up, looking at people I like, looked up to, I would be all in the business too.
38:56 Keke Palmer? Yeah, yeah.
38:56 Speaker 03 So I get it, like, I really do understand.
38:59 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
38:59 Speaker 03 But, um, I mean, it was, it was fun, it was cute, we're still friends, like, you know what I mean? Like, we're just, we're just dating, like.
39:06 Keke Palmer? Yeah, because they saw you with the French baller too.
39:08 Speaker 03 Yeah.
39:09 Keke Palmer? De Mont. Or is that how you pronounce it?
39:11 Speaker 03 Cute friends.
39:11 Keke Palmer? De Mont?
39:13 Speaker 03 Um.
39:13 Keke Palmer? De Mont?
39:14 Speaker 03 It's French, I'm, I don't know.
39:20 Keke Palmer? We was in France, girl, yes. No, um, how are you in relationships? Would you describe yourself as like, you know, the very affectionate girl? Are you kind of like, very low key, like?
39:32 Speaker 03 I am affectionate, I think.
39:34 Keke Palmer? Giving cater to you.
39:35 Speaker 03 It is giving that.
39:36 Keke Palmer? Oh, girl.
39:37 Speaker 03 Like, I'm not gonna lie, I do love gifts and stuff like that, and quality time, but, um, yeah, right now, I'm just like, really focused on, like, me. So I always put me first, that's what it's like, dating me. Like, you know what I mean?
39:51 Keke Palmer? And as it should be.
39:53 Speaker 03 Yeah.
39:53 Keke Palmer? It should be like that. I'm so tired of it not being like that, you know, you get so, especially, I know you being older sibling me, I'm a middle child, but I've always been in a responsible role. And so sometimes that can make me be like, just giving, giving, and giving, you know, to friends and relationships. And I'm definitely in a stage in my life where I think it's okay to be selfish as you want to be. It doesn't mean you're a jerk.
40:15 Speaker 03 Yeah, you're young, focused on you and your goals.
40:18 Keke Palmer? That's how I feel.
40:18 Speaker 03 And like, what you want to do. And have fun.
40:20 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
40:21 Speaker 03 Be cute.
40:22 Keke Palmer? Yeah. So what do you see for your empire? Or even if you're trying to build an empire, like, when you think about yourself as an artist, is it like, I'm focused on right now, making fun records, enjoying this time? Or does Ice Spice, like, really, are you really that? And I feel like the answer would be yes, because like I said, you're a Capricorn and you guys are very ambitious. Like, what do you see for yourself in the future?
40:42 Speaker 03 Um, in the future, I see myself at some point, like, having like, a lot of property.
40:50 Keke Palmer? Come on.
40:51 Speaker 03 I want like something big.
40:52 Keke Palmer? She's a developer.
40:53 Speaker 03 Grand, yes. I am. Um, I don't know, I want to like dive into other brands and like cool stuff.
41:01 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
41:01 Speaker 03 I have so much that I want to do.
41:02 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
41:03 Speaker 03 But, right now, I'm still focused on music, because I feel like I'm still so early in my career that that's my main focus.
41:09 Keke Palmer? Yeah, I love that, I love that. Um, now, you really be getting into your fashion bag. Was that something that you always were into before you became an artist? Or did fashion kind of become a part of the story once you had access to it?
41:22 Speaker 03 I've always admired and looked up to fashion, um, but I think because I grew up in private schools, I never was able to like truly express myself all the way and like practice.
41:34 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
41:35 Speaker 03 You know what I mean? I feel like you use school and like those moments to like, put on different outfits and like, see what like, the people's reaction.
41:42 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
41:43 Speaker 03 But, alright, we only got to do that like on dress down days, which would be like very rare. If you go to private school, you know?
41:49 Keke Palmer? No, for sure.
41:50 Speaker 03 Right?
41:50 Keke Palmer? I went to private school too.
41:51 Speaker 03 It's like twice a year. You get to put on an outfit and look normal.
41:54 Keke Palmer? Mm-hmm. And they do that with public schools now.
41:57 Speaker 03 And there's still restrictions when you do get a dress down day, like you can't wear certain things.
42:02 Keke Palmer? Crazy.
42:02 Speaker 03 It was a lot, but I think once I left and I went to college, I got more into fashion.
42:08 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
42:08 Speaker 03 Going to like a artsy college, I saw all these like crazy different outfits and it really did inspire me, so, yeah.
42:16 Keke Palmer? And I love that you have two different faces. Like, one minute you'll be giving us like fashion, it's like I'm giving you like, you're in Westwood, blah blah blah, but then I've always liked too that you kept it down home too. Every now and then you'll still take us to the streets of the Bronx and I live for that, because it's like, that's that slaver that we looking for, you know?
42:31 Speaker 03 That's deeply rooted in me though, like, no matter where I go in life, I feel like I'm always still put on like booty shorts and like a thing top.
42:38 Keke Palmer? Period, especially when you got to booty, okay? She said I'm her type, I could say that.
42:43 Speaker 03 You are.
42:47 Keke Palmer? Okay, your Y2K World Tour took you around the world, Miss Girl. I mean, what crowd surprised you the most with their energy?
42:55 Speaker 03 Paris, that was crazy.
42:57 Keke Palmer? OMG.
42:58 Speaker 03 I did not expect that. I think that's why I was so crazy, cuz I was like, they all here for me? Like, it was like one of my bigger venues and just like the way it was set up. It was like balconies and they were showing so much love. I was like, wow. I would redo that show if I could.
43:14 Keke Palmer? Ah, Terminal 5, you got to perform there in New York. I mean, what was it like being there and seeing your city show up for you?
43:21 Speaker 03 Mm-hmm.
43:21 Keke Palmer? There's no greater love than your city showing up.
43:23 Speaker 03 I know, even though my city is so bougie and stuck up. But hell of them, they love me.
43:30 Keke Palmer? Wait, so why are there so bougie and stuck up?
43:32 Speaker 03 Cuz that's just how New Yorkers are. Like, I feel like everybody from New York just thinks that they're like famous.
43:39 Keke Palmer? New York is, I love New York about that because especially, so I'm from Illinois, but I grew up in California from the time I was like 10. It's very industry-based. When you're on, everybody's caring about it, everybody's in your business, it's Hollywood, Hollywood. But in New York, no one cares. They caring about their own thing, and that's what I've always loved about New York, because when I go there, no nobody care about what I'm doing.
44:02 Speaker 03 Their own world.
44:04 Keke Palmer? Yes.
44:05 Speaker 03 Everybody has their own motion.
44:06 Keke Palmer? Yes.
44:07 Speaker 03 Yeah.
44:07 Keke Palmer? So I love that about New York.
44:09 Speaker 03 Mm-hmm.
44:09 Keke Palmer? Um, now in Vienna, you experienced the crowd booing during Karma, but you was kinda like blowing kisses.
44:15 Speaker 03 That was Vienna rolling loud, right?
44:16 Keke Palmer? Yes.
44:17 Speaker 03 Yeah, I'll never forget. It was raining.
44:19 Keke Palmer? She said, "I'll never..." Yo, that gave me like Raven-Symone going into the vision. I'll never forget.
44:25 Speaker 03 That's what just happened.
44:26 Keke Palmer? Oh my gosh, but you handled it so good. I feel like you've, any moment that you've had where there's been something shady happening, you always be like...
44:35 Speaker 03 You know what's so funny? When I blew kisses, I didn't know they were booing me. I didn't know that until after, and I read the comments and like saw the audio and everything, but I'm blind, so I could not see what was happening, and all I hear is my ears, so I didn't hear no booing.
44:50 Keke Palmer? Wow.
44:51 Speaker 03 I'm like, they're getting loud.
44:53 Keke Palmer? They're loving it. They love me. They really love me.
44:57 Speaker 03 Right.
44:58 Keke Palmer? So afterwards, then, how did you feel about it? Once they hit you, what really was going down?
45:02 Speaker 03 Uh, I mean, after, I was just pretty much like this, another day at the office. They, like, they're always like, you know, yeah.
45:11 Keke Palmer? Period. Um, you performed at your very first Coachella in 2024. I mean, it's one of the biggest festivals in the world. People worked forever to get to that stage. What did that debut experience feel like for you? Were you able to really, I think it's so, when stuff happens so fast like that, sometimes I feel like it's hard to process. Like, anytime I've had a big moment, sometimes I can't process it until after the fact. So what was it like for you? Were you?
45:34 Speaker 03 No, I was processing it during Coachella, because I was like, whoa, like, there's a lot of people here.
45:42 Keke Palmer? Girl.
45:43 Speaker 03 Yeah, it was my first time at Coachella ever, too, so, I didn't know what to expect. Like, people were saying, like, oh, it's a big deal. But going really showed me, like, how.
45:55 Keke Palmer? Were you scared? Were you nervous? But, oh, when you hit the stage, were you immediately just in your bag, like?
46:00 Speaker 03 Um, we had some rehearsals for like, a week before. So I was feeling like more confident. But like, little things always change. I think like, um, the props and stuff, like, it'll be like, the staircase is more narrow.
46:12 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
46:12 Speaker 03 Or like, more steps were added. It's like, little stuff like that would make me like, panic. Because I'm like, I'm supposed to be up there by this word.
46:20 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
46:20 Speaker 03 And I'm not. I don't know, stuff like that. But we got through it, though. And like, when you know that the crowd don't know what you're supposed to do,
46:27 Keke Palmer? Exactly.
46:28 Speaker 03 You could kind of like, freak it a little bit.
46:30 Keke Palmer? They didn't even know that was a messed up move. I always lean on that whenever I get a little whoop. I'm like, you don't know.
46:35 Speaker 03 They don't know.
46:35 Keke Palmer? So hey, you know? But, I mean, when you are coming out new, I feel like, stage presence is something that continues to develop.
46:44 Speaker 03 Yeah.
46:44 Keke Palmer? And I feel like, for you, like, what was that journey like? You know, I mean, when you're developing your stage presence. Because if in the beginning, you were like, low-key chill, you're just like eh eh eh. But now, time has built. Like, how do you see your best show yet? Is it dancers? Is it fireworks? Is it still you kind of just owning your little vibe?
47:00 Speaker 03 Yeah, I think it's a mix of literally everything you said.
47:03 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
47:03 Speaker 03 Like, probably some pyro instead of fireworks, because.
47:08 Speaker 03 But yeah.
47:09 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
47:10 Speaker 03 Pretty much that, cuz you know, I almost got on fire that one time in Australia.
47:14 Keke Palmer? Not that one time in Australia.
47:16 Speaker 03 Yes.
47:16 Keke Palmer? What happened?
47:17 Speaker 03 They had, they was like telling, they was like, yeah, yeah, put out the fire to whoever does it.
47:22 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
47:23 Speaker 03 Um, and they was like, are you sure? And they got the call like wrong, like they put out the fire and my hand touched it.
47:30 Keke Palmer? Uh-uh, they was trying to Michael Pep to you.
47:33 Speaker 03 Oh my god, I heard about that.
47:34 Keke Palmer? Yeah, great, burnt that man's scalp, rest in peace. Very crazy, and I know he got a check. Anyhow, um, now you also, you know they paid that man, yes.
47:46 Speaker 03 Oh my god.
47:47 Keke Palmer? Now, you also made your acting debut, this is bomb, as Marisol Sepeda in Spike Lee's Highest to Lowest starring Denzel Washington, girl.
47:56 Speaker 03 I know.
47:56 Keke Palmer? How did this come about? How were you feeling, like Denzel Washington?
48:01 Speaker 03 Crazy.
48:02 Keke Palmer? Spike Lee, girl, everything, how was it?
48:05 Speaker 03 I know, I was like, I just was gagging that whole time, from the moment I got the call, like, yo, they want you in this, to like when it happened, to when I seen it, just the whole time I've been gagging. Mind you, I'm in it for like thirty seconds, but still.
48:18 Keke Palmer? It's giving Chris Brown in, um, Stomp the Yard. He got killed, damn.
48:23 Speaker 03 But it's like, he still ate that.
48:24 Keke Palmer? He did, we loved it.
48:26 Speaker 03 Right.
48:28 Keke Palmer? Damn.
48:28 Speaker 03 Like, worth it, those thirty seconds.
48:30 Keke Palmer? And these thirty seconds are worth it as well.
48:32 Speaker 03 Yeah, I couldn't believe that, so my manager hit me like, yo, they want you to send the audition, or something like that, I read some lines, sent it. My character like had changed at one point or something like that, I don't know, but in the end, I got to film with Denzel and I was just like, wow, this is crazy, like, I can't believe that.
48:50 Keke Palmer? Gagged, baby, gagged. I mean, did you catch the acting bug, like, do you feel like you might wanna do more movies?
48:57 Speaker 03 I don't know, like, I'd be into it.
49:00 Keke Palmer? It takes a lot of time, though, have, did you, did you go on set?
49:02 Speaker 03 I was there for like an hour.
49:03 Keke Palmer? Oh, they was quick with you.
49:05 Speaker 03 It was quick as hell, it was a one day shoot, like, yeah.
49:08 Keke Palmer? A lot of times it'd be like, the whole damn day.
49:11 Speaker 03 No, usually shoots are, right, but it was so, I'm telling you, my lines were so quick, like.
49:16 Keke Palmer? But you liked it a little bit, you could see yourself doing, doing it again.
49:20 Speaker 03 Yeah, I could, like, that was fun, like, the right role comes around and like, producers or whatever, like, I'd be down and excited for sure.
49:28 Keke Palmer? Yeah, I mean, your ginger hair is so iconic, the ginger, short, curly, but also you tried different styles, like, how hard was that for you to step out the box of what we known you as and try other things?
49:41 Speaker 03 Um, yeah, like, I really got, like, attached to my ginger hair.
49:47 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
49:48 Speaker 03 I love her.
49:49 Keke Palmer? I mean, it's so cute.
49:50 Speaker 03 Thank you. Now we're doing this, like, little peachy, like, strawberry blonde situation. This is cute, thank you, I'm kind of living for it.
49:58 Keke Palmer? Yeah.
49:59 Speaker 03 Um, but, I don't know, I really wanted to, like, mark, like, okay, this is me, like, you know what I mean? I wanted you to be able to, like, tell right away, like, okay, it's me, because by the ginger.
50:13 Keke Palmer? Yes.
50:13 Speaker 03 And I feel like, they know it's me, so now I could switch it up a little bit.
50:17 Keke Palmer? And I personally think that's very, very smart marketing, I know a lot of times you see comments or people like, you need to switch it up, you just, they used to do the same thing to Ariana Grande with their little ponytail. But ponytail was ponytelling.
50:27 Speaker 03 Right.
50:27 Keke Palmer? And ginger curly pop was curly popping.
50:29 Speaker 03 You could, like, put her little ponytail somewhere and you know it's her.
50:32 Keke Palmer? And when we see that ginger hair, it's the same deal, so it's like, you know? But I do love seeing you try different things, and I think it's fun, but I, you know, always and forever, we would love the ginger.
50:41 Speaker 03 I'm always go back to it.
50:42 Keke Palmer? Yes, that's our girl. Now, you told Ting Vogue, if I do read the comments and see something negative, I'll leave, I'm not torturing myself. I live for that.
50:52 Speaker 03 That's true.
50:52 Keke Palmer? Is that kind of always your vibe when it comes to protecting yourself from negativity, just like, removing yourself?
50:57 Speaker 03 Yeah, for sure, like, the second I start to, the second my heart starts beating fast, I lock my phone, like, I'm not doing that. Why would I sit there and let my heart beat fast when I could just lock my phone?
51:09 Keke Palmer? Why would I sit there and let my heart beat fast? That is a quote of my life. It could be a relationship, a friendship, a post.
51:18 Speaker 03 I'm not doing that.
51:18 Keke Palmer? I'm not letting my heart be fast.
51:19 Speaker 03 Yeah, it goes like that for everything, like, an argument, anything, like, no, you gonna have to catch me in person.
51:27 Keke Palmer? What is something that you feel like people would be surprised to know about you that you'd like to share? That maybe they would be, you know?
51:33 Speaker 03 What would people be surprised to know? I feel like they wouldn't be surprised to know anything.
51:39 Speaker 03 What can really surprise them?
51:40 Keke Palmer? Like, are you shy? Are you?
51:42 Speaker 03 I am very shy, but they know that.
51:44 Keke Palmer? Okay, yeah.
51:45 Speaker 03 Yeah.
51:46 Keke Palmer? Crazy sense of humor behind closed doors?
51:49 Speaker 03 Maybe. It's kind of dark.
51:51 Keke Palmer? Okay, she's got a little-
51:52 Speaker 03 Maybe I have a dark sense of humor.
51:54 Keke Palmer? Dark sense of humor, a little sardonic wit? Okay, I'm with it.
51:57 Speaker 03 I feel like they low-key know that, though. Like, low-key.
52:00 Keke Palmer? So I love that you're an open book.
52:02 Speaker 03 Kind of, yeah.
52:04 Keke Palmer? Okay, fans want to know, with new music on the way, more singles, maybe an album or some surprise collaborations? Obviously, we know one of the surprise collaborations, but are we working towards the album?
52:15 Speaker 03 Um, I'm just like working on like a whole new, like, body of like music. In general, I don't know what it's gonna be yet.
52:23 Keke Palmer? Sure, yeah.
52:24 Speaker 03 But I do know I'm like, just recording. I like picking out like what my favorite songs are, so my fans can expect some singles from me.
52:31 Keke Palmer? And just give them something to chew on.
52:32 Speaker 03 Yeah.
52:34 Keke Palmer? So after everything, I mean, touring, hits, beefs, fashion, acting, what do you feel like you've learned most about yourself with this level of success?
52:46 Speaker 03 Uh, I learned that it's very important to like, take a break when you need it. Like, you know, like don't-
52:51 Keke Palmer? Come on, Naomi Osaka.
52:53 Speaker 03 Don't burn out.
52:54 Keke Palmer? She gave us that speech before. It's important.
52:59 Speaker 03 I'm like, where do I go?
53:02 Keke Palmer? The music starts playing. You must rest. No, but it's true. It's true, it's true. You learn that you need a damn break, and when you need one, you gonna take it.
53:11 Speaker 03 Yeah, take this nap.
53:13 Keke Palmer? Yes. Well, I love that. I love talking to you. I'm not letting you go just yet, we're close. But as the Bronx baddie, I need to do a little game with you, okay? Today, we're shopping in the Boroughs Bodegas. Every borough has a different vibe. So I'm gonna hit you with choices from each borough, and you gotta build your order. This is our game for the day. Are you ready?
53:32 Speaker 03 Yeah, I'm excited.
53:33 Keke Palmer? Okay, cool. So the Bronx. We gotta start in your home turf. The Bronx made you, so let's see what's in your bag. Is it a chopped cheese, or bacon, egg, and cheese? That's one. Is it a Yankees fitted, or bamboo earrings? Or is it Jenny from the Block, the remix, or Remi Ma's conceded?
53:51 Speaker 03 Um, wait, that was so many options.
53:53 Keke Palmer? I know.
53:54 Speaker 03 It would be probably, uh, wait, I pick one?
53:58 Keke Palmer? You gotta pick one.
54:00 Speaker 03 The bamboos.
54:01 Keke Palmer? Okay, Yankees fitted in the bamboo earrings, that's the vibe.
54:04 Speaker 03 Low-key, but like, not really, but like, yeah.
54:08 Keke Palmer? But definitely not, definitely not, not the bacon, egg and cheese.
54:12 Speaker 03 Oh, was that, I thought it was chopped cheese.
54:13 Keke Palmer? Chopped cheese or bacon, egg and cheese. I'm telling you, them, them bacon, egg and cheese.
54:18 Speaker 03 Let's do bacon, egg and cheese on a bagel.
54:20 Keke Palmer? So good.
54:20 Speaker 03 That'll make it better.
54:21 Keke Palmer? That messed me up during my pregnancy. I, I was a hundred and seventy pounds. I was eating that every morning. Mmm, the baby needs this. No, the baby don't.
54:34 Keke Palmer? God, I mean, so, uh, okay, Queens, okay? A halal platter with extra white sauce?
54:41 Speaker 03 Yes.
54:41 Keke Palmer? Or dollar pizza slice? A puffy coat, Juicy Couture check soup? Or fifty cents wankstah, a little cooje roundaway, girl?
54:51 Speaker 03 Ooh, I was giving halal.
54:53 Keke Palmer? Yes. Give me the platter with the extra sauce.
54:58 Speaker 03 Yes.
54:58 Keke Palmer? I'm a sauce girly, are you?
55:00 Speaker 03 I am.
55:00 Keke Palmer? Yes, I'm trying to get sauced up. That's a song. Now, we're in Brooklyn. Beef patty with cocoa bread or jerk chicken plate? Tim's or Clark's shoes? Lil' Kim crush on you or Foxy Brown get me home?
55:15 Speaker 03 I'm gonna stop you at beef patty with cocoa bread.
55:18 Keke Palmer? We on the food tip.
55:19 Speaker 03 I'm a foodie and I'm hungry, like.
55:21 Keke Palmer? Like, literally, she said, as soon as I leave you, girl, I'm going to get food.
55:24 Speaker 03 Like, I stopped listening after you said cocoa bread and beef patty. I was like, ready to just say that.
55:28 Keke Palmer? The crazy thing is like, I'm not gonna lie, and they might get me right now, but like, aside from Chicago, New York definitely has the better food than LA.
55:37 Speaker 03 Well, yeah.
55:39 Keke Palmer? Thank you. Thank you for the room and supporting me. Thank you, because I mean, they might cut me up online, but like, go to New York and eat the food and you will sick.
55:47 Speaker 03 The bread, like, the bagels and the pizza is better in New York.
55:52 Keke Palmer? Like, hands down.
55:54 Speaker 03 It is.
55:55 Keke Palmer? Okay, just two more. We're in Uptown, we're in Harlem. Nutcracker or Quarter Water? Honey bun or Flamin' Hot Cheetos? Dipset, Hey Ma or ASAP Rocky Peso?
56:07 Speaker 03 I'm gonna say ASAP because he's starring in.
56:12 Keke Palmer? That's your, that's your colleague. Y'all colleagues now.
56:14 Speaker 03 Yeah, exactly.
56:15 Keke Palmer? Period. So ASAP Rocky Peso. Last one, we're in Staten Island. Chinese wings and fries combo or ice cream sandwich? North Face jacket or Ugg slippers? The American ones, not the Australian ones.
56:32 Keke Palmer? Wu-Tang cream or Method Man and Mary J. Blige? All I need. I'm gonna say ice cream. Mmm, ice cream sandwich. So good. Ice Spice, thank you for coming to Baby This is Keke Palmer. You're so much fun, boo. Thank you. So excited for your project and excited for the joint that you and Lotto, your song dropped. Yes, yes.
57:06 Keke Palmer? Baby This is Keke Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me, Keke Palmer. Lucas Segal is our post-producer. Our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly Nester. Hillary Esti McLaughlin is our executive producer. Production services provided by Evolution Media. Our original theme song was written and performed by me, Keke Palmer. For Team Kiki, my producer is Sharon Palmer. For Wondery, our managing producer is Olivia Fonte. Senior managing producer is Nick Ryan. And our executive producers are Emily Feldbrake, Aaron O'Flaherty, and Marshall Louie.
57:43 Speaker 04 Hi, I'm Kenya Barris.
57:44 Speaker 05 And I'm Malcolm Gladwell. We're back for season two of our Audible original podcast, The Unusual Suspects.
57:50 Speaker 04 We're bringing you fresh, new conversations from guests like Anderson Paak, David Zedars, Ryan Howard, Rich Roll, Amy Sheldon, and many more.
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58:04 Speaker 06 There are books that change how you see the world. And there are books that change how you see yourself. In a new podcast series, A Great Book with Barack Obama, President Obama sits down with a series of surprising and sharp guests to explore six books that have shaped his life and perspective on the world. From Song of Solomon and The Fire Next Time, to All the Pretty Horses and Gilead, the president is joined by guests like Tom Hanks and Ta-Nehisi Coates to reflect on how these timeless stories shaped his thinking on everything from fatherhood to leadership, and discover together what they tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to create.
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Previous Building Your Own Lane with Natasha Rothwell Next Hollywood Highs, Family First with Tyler Lepley and Serayah Page updated November 1, 2026 · transcript and summary are machine-generated