NEWS
Ice Spice's new album Y2K is right around the corner, so it's no surprise that everyone's talking about her every move a little more excitedly these days. Moreover, one recent topic of debate online concerns her alleged weight loss, with some fans congratulating her on it and other remarking that there's not much to congratulate. Whether or not the Bronx femcee intended this conversation and this perceived weight loss, she certainly is showing off her body and beauty all the same on her social media. She returned to her pages with new snaps of her in the studio, with one particular image showing off a more toned midriff that has many fans thinking that she's taken big steps to lose weight.
Of course, this prompted debates around whether or not Ice Spice looks better now, what this says about beauty standards and self-confidence, and the other questions of image and societal norms that these conversations tend to spark. Sadly, they turned quite nasty online against her, and Sexyy Red was one of many who swooped in to defend her against Internet trolls. "Yal act like people can’t b stressed or not eat as much and she still look good so next…" she commented under an IG post on the matter. Amid a lot of the media trying to put these female rappers against each other, it's heartening to see then stick up for each other.
Regardless, we're sure that Ice Spice has a lot more on her mind these days ahead of her album coming up next week. We now have an official tracklist for Y2K, which will feature Travis Scott, Central Cee, and Gunna, and while the short number of tracks and the amount of already released singles is pretty controversial, we're sure that a deluxe will probably follow. It's the release schedule and method that plenty of hip-hop artists have used successfully as of late. But what fans really care about is to see whether this marks a new sonic era, an improvement on existing formulas, or something else entirely.
Meanwhile, this whole rollout for Y2K wasn't without its fair share of drama behind it, especially in the relationship rumor mill. Ice Spice's close relationship with Central Cee these days prompted his ex-girlfriend to blast him for cheating, and that whole thing continues to fall out. We don't know how much of it is just gossip and how much of it is legitimate. But much like these weight loss discussions, we've yet to see any conclusive statements on it from the "Princess Diana" star.
NEWS
Jacob Alon recently opened up to NME about collaborating with longtime inspiration Kae Tempest, while also sharing why they continue to admire artists who speak openly on political and social issues.
The Scottish singer songwriter spoke with NME backstage at the Ivor Novellos last Thursday, May 21, where they picked up both the Rising Star award and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for ‘Don’t Fall Asleep’.
The recognition follows a huge year for Alon, who also earned the Critics’ Choice Award at the 2026 BRITs and became the first Scottish artist to win BBC Music Introducing’s Artist of the Year title.
The success arrives alongside the release of their highly praised debut album ‘In Limerance’, which came out last year and led to a support slot on Kae Tempest’s recent ‘Self-Titled’ tour. During those shows, the pair performed a moving rendition of George Michael’s ‘Freedom’ together. Speaking backstage at the Ivors, Alon also confirmed that they have recently been in the studio with Tempest working on new music.
“Kae is one of my absolute heroes,” they said. “We’ve been in the studio this week actually, writing together. I’ve never felt closer to another creative mind before.”
Although Alon avoided revealing too much about the collaboration, they described the experience as “the biggest privilege to witness his genius and to be in the presence of something raw and beautiful”.
They went on to say they are “really excited for the world to witness” the music they have been creating together.
The ‘Of Amber’ artist also spoke with NME about the importance of using their platform to stand up for causes they care deeply about. In recent months, Alon held a Palestinian flag during the BRITs and appeared at the Trans Mission event in London, where they defended those being “scapegoated by people who want to distract everyone from the real problems in society”.
“I’m endlessly inspired by those that use their voices and their platforms to speak out about what matters. I’m trying to do that myself,” Alon explained to NME. “It’s not easy to know what the right thing to say is sometimes, but I think the effort made to do that is always worthwhile.”
The remarks echo comments Alon previously shared with NME at the BRITs earlier this year, where they said they believe “music is important and can make a difference”, while also teasing a brighter direction for future releases compared to their emotional and introspective debut album.
“Going into making something new, it’s already different. It’s a different place to create from because now I know what’s out there,” they shared, joking that the next era may lean into punk influences and that all the praise might finally go to their head.
Later this summer, Alon is set to join the packed line up for Lewis Capaldi’s headline performances at BST Hyde Park. The concerts take place on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12, with Conan Gray, The Vaccines, Absolutely, Nieve Ella and more also appearing across the weekend. Find any remaining tickets here.
At the 2026 Ivor Novellos, other major winners included CMAT for Best Album, Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest for Best Contemporary Song, and Sam Fender taking home Songwriter Of The Year.
Rosalía was named International Songwriter Of The Year, while Radiohead’s Thom Yorke received the Academy Fellowship award presented by Harry Styles. George Michael was also honored posthumously with the Academy Fellowship award.
