How did Ice Spice and RIOT meet? All about the rapper's music producer

Ice Spice made a breakthrough entry with TikTok and was signed by music producer, RIOTUSA in 2021. Her career soared after meeting RIOT, with whom she attended SUNY (State University of New York) Purchase. In an interview with Billboard in 2023, RIOT talked about how they met in school. He said,

“We met in school back in 2019. We had mutual high school friends and started hanging in the same circles.”

Spice eventually dropped out of high school and pursued a full-time career in rap music. RIOT also talked about his experience working with Spice in the studio,

“It’s a fun time because she really be saying how she feels in that moment … from picking out vibes or punching in lyrics on the spot.”

Spice Visits The Empire State Building - Source: Getty. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)

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All About Ice Spice's Music Producer RIOTUSA

Spice Album Release Party - Source: Getty. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Raised in the Bronx and born to DJ Enuff, RIOT was inclined to produce music from an early age. His father has worked with the Notorious B.I.G. and promoted Kanye West, Future, and 50 Cent. Inspired by his father, RIOTUSA has become an in-demand producer. When RIOT met Spice in school, he encouraged her to sing rap and told Billboard,

“When I did find out that she did music, I definitely saw something and heard something."

He praised his friend,

"She’s relatable and bringing a new voice for the women. Not just women, for everyone."

His success has been linked to his collaboration with long-time friend, Ice Spice. They first worked together on Spice's debut single, Bully Freestyle in March 2021. In 2022, Spice hit viral success with her Munch (Feelin' You) with more than 100 million streams on Spotify.

Spice's success also highlighted RIOT's role as a producer. He soon bagged a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM). In a conversation with Purchase Ryan Press, the President of WMC expressed his excitement and praise for RIOT. He said,

"RIOT has quickly become one of the most exciting and in-demand producers to emerge from New York’s legendary hip-hop scene."

He added,

“He’s creating hit after hit with Ice Spice, and we’re super lucky to get to support him at this stage of his journey."

RIOT and Ice Spice's collaboration has led to several Hot 100 hits. Their remix of Taylor Swift's Karma featuring Ice Spice reached No. 2. RIOT also produced Princess Diana by Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, which hit No. 4, and the Grammy-nominated single Barbie World featuring Spice and Minaj.

In a conversation with Billboard in 2023, RIOT shared his pride as his music reached the Billboard charts. He said,

“It’s a blessing fr [for real]. Billboard helped me understand how big the records I work on really are. It reminds you [that] hard work pays off. When I saw I was the No. 1 rap producer, I felt honored and grateful.”

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RIOT's collaboration and hard work with Spice has paid off as they continue to produce hits. Spice also received the Best New Artist at the MTV Music Awards in 2023. The rapper took a minute to thank her producer for "making the best music" with her. Most recently, Ice Spice and RIOT released the former's debut studio album, Y2K on July 26.