How Ice Spice’s ‘Munch’ Ushered in a New Era for WorldStar
WorldStarHipHop, once synonymous with viral chaos and music discovery, has undergone a quiet transformation. Its role in launching Ice Spice and her breakout single “Munch (Feelin U)” has signaled a shift in how the brand contributes to the music industry. The Bronx artist’s playful take on drill music marked a pivotal moment for both her career and WorldStar Distro, the brand’s distribution arm. The world of music distribution has witnessed significant transformation, and WorldStar Distro is emblematic of this change. Known initially for its viral impact on hip-hop culture, the platform has grown quietly but powerfully, spreading its influence across various facets of the music industry.
The Legacy of WorldStarHipHop: From Viral Videos to Music Distribution
Founded by Lee “Q” O’Denat, WorldStarHipHop became a cultural phenomenon during the blog era, offering a platform for viral moments and emerging artists alike. From Rae Sremmurd’s “No Flex Zone” to Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow,” the platform served as a launchpad for some of hip-hop’s biggest stars.
The evolution of WorldStar Distro began after Q’s passing, fulfilling an idea he and COO Daniel Cotton had discussed. Officially launched in 2021, the distribution arm aimed to expand the brand’s reach and help artists control their music’s trajectory. Early successes included Lil Donald’s platinum-certified “Do Better”, but Ice Spice’s meteoric rise solidified the venture’s potential.
Ice Spice and the Breakthrough of “Munch”
In August 2022, Ice Spice, alongside producer RIOTUSA, released “Munch (Feelin U)” under WorldStar Distro. The track quickly gained traction for its unique blend of New York drill beats with an accessible, less abrasive edge. It wasn’t just the music that resonated but Ice Spice’s authentic Bronx persona, which Distro’s Head of Operations, Jourdain Dutton, saw as a key to her success.
“She’s unapologetically a Bronx girl,” Dutton noted, highlighting her ability to connect with a broad audience. MediaLab’s VP of Music, Rob Markman, was equally impressed, recognizing her potential early on and ensuring she retained her masters for both “Munch” and her follow-up, “Bikini Bottom.”
By June 2023, “Munch” achieved gold certification, a testament to its impact and the collaborative efforts of WorldStar Distro and Ice Spice’s team.
WorldStar’s Adaptation to the Modern Era
The success of “Munch” reflects WorldStar Distro’s evolution in an increasingly artist-driven industry. As COO Daniel Cotton explained, the platform had to pivot from being primarily a video hosting site to a full-fledged music distribution service.
“You might not hear WorldStar screamed as much, but we’re bigger than ever,” Cotton said, emphasizing their current focus on competing across various industry sectors. Artists now use WorldStar for both video premieres and distribution, marking a significant shift from its earlier role.
Continuing Q’s Vision
The growth of WorldStar Distro is seen as a continuation of Q’s legacy. As Markman shared, “A lot of what I do currently is to continue Q’s legacy, so seeing the success with WorldStar Distro is definitely something we’re all very proud of.”
While Ice Spice has since moved on to larger labels, her breakout success with “Munch” remains a defining chapter for WorldStar Distro, signaling its capacity to nurture rising stars in a competitive music landscape.
