Few musical phrases are as instantly recognizable as the opening riff of "Ice Cream." The track blends retro pop sensibilities with modern trap, creating a cool, dessert-inspired vibe that has dominated streaming charts since its release.
Understanding who wrote "ice cream" and how it came together reveals the craftsmanship behind its glossy production. This breakdown explores the writers, influences, and commercial trajectory of the song.
| Song | Primary Writers | Release Year | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream (feat. Selena Gomez) | BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez, Tommy Brown, Ariana Grande, MR. Franks, Victoria Monét, Steven Franks | 2020 | Billboard Hot 100: #13 |
| Album | The Album | 2020 | Billboard 200: #2 |
| Label | {" "}YG Entertainment, Interscope Records | Streaming Units (equiv.) | Top 20 Global Debut |
| Key Contribution | Melodic hooks and English choruses | Marketing Push | Cross-promotion with Disney |
The Songwriters Behind the Track
BLACKPINK and Collaborative Writing
The primary artists, BLACKPINK, are credited as co-writers, reflecting their involvement in shaping the melody and thematic direction. Each member contributed ideas during studio sessions to ensure the track felt authentic to their artistry.
Guest Vocalist Contributions
Selena Gomez, who features vocally, also holds a writing credit. Her input helped refine the English-language chorus, ensuring the hook was accessible to a broader global audience while maintaining the song's playful sweetness.
Production and Vocal Production Team
The behind-the-scenes writers and producers—Tommy Brown, Ariana Grande, MR. Franks, Victoria Monét, and Steven Franks—crafted the song's structure. Their combined experience in pop and R&B production is evident in the track's layered synths and rhythmic bounce.
Musical Composition and Style
Retro Influences Meets Modern Trap
"Ice Cream" draws from 1950s-inspired pop melodies while grounding itself in contemporary trap percussion. This fusion creates a nostalgic yet current sound that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners.
Vocal Arrangement and Harmonies
The arrangement balances BLACKPINK's confident rap verses with Gomez's soft, melodic pre-chorus and chorus. The contrast between rap and sung vocals highlights the versatility of both artists.
Commercial Performance and Reception
Chart Trajectory and Milestones
Upon release, "Ice Cream" debuted in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and top 10 on global charts. Its music video broke viewing records within 24 hours, setting a new benchmark for YouTube premieres.
Cultural Impact and Brand Collaborations
The song's dessert theme inspired limited-edition merchandise and collaborations with food brands. Its playful aesthetic made it a staple in social media challenges and viral dance trends.
Legacy and Industry Influence
Setting Trends in Cross-Cultural Collaborations
The success of "Ice Cream" encouraged more K-pop Western features, expanding the reach of both genres and inspiring future collaborative projects.
- Key writers and producers receive equal billing for their creative contributions.
- The song's structure balances rap verses with melodic, English-friendly choruses.
- Commercial performance highlighted the value of strategic brand and film partnerships.
- Global streaming data confirmed the track's broad appeal across multiple regions.
- Industry attention shifted toward cross-cultural production models following its release.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who are the official writers of "Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK?
The official writers are BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez, Tommy Brown, Ariana Grande, MR. Franks, Victoria Monét, and Steven Franks.
Does Selena Gomez have a writing credit on the song?
Yes, Selena Gomez is credited as a writer, having contributed to the English-language hook and overall melodic structure.
What role did Tommy Brown play in creating the track?
Tommy Brown served as a producer and writer, helping to shape the song's structure, instrumentation, and overall pop sensibility.
How did the collaboration between BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez come about?
The collaboration was facilitated through record label partnerships and shared management, with both parties agreeing to blend K-pop and Western pop for maximum global reach.