The Feud of the Year
Feud of the Year
Central Cee, Madeline Argy, and Ice Spice — Recapping the time we elevated the careers of some pretty basic individuals — for the second time?
By Rhianna Asiedu
As we enter yet another season packed with endless online drama, it's time to revisit one of the most ridiculously captivating, TikTok-fueled spectacles of the year. In this case, I am referring to the supposed “love triangle” involving rappers Central Cee, Ice Spice, and influencer, Madeline Argy.
In this piece, I’ll be unpacking the entire saga from start to finish, sharing my opinions on the theories surrounding the drama, and reflectively diving into what this says about our current media landscape—commenting on the internet’s tendency to give platforms to people not based on talent, but rather on how much drama they can generate.
Recapping the Situation: For Those Who Missed It
Since 2022, rumours have swirled around British rapper Central Cee and influencer, Madeline Argy. With subtle Instagram comments and background appearances in each other's TikToks, fans were convinced they were a couple — although neither fully confirmed it.
Fast forward to July 2023, and Central Cee was spotted with Bronx rapper Ice Spice in London, triggering waves of speculation. Just weeks earlier, Madeline and Central Cee were seen together in Nigeria, adding to the confusion.
When it really became interesting…
““All along, it was me and a bad b/ But I told her it was me and my bredrin””
On July 12th, “Did It First” was released and I’m not joking; I could have dissected every frame of that music video! Although what should really be noted is how it is a song that both lyrically and visually alludes to cheating on your partner.
Then came the bombshell…““Imagine you break up with your boyfriend one night, and the next day he’s posted up with Ice Spice in Chrome Hearts.””
On the same day “Did It First” dropped, Madeline posted a Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry? style series of TikToks in which she claimed to have been completely blindsided by Central Cee’s actions. While she admitted to participating in marketing stunts with him in the past, she insisted she had no idea he was going to “publicly violate” her.
In her emotional TikTok, Madeline revealed that Central Cee had attempted to contact her after the drama went public. She later elaborated on the situation during her Pretty Lonesome podcast, where she made it clear that she had no intention of getting back together with him.
““Mood after taking her manzz””
(yikes)
To round off this entire mess, Ice Spice, less than a week later, posted a now-deleted TikTok of herself doing push-ups with the caption, “mood after taking her manzzz.”
The internet ran with this, claiming that it proves Ice Spice is not a “girl’s girl,” etc.
And that’s pretty much it…
Answering the Unanswered Questions
Why Did the Argument Have So Much Appeal?
It’s a feud that spans international levels, involving three extremely attractive people, all of whom already had different but established platforms on the internet. Add a love triangle to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect storm for public fascination. Is it really a question of why people were hooked? It’s the same reason we binge-watch reality TV. This drama was a perfect recipe for entertainment: high-profile personalities, high stakes, and unpredictable twists.
Was It a PR Stunt?
YES — at least it was for Central Cee. Madeline Argy’s claim that she didn’t know the situation would spiral this far feels like a veiled response. I think she could have been more honest in admitting that she was okay with stirring up some drama—as long as it wasn’t at her own expense. And honestly, who can blame her? When you're in a relationship with someone, on a human level, you would want to believe that, at the end of the day, they have your best interests at heart. But Central Cee has proven that’s not always the case — so maybe her first mistake here was trusting a man?
What Was the Perception of the Three Before, and What Is It Now?
All three have faced their fair share of criticism, often regarding their talent — or lack thereof. While I’m no musician, I’m far from the first person to point out that both Central Cee and Ice Spice have been criticised for their music. Central Cee often leaves people wondering if the buzz around his personal life outshines his actual artistry. As for Ice Spice, her lyrics have frequently been labelled as basic, raising doubts about her longevity in the rap game.
Madeline Argy’s rise to fame, meanwhile, has always been questioned. She gained a massive following through quirky TikTok storytimes, but with the rise of other white female creators like Alix Earle, the conversation around privilege and platform-building has become impossible to ignore. Her past ignorant comments online have also made people question whether she’s truly deserving of the influence she’s accumulated.
Despite claiming she was blindsided by the PR stunt, it must be said that from a public relations standpoint, it has made her more intriguing. The “heartbroken girlfriend” angle has added depth to her otherwise light, comedic persona. Meanwhile, Central Cee and Ice Spice have managed to stay in the spotlight, perhaps in part because the focus has shifted away from their music. People are no longer solely critiquing their songs; they’re hunting for breadcrumbs of drama in every lyric.
Ultimately, the feud has only expanded their reach. All three — Central Cee, Ice Spice, and Madeline Argy — have seen their platforms grow, proving once again that even controversy can be a powerful career booster.
Final Thoughts
So, if it wasn’t clear before, I’m officially awarding the title of “Feud of the Year (so far)” to the dynamic triangle of Central Cee, Madeline Argy, and Ice Spice. Their drama has captured international attention and spanned months, showcasing just how powerful social media narratives can be.
This is such a clear example of the formula of TikTok beef, a sure way to ignite even the most mundane of influencer drama. The app thrives on short-form content, often featuring spliced-together clips and speculation-driven posts that become more exaggerated with each re-share. This creates a perpetual cycle of engagement, drawing audiences and creating interesting narratives for the uninteresting.
But all that being said, I will continue to tune in because it gives me something to write about and has also given me such a good Halloween costume idea for three friends — picture it: a pop culture outfit that's not only funny but sparks an actual conversation.