AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODELANTMExclusiveEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWFemale ModelInterviewinterviewsMODELS OF THE MONTHVH1
Exclusive Interview with VH1’s ANTM Cycle 23 Contestants and Bay Area Sisters Tash and Cody Lee of 'IIIcon
Step into the vibrant world of Tash and Cody Lee (Tashiii Tsunamiii and Rar3Cod33), twin sisters whose talents have flourished in both fashion and music. These Bay Area-born visionaries first captivated audiences on VH1's America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), where their unique style and dynamic presence earned them a place in the spotlight. However, their creative ambitions extended far beyond the runway. Channeling their passion for music, Tash and Cody formed the hip-hop group IIICON, a project that perfectly fuses their love for fashion, retro-inspired R&B, and hard-hitting, unapologetic lyrics.
Drawing inspiration from some of the biggest names in music—Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Rihanna, and more—their sound is both nostalgic and cutting-edge, blending soulful melodies with sharp, impactful words. Their authenticity and artistic integrity have garnered them a dedicated fanbase of over 60,000 followers, who connect with their bold fusion of style, sound, and self-expression.
Now based in Brooklyn, the sisters continue to push the boundaries of creativity, not just as musicians but as artists committed to their craft. They have transformed their experiences from the modeling world into a powerful voice within the music industry, all while staying true to their roots and navigating the challenges of balancing their sisterhood with their professional lives.
In this exclusive interview, Tash and Cody reflect on their journey, discuss the challenges they’ve faced, and share their dreams for the future. Prepare to be inspired as you dive into the fascinating and dynamic world of these talented twin creators.
Rather than a transition, it felt more like returning to our roots in music. Before we even began our modeling careers, music was always a part of us. In high school, we formed a girl group called 'DimezR4ever,' though like many high school bands, it didn’t last long. However, music has always been ingrained in us—it’s not something new but a passion we've revisited.
How did your experiences as America's Next Top Model contestants influence your music and overall style?
We chose to start recording after facing some frustrations within the modeling industry, channeling those feelings into art. That’s when we created our first self-titled track, 'IIICON'. It gave us a new sense of confidence and, to be honest, a glimpse of fame. It made us both hungry for more and humble at the same time, as we quickly realized that fame can be fleeting, and the initial rush it brings doesn’t last forever.
Who are some artists and producers you admire and draw inspiration from, and how do they shape your sound and lyrics?
Missy Elliot, Busta rhymes, Future, Doja cat, Rihanna. All of them are all around creatives.
In your song "Hype Killz" you talk about overcoming obstacles and staying authentic in the face of challenges. Could you delve deeper into the message behind this track?
Hype Killz was our way of pushing back against the pressures of social media. It’s a statement—a rebellious 'no' to the way social platforms can make us feel insignificant, even though they’re the same platforms that brought us recognition in the first place. It’s about navigating that contradiction and finding the strength to stay true to ourselves despite it.
How do you approach songwriting for IIIcon, both lyrically and musically?
There isn’t a single method when it comes to creating music. Sometimes we write lyrics without any music, and other times we write to a beat. We’ve written songs both inside and outside the studio, and honestly, some of our best lyrics come to us during the most mundane moments. Inspiration strikes in unexpected ways.
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How do you balance your sisterhood with your professional relationship in IIIcon?
We each have our strengths, and we make it a point to acknowledge and nurture them. We hold each other accountable but also trust one another to make decisions that are in the best interest of both of us. It’s not always easy, but we work on it every day. Above all, we value our artistry, and we’re committed to not letting anything stand in the way of that.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry as sisters and how have you overcome Our biggest challenge has been not giving up—refusing to let the odds stop us. Perseverance has been key.
Who are some artists you’d like to collaborate with in the future and why?
We’d love to collaborate with Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Future, and Doja Cat. They’ve all inspired our music in different ways, and their creativity pushes boundaries in a way that really resonates with us.
How do you stay authentic to your artistry while also catering to fans and the music industry at large?
It’s a balance between caring and not caring. You have to care so little that you’re not swayed by negative opinions—even your own. But at the same time, you need to care enough to check in with yourself and ensure that your work remains true to your core values.
In what ways do you envision IIIcon making an impact on the hip-hop community and beyond?
We hope to be visible symbols of success, particularly for young girls and boys who look like us, but also for anyone who connects with our story. Representation is so powerful, and we want to be living proof that pursuing your dreams is possible, no matter the obstacles. Our aim is to inspire others to chase their own passions and to remind them that their dreams are worth fighting for.
How do you approach marketing and promoting your music to build and maintain a dedicated fanbase?
Marketing and promotion are definitely still evolving for us. Like many artists, we’ve experienced the frustration of social media algorithms, which often hide creative content—especially music—from reaching its intended audience. But we’ve learned that the key is not to let the numbers or algorithms dictate our efforts. Staying consistent is important, and while it’s easier said than done, we remind ourselves to focus on the work and let everything else follow. We’re constantly learning how to engage more effectively with our fanbase and share our music in authentic ways.
Photography/mobvisionaire |
Where do you see yourselves and IIIcon in the next five years, both personally and musically?
In the next five years, we envision ourselves as full-time creatives and businesswomen, using our resources and influence to create financially stable, thriving lives—not just for ourselves, but for our entire team. We plan to expand into other industries, including film, fashion, and hair care, exploring opportunities that align with our vision and passions. Ultimately, we want to build a legacy that reflects our artistry while empowering others to follow their own creative paths.
How do you define your personal fashion style, and how has it evolved over time?
We’d describe our fashion style as retro-futuristic. We love drawing inspiration from the past, blending it with contemporary elements, and even pushing the boundaries of what’s considered modern. Over time, our style has definitely become more refined. We’ve incorporated more timeless, vintage, and thrifted pieces into our wardrobes, while paying greater attention to the small details, like jewelry, that truly elevate a look.
Who are some fashion icons or designers that have inspired your style choices both on-stage and off?
Rihanna! Rihanna! Rihanna! She’s our ultimate fashion icon. What we admire most about her is how she takes bold risks while still maintaining a timeless elegance. Beyond her fashion sense, it’s the confidence she exudes that truly inspires us. She shows that confidence is just as important—if not more—than style, and that’s something we strive to embody in both our personal and professional lives.
Photography/mobvisionaire |
How do you combine your love for fashion with your music and performances?
Music and performing give us the perfect platform to experiment with our boldest, most creative outfit ideas. It’s a chance to express ourselves visually as much as we do musically, allowing our fashion choices to reflect the energy and vibe of each performance.
Can you describe a favorite outfit or performance look that holds special significance for you, and why?
The looks from our Spaceship music video were some of the most fun we’ve ever had. The black-and-white outfits were both timeless and futuristic, capturing the essence of the song perfectly. It felt like a moment where fashion, music, and creativity all aligned seamlessly.
What elements of your cultural background and upbringing have influenced your fashion sensibilities?
We grew up immersed in Black culture, which is deeply intertwined with hip-hop culture, and ultimately, American culture. Fashion is a huge part of Black expression—it’s not just encouraged, it feels innate. Growing up, we learned how to use clothing as a way to communicate identity and individuality, which continues to influence our style today.
Photography/mobvisionaire |
How do you stay current and innovate in the fashion world while maintaining your unique style?
Living in New York keeps us in touch with what’s current and innovative. There’s inspiration everywhere—from the streets to the fashion scene—whether it’s from different generations or various subcultures. We love blending these influences while staying true to our own style, always pushing the boundaries but never losing sight of who we are.
How do you incorporate fashion into your creative process for your music and visuals?
Fashion plays a significant role in our creative process. As soon as we finish a song, we’re already dreaming up the music video, and the outfits are a huge part of that vision. The clothes we choose help tell the story visually, adding another layer to the music and the overall experience.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to find their niche in the industry today?
This is such a transformative time for the entertainment industry. A lot of the long-hidden issues are finally coming to light and being addressed, which is something that has been needed for a long time. We believe that once the dust settles, the industry will be a much better space for all artists. Our advice to emerging talent is simple: keep creating and stay true to your authentic self. Your unique voice and creativity are what will ultimately set you apart.
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Disclaimer: The responses in this interview have been refined for clarity and readability, while maintaining the authenticity, original sentiments, and intentions of the artists.
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