The meteoric rise of Isis Naija Gaston, known globally as Ice Spice, has been one of the most compelling narratives in modern hip-hop. While the world recognizes her for the viral drill beats of “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and her signature ginger curls, there is a much more grounded side to the Bronx-born superstar. Beyond the flashing lights of the Met Gala and the roaring crowds of Rolling Loud, ice spice hobbies reveal a woman who deeply values her “homebody” nature. Understanding her personal interests offers a unique window into how she maintains her mental clarity and creative edge in an industry that never sleeps.
Born on January 1, 2000, Ice Spice grew up in the Fordham Road neighborhood of the Bronx, a place that heavily influenced her aesthetic and her pastimes. Before the global fame, her days were filled with the typical activities of a creative New York teenager. However, as she transitioned into a multi-platinum artist, her hobbies evolved to become her sanctuary. Whether it is through meticulous journaling, engaging in high-energy volleyball matches, or exploring the latest fashion trends, the rapper’s life is a balance of public performance and private peace. This article explores the various facets of her lifestyle that keep her grounded.
Ice Spice: Quick Facts & Personal Profile
| Full Name | Isis Naija Gaston |
| Professional Name | Ice Spice |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 2000 |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dominican and African-American |
| Education | Sacred Heart High School; SUNY Purchase (Communications) |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Core Hobbies | Journaling, Volleyball, Fashion Styling, Screenwriting |
| Athletic Background | College Volleyball (Defensive Specialist) |
| Fitness Interests | Pilates, Strength Training, Boxing, Roller Skating |
| Musical Style | Bronx Drill, Pop-Rap |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Signature Look | Ginger Afro / Y2K-inspired streetwear |
| Key Achievements | Multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, MTV VMA Best New Artist |
| Social Media | @icespice (Instagram / TikTok) |
The Homebody Philosophy: Ice Spice’s Love for Personal Space
Despite her status as a global fashion icon and rap sensation, Ice Spice frequently describes herself as a major “homebody.” This preference for staying in rather than going out is a cornerstone of the ice spice hobbies list. For many fans, it might be surprising to learn that the “Princess Diana” of rap prefers a quiet night in her own space over the club scene. This “chill vibe” allows her to recharge her social battery and focus on her creative writing. Being a homebody isn’t just about relaxation; for Isis, it is a deliberate choice to protect her energy and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst her rapid ascent.
In various interviews, she has mentioned that her favorite way to spend a day off involves “chilling” and being surrounded by things that make her feel safe. This often includes catching up on her favorite films or simply enjoying the comfort of her home environment. The transition from the bustling streets of the Bronx to her current lifestyle has only intensified her appreciation for privacy. By prioritizing her home life, she ensures that when she does step into the spotlight, she is fully present and energized. This aspect of her life highlights a relatable, human side to the superstar persona.
The Power of the Pen: Journaling and Creative Writing
One of the most intimate ice spice hobbies is her dedication to journaling. Ice Spice has revealed that she has been keeping journals since kindergarten, a habit that has played a vital role in her mental health and career success. She views her journal as a “safe space” where she can vent her frustrations, brainstorm new song ideas, and practice manifestation. Her 2024 journal, a vibrant green book with “Y2K” stickers, serves as a testament to her organizational skills and her focus on the future. She uses this hobby to get things off her chest so she doesn’t have to “rant” to the public.
This creative writing hobby isn’t just a casual pastime; it is the foundation of her songwriting process. Even before she met producer RiotUSA at SUNY Purchase, she was typing out lyrics in the Notes app of her iPhone and writing poetry. This early passion for words allowed her to develop her “super simple” and “digestible” lyrical style that fans love today. By documenting her thoughts and feelings, she is able to track her growth as both an artist and an individual. For Ice Spice, the act of writing is a therapeutic ritual that keeps her grounded and focused on her long-term goals.
Athletic Roots: Ice Spice’s Passion for Volleyball
Long before she was topping the Billboard charts, Ice Spice was a dedicated athlete. During her time at Sacred Heart High School and later at the State University of New York at Purchase, she was a standout volleyball player. Playing as a defensive specialist, she brought the same focus and intensity to the court that she now brings to the recording studio. In the 2018 season at SUNY Purchase, she recorded several kills and digs, proving that her athletic abilities were more than just a passing interest. Volleyball remains one of the most significant ice spice hobbies from her formative years.
The discipline required for competitive sports has clearly translated into her music career. Being a defensive specialist involves quick reflexes and a high level of teamwork, traits that are essential when navigating the complex music industry. While her busy schedule may not allow for regular league play anymore, the lessons she learned on the volleyball court continue to influence her work ethic. Fans often point to her athletic background as a reason for her poise and physical stamina during high-energy performances. It serves as a reminder that she was a multi-faceted individual long before her viral TikTok moments.
Fitness and Wellness: A Modern Approach to Health
As her career progressed, ice spice hobbies expanded to include a structured approach to fitness and wellness. In 2024 and 2025, she became more vocal about her workout routine, which includes a mix of strength training, Pilates, and cardio. She has shared snippets of her sessions involving deadlifts, Russian twists, and planks. For Ice Spice, working out is no longer about “punishment” but has become a form of therapy. This shift in mindset highlights her maturity and her commitment to maintaining both her physical and mental health.
Her wellness journey also includes a focus on nutrition. Growing up in a household that loved Dominican and African-American comfort foods, she had to learn how to balance her cravings with healthy choices. Her current diet features nutrient-dense meals like grilled salmon, quinoa, and protein smoothies. However, true to her relatable nature, she still enjoys a slice of pizza occasionally. By incorporating fun activities like roller skating and boxing into her routine, she ensures that fitness remains an enjoyable hobby rather than a chore. This balanced lifestyle is a key part of her “Ice Spice Method” for staying healthy.
Fashion as a Form of Expression and Hobby
For Ice Spice, fashion is much more than a professional requirement; it is a genuine hobby and a primary form of self-expression. Since her early days making “finsta” accounts at age 14, she has been obsessed with creating a unique visual identity. Her style, often described as a blend of Y2K aesthetics and Bronx street style, is meticulously crafted. Whether she is getting ready for a Met Gala after-party or posting a casual “birthday cake” look on Instagram, she treats styling as a creative project. This eye for detail has made her a favorite among high-fashion designers and streetwear brands alike.
The rapper’s interest in beauty and fashion also extends to her signature hair and makeup looks. Her choice to embrace her natural curls and bold ginger hair color has inspired countless fans. She views the process of “getting ready” as an art form, often collaborating with top stylists to push the boundaries of her public image. By treating fashion as one of her core ice spice hobbies, she has been able to build a brand that is as much about her visual presence as it is about her music. This hobby allows her to communicate her personality to the world without saying a word.
A Love for Animals: Ice Spice and Her Furry Friends
Another heartwarming addition to the list of ice spice hobbies is her love for animals, particularly dogs. Growing up in a busy household in the Bronx, she found comfort in the company of pets. This passion has followed her into adulthood, and she has been known to own and care for pet dogs. For a celebrity who spends so much time in the public eye, the unconditional love of a pet provides a necessary sense of peace and companionship. Her interest in animal welfare and her “dog lover” status add another layer of depth to her public persona.
Having pets also aligns perfectly with her “homebody” lifestyle. There is nothing a homebody loves more than relaxing with a furry friend after a long day of work. While she keeps much of her private life off social media, her occasional mentions of her pets resonate with fans who share her love for animals. This hobby highlights her nurturing side and her appreciation for the simple joys of life. It’s a gentle reminder that behind the “Munch” lyrics and the “Baddie” image is a woman who finds happiness in the quiet moments spent with her pets.
The Cinematic Influence: Film and Screenwriting
Before she decided to pursue rap full-time, Ice Spice had aspirations of becoming an actor or a screenwriter. This interest in film remains one of her most enduring hobbies. She studied communications at college to enter broadcast journalism, but her love for storytelling eventually found its home in music. However, she hasn’t ruled out a future in the film industry, having already secured roles in upcoming projects like The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Her appreciation for cinema influences the narrative structure of her music videos and her lyrical storytelling.
As a fan of visual media, she spends much of her free time watching movies and analyzing performances. This hobby helps her understand the nuances of “star power” and how to command an audience’s attention. Her cinematic influences range from classic New York stories to modern pop culture icons. By immersing herself in the world of film, she continues to expand her creative horizons. Whether she is writing a script or a hit single, her hobby of analyzing films provides her with a rich palette of ideas to draw from.
Connecting with Roots: Family and Dominican Culture
While it may not be a “hobby” in the traditional sense, spending time with her family and embracing her Dominican heritage is a vital part of Ice Spice’s personal life. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings, she spent a lot of time with her grandparents and cousins in the Bronx. This focus on family dynamics has grounded her throughout her rise to fame. She often credits her father, a former underground rapper, and her mother, a hardworking Dominican-American, for her strong work ethic and her love for music.
Engaging with her culture through food, music, and language is a favorite pastime. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and she often incorporates her roots into her public image. Whether she is enjoying a home-cooked meal of plantains or listening to the music that her father once loved, these moments of cultural connection are essential. For Ice Spice, maintaining these ties is a way to honor her past while she builds her future. This deep-seated respect for her background ensures that she never loses sight of where she came from.
The Role of Manifestation and Mental Health
In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, mental health is a priority for Ice Spice, and her hobbies often reflect this. Beyond journaling, she is a firm believer in the power of manifestation. This practice involves setting clear intentions for her career and personal life, a hobby she has nurtured since her teenage years. She often talks about how she “manifested” her success through consistent hard work and a positive mindset. This spiritual hobby provides her with a sense of purpose and direction, helping her navigate the pressures of fame.
Her approach to mental health also involves setting strict boundaries between her public and private lives. By engaging in hobbies that are “for her eyes only,” like her private journals, she maintains a sense of autonomy. This focus on well-being is a major reason why she has been able to handle the intense scrutiny of the media with such grace. For Ice Spice, hobbies are not just distractions; they are essential tools for maintaining a healthy and balanced mind.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ice spice hobbies paint a picture of a woman who is far more complex than her viral hits might suggest. From her disciplined days as a volleyball player to her quiet nights as a dedicated homebody, Ice Spice has cultivated a lifestyle that supports her creative spirit. Her love for journaling, fashion, and film provides her with the inspiration she needs to continue dominating the charts, while her commitment to fitness and family keeps her grounded.
As she continues to evolve as an artist, her personal interests will likely continue to shift and grow. However, the core of who she is—a creative, family-oriented woman from the Bronx—remains unchanged. By sharing glimpses of her hobbies, Ice Spice has built a deeper connection with her fans, proving that even a “Princess” needs a quiet place to call home. Whether she is writing the next big hit or manifesting her next big move, Ice Spice does it all with a style and grace that is uniquely her own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Ice Spice’s favorite hobbies?
Ice Spice enjoys a variety of hobbies, including journaling, volleyball, fitness training, fashion styling, and watching films. She is also a self-described homebody who loves “chilling” in her private space.
2. Did Ice Spice play sports in college?
Yes, Ice Spice played volleyball as a defensive specialist at the State University of New York at Purchase. She also played the sport during her high school years at Sacred Heart High School.
3. Does Ice Spice write her own lyrics?
Yes, Ice Spice has stated in multiple interviews that she writes all of her own lyrics. She often uses the Notes app on her iPhone to jot down ideas and maintains a regular journaling habit to help with her creative process.
4. What kind of workouts does Ice Spice do?
Ice Spice’s fitness routine includes a combination of strength training (like deadlifts), Pilates, and cardio activities such as roller skating and boxing. She views exercise as a form of therapy.
5. Is Ice Spice interested in acting?
Yes, Ice Spice originally wanted to be an actor or screenwriter. She has already begun exploring this interest with roles in films like The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025).
6. Does Ice Spice have any pets?
Yes, Ice Spice is a known dog lover and has owned pet dogs in the past. She finds comfort and companionship in the company of animals, which fits her homebody lifestyle.
