Fun Fact
Vanilla Ice’s success was met with controversy, however, as he was accused of cultural appropriation for rapping over a sample of a rock song by a white artist. He was also accused of fabricating his life story, including his claims of being a street tough from the Bronx. The song’s famous bassline is actually a sample from the song “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. Vanilla Ice initially denied sampling the song, but he later settled a copyright infringement lawsuit with Queen and Bowie.
About the Artist
Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with his debut album, To the Extreme, which featured the hit single “Ice Ice Baby.” The song became the first hip hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 16 weeks, and it made Vanilla Ice the best-selling hip hop artist of 1991.
Despite the controversy, Vanilla Ice has continued to release music and appear in films and television shows. He has also become a successful businessman, with ventures in real estate, clothing, and home furnishings.
Vanilla Ice is a significant figure in hip hop culture, and his song “Ice Ice Baby” remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. He is a controversial figure, but he is also a talented and successful artist who has left his mark on the music industry.
About the Song
Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” is one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. It was released in 1990 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks, making it the best-selling hip hop single of all time. The song is also notable for being the first hip hop single to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
“Ice Ice Baby” is a catchy and upbeat song with a simple but effective message: Vanilla Ice is cool. The song’s chorus is instantly recognizable, and its simple but effective beat has made it a staple of dance floors and sporting events for over 30 years.
The song’s music video is also iconic. It features Vanilla Ice rapping in front of a variety of backdrops, including a snowy mountain top, a basketball court, and a nightclub. The video also features a cameo appearance from David Bowie, who sampled the bassline for “Ice Ice Baby” from his song “Under Pressure.”
“Ice Ice Baby” was a critical and commercial success, but it was also controversial. Vanilla Ice was accused of cultural appropriation for rapping over a sample of a rock song by a white artist. He was also accused of fabricating his life story, including his claims of being a street tough from the Bronx.
Despite the controversy, “Ice Ice Baby” remains one of the most popular and enduring songs of the 1990s. It is a song that defined a generation, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
