Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle on October 31, 1967, is an American rapper, actor, and television host who rose to prominence with his smash hit "Ice Ice Baby" in 1990. As the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard charts, it defined the early '90s rap landscape and became an enduring piece of hip-hop culture. Born in Dallas, Texas, Vanilla Ice's style combined the rhythmic elements of rap with the catchy hooks of pop music, a blend that helped him find massive mainstream success. His debut album, "To the Extreme," became the fastest-selling hip hop album at the time, propelling him to international stardom.

Despite his early success, Vanilla Ice faced a backlash from those who felt he was commercializing hip-hop culture. He took on diverse projects throughout the years, appearing in reality television shows and dabbling in real estate. Vanilla Ice continued to perform and release music, capitalizing on nostalgia for the '90s with new iterations and remixes of his iconic hit, such as "Ice Ice Baby (Too Cold for Christmas Mix)," as well as creating new tracks that showcase his versatility and evolution as an artist, like "Bands Out" and "Rodeo." His relevance stretches beyond music, having made appearances in films and television, which solidify his place in the entertainment industry. Vanilla Ice’s career reflects a unique arc from pop-rap superstardom to a cult figure that encapsulates the era of his peak fame.

Genres

Miami Bass

Miami Hip Hop

Related Artists

Beastie Boys

MC Hammer

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Young MC

Sir Mix-A-Lot

Naughty By Nature

Salt-N-Pepa

LL COOL J

Public Enemy

Digital Underground

Kris Kross

Marky Mark And The Funky Bunch

Latest Release

Bands Out

Vanilla Ice

Single - Released October 7, 2023