Vanilla Ice, born as Robert Matthew Van Winkle, is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time. He has been a major driving force in the genre since the late 1980s, blending rap, hip-hop, and pop music to create a unique style of music. From his iconic hit single "Ice Ice Baby" to his more recent releases, Vanilla Ice has made a lasting impression on the music industry. In this article, we will dive into the life and career of Vanilla Ice, exploring his rise to fame, his ongoing success, and his lasting influence.
Career Highlights of Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is best known for his 1990 hit single, "Ice Ice Baby", which was the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard charts. He has released five studio albums, one compilation album, and has appeared in films, television shows, and numerous reality television series. Here is a look at his career highlights.
Early rap career
Vanilla Ice began rapping as a teenager in Miami in the mid-1980s. He released his first single, "Play That Funky Music", in 1988, and released his debut album, Hooked, in 1989. The album was well-received, and spawned several successful singles, including "Ice Ice Baby".
Breakthrough success with “Ice Ice Baby”
In 1990, Vanilla Ice released his most successful single to date, "Ice Ice Baby". The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the first hip-hop single to top the charts. The song's success propelled Vanilla Ice to international fame and made him a household name.
His other albums and singles
Vanilla Ice released four more studio albums between 1991 and 1998, including To the Extreme (1991) and Hard to Swallow (1998). He also released several other singles, including "Ninja Rap" (1991) and "Satisfaction" (1995).
Acting and reality TV appearances
Vanilla Ice has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Cool as Ice (1991) and That's My Boy (2012). He has also appeared in multiple reality television series, such as The Surreal Life (2005) and The Vanilla Ice Project (2010-present).
Personal Life of Vanilla Ice
Relationships and Marriages
Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, has been married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Laura Giaritta in 1997, with whom he has two daughters together. The couple divorced in 2011. In 2018, Vanilla Ice married his long-term partner, Laura Giaritta, for a second time. The couple had an outdoor ceremony near their home in Palm Beach, Florida.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Vanilla Ice is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has dedicated much of his time and energy to giving back to his community. He is a major supporter of the Special Olympics, and takes part in the organization's annual golf tournament. He has been involved in the support of Habitat for Humanity, and his own organization, “Ice My House”, which helps to provide housing for those in need. He is also a major supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps to provide assistance to veterans who have been injured in combat.
Conclusion
Vanilla Ice has had an incredible career in the music industry. From having the fastest selling hip-hop album of all time to continuing his music career with a variety of projects, he is an artist that should be respected. His ability to transition from the early days of hip-hop to the present day is a testament to his strength as an artist. Vanilla Ice continues to be an inspiration to many aspiring musicians, and his influence to the music industry is undeniable. Whether you're a fan of rap or just a fan of Vanilla Ice, he is an artist that deserves every bit of recognition he receives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vanilla Ice's real name?
Vanilla Ice's real name is Robert Matthew Van Winkle.
What is Vanilla Ice's most popular song?
Vanilla Ice's most popular song is "Ice Ice Baby," which was released in 1990.
What other projects has Vanilla Ice worked on?
Vanilla Ice has appeared on reality television shows such as The Surreal Life and Dancing on Ice, as well as several movies including Cool as Ice and That's My Boy. He has also released several hip-hop albums since the 1990s.
How did Vanilla Ice become famous?
Vanilla Ice became famous after the release of his single, "Ice Ice Baby," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1990.
What is Vanilla Ice doing now?
Vanilla Ice is still active as a rapper and entertainer. He is currently working on a new album and has a weekly podcast called "Vanilla Ice Radio." He also runs a home improvement show called The Vanilla Ice Project.