Vanilla Ice net worth today is estimated to be around $12 million.
Vanilla Ice is a name that evokes nostalgia for many people who grew up in the 90s.
He is best known for his hit song “Ice Ice Baby”, which was the first hip hop single to top the Billboard charts in 1990.
But what is Vanilla Ice’s net worth today, and how did he make his fortune?
PHOTO: Paul Natkin | Getty Images
Vanilla Ice’s Early Life and Career
Vanilla Ice was born Robert Matthew Van Winkle on October 31, 1967, in Dallas, Texas.
He never knew his biological father and was given his family name by his mother.
Vanilla developed a passion for hip-hop and breakdancing at an early age and adopted the nickname Vanilla Ice from his friends.
He started performing at a nightclub in Dallas, where he opened for acts like N.W.A., Public Enemy, and 2 Live Crew.
He also wrote his own songs, including “Ice Ice Baby”, which he composed when he was 16.
In 1989, he signed with Ichiban Records and released his debut album “Hooked”, which featured “Ice Ice Baby” as the B-side of the single “Play That Funky Music”.
Profile summary
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $12 Million |
| Age | 55 |
| Born | October 31, 1967 |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Source of Wealth | Professional Rapper |
Vanilla Ice’s Rise to Fame and Fall from Grace
Source: (Getty)
“Ice Ice Baby” became a huge hit when a DJ in Georgia played it by mistake.
The song caught the attention of SBK Records, which offered Vanilla Ice a lucrative contract and re-released his album as “To the Extreme” in 1990.
The album sold over 15 million copies worldwide and made Vanilla Ice a global star.
However, Vanilla Ice’s fame was short-lived.
He faced criticism from the hip-hop community for being a “sellout” and a “culture vulture”.
Vanilla faced legal troubles when he was sued by Queen and David Bowie for sampling their song “Under Pressure” without permission.
He also admitted to lying about his background and embellishing his street credibility.
Vanilla Ice’s popularity declined rapidly in the early 90s.
His subsequent albums “Mind Blowin’” (1994) and “Hard to Swallow” (1998) failed to match his previous success.
He also starred in a critically panned movie “Cool as Ice” (1991) and attempted suicide in 1994.
Unfortunately, the rapper became addicted to drugs and withdrew from the music industry.
Vanilla Ice’s Comeback and Diversification
Vanilla Ice made a comeback in the late 90s and early 2000s by reinventing himself as a hardcore rapper and a metal musician.
He collaborated with artists like Slipknot, Korn, Insane Clown Posse, and Public Enemy.
He also appeared on reality TV shows like “The Surreal Life”, “Dancing with the Stars”, and “The Masked Singer”.
Vanilla Ice also ventured into other fields like acting, theater, motocross, jet skiing, and real estate.
He starred in movies like “That’s My Boy” (2012) and “The Ridiculous Six” (2015), where he played himself or parodied his image.
He also played Captain Hook in a stage production of “Peter Pan”.
Also, he competed in motocross championships and won several awards.
After some time, he hosted a home improvement show called “The Vanilla Ice Project”, where he renovated houses and sold them for profit.
Vanilla Ice’s Net Worth Today
According to various sources, Vanilla Ice’s net worth today is estimated to be around $12 million.
He earns about $68,000 per month from his music royalties, as well as from his other ventures like acting, hosting, and real estate.
He also owns several properties in Florida, Texas, and California.
Vanilla Ice is still active in the music industry and continues to release new albums and perform live shows.
His latest album is “W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus)” (2011), which features guest appearances by Chuck D, Cowboy Troy, Insane Clown Posse, and others.
Conclusion
Vanilla Ice is one of the most iconic figures of the 90s rap scene.
He rose to fame with his smash hit “Ice Ice Baby”, but also faced backlash and controversy for his image and style.
He went through a period of decline and depression but managed to bounce back and reinvent himself as a versatile entertainer.
Vanilla Ice’s net worth today reflects his resilience and adaptability.
He has diversified his income sources and explored his passions and talents.
He has also embraced his past and parodied his persona.
Vanilla Ice is a living example of how to overcome challenges and achieve success.
