The Ultimate Guide to Vanilla Ice's Music: A Complete Discography of 38 Albums and Singles
Vanilla Ice - Discography (1989-2011) 38: A Retrospective of a Rap Icon
Vanilla Ice is one of the most controversial and influential figures in rap history. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with his debut album To the Extreme, which became the fastest-selling hip hop album of all time. His single "Ice Ice Baby" was the first hip hop single to top the Billboard charts, and has been credited with helping to diversify hip hop by introducing it to a mainstream white audience. However, he also faced backlash from critics and peers who accused him of being a fraud, a sellout, and a cultural appropriator. His subsequent albums failed to match his initial success, and he experimented with different genres and styles, from rock to reggae to techno. In this article, we will review his discography of 38 albums and singles, spanning from 1989 to 2011, and explore his legacy and impact on rap music and culture.
Vanilla Ice - Discography (1989-2011) 38
To the Extreme (1990)
This is the album that launched Vanilla Ice into stardom. It features his signature hit "Ice Ice Baby", which samples the bassline from Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure". The song became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in several countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and the UK. The album also includes his cover of Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music", which reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album showcases Vanilla Ice's fast and catchy rap style, influenced by MC Hammer and Run-DMC. The album sold over seven million copies in the US alone, earning him a seven-times platinum certification by the RIAA. It also received positive reviews from some critics, who praised its energy and appeal. However, it also attracted criticism from others, who dismissed it as shallow, derivative, and gimmicky.
Extremely Live (1991)
This is a live album recorded during Vanilla Ice's tour in support of To the Extreme. It features live versions of his songs from that album, as well as some new tracks, such as "I Love You" and "Satisfaction". The album captures the excitement and frenzy of his concerts, which often drew thousands of fans. The album also includes some freestyle rapping and crowd interaction from Vanilla Ice. The album peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the RIAA. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised his performance skills but criticized his lack of originality and substance.
Mind Blowin (1994)
This is Vanilla Ice's second studio album, and his first attempt to reinvent himself after the backlash he faced for To the Extreme. He changed his image from a clean-cut pop rapper to a hardcore gangsta rapper, sporting dreadlocks, tattoos, and baggy clothes. He also changed his sound from upbeat and catchy to dark and gritty, incorporating elements of hardcore rap, funk metal, and grunge. He collaborated with producers such as Ross Robinson and Tony G., as well as guest artists such as Naomi Campbell and Earthquake. The album features songs such as "Roll 'Em Up", "The Wrath", and "Get Loose". The album was a commercial flop, failing to chart on the US Billboard 200. It also received negative reviews from critics, who panned it as a desperate and unconvincing attempt to gain credibility and relevance.
Hard to Swallow (1998)
This is Vanilla Ice's third studio album, and his second attempt to reinvent himself after the failure of Mind Blowin. He changed his image again, this time from a gangsta rapper to a nu metal rocker, influenced by bands such as Korn and Limp Bizkit. He also changed his sound again, this time from dark and gritty to heavy and aggressive, incorporating elements of rap metal, industrial metal, and hardcore punk. He collaborated with producer Ross Robinson, who had worked with Korn and Limp Bizkit, as well as guest artists such as Casey Chaos and Chuck D. The album features songs such as "Living", "Scars", and "Too Cold", which is a reworking of "Ice Ice Baby" with distorted guitars and screaming vocals. The album was a commercial disappointment, failing to chart on the US Billboard 200. It also received negative reviews from critics, who slammed it as a desperate and unoriginal attempt to cash in on the nu metal trend.
Bi-Polar (2001)
This is Vanilla Ice's fourth studio album, and his most experimental and diverse one to date. It is a double album, with each disc representing a different side of his personality and musical style. The first disc, titled Skabz, features songs influenced by ska punk, reggae, and rap rock. The second disc, titled Unbreakable, features songs influenced by hardcore rap, horrorcore, and techno. He collaborated with producers such as DJ Muggs and Insane Clown Posse, as well as guest artists such as La the Darkman and Bob Khaleel. The album features songs such as "Nothing Is Real", "Elvis Killed Kennedy", and "Molton". The album was a commercial disaster, selling less than 10,000 copies in the US. It also received negative reviews from critics, who ridiculed it as a chaotic and incoherent mess.
Platinum Underground (2005)
This is Vanilla Ice's fifth studio album, and his return to rap music after his nu metal and ska punk experiments. He changed his image once more, this time from a nu metal rocker to a hip hop underground artist, sporting a shaved head, a goatee, and a bandana. He also changed his sound once more, this time from heavy and aggressive to smooth and melodic, incorporating elements of old school rap, southern rap, and R&B. He collaborated with producers such as Tha Chill and Zero, as well as guest artists such as Insane Poetry and Cowboy Troy. The album features songs such as "Survivor", "Ninja Rap 2", and "Hot Sex". The album was a commercial flop, failing to chart on the US Billboard 200. It also received negative reviews from critics, who dismissed it as a bland and outdated attempt to regain relevance.
Vanilla Ice Is Back! (2008)
This is Vanilla Ice's first remix album, and his tribute to the hip hop classics that influenced him. It features new versions of his songs from To the Extreme and Extremely Live, as well as covers of songs by artists such as Public Enemy, House of Pain, Sir Mix-A-Lot, and Cypress Hill. The album was released by Cleopatra Records, an independent label known for its remix and tribute albums. The album features production by DJ ReAnimator, The Anix, and others. The album features songs such as "Ice Ice Baby (Rock Hero Mix)", "Fight the Power", and "Jump Around". The album failed to chart on the US Billboard 200, but "Ice Ice Baby" was re-released as a single in the UK, where it reached number 146 on the UK Singles Chart. The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised his respect for the old school rap but criticized his lack of originality and innovation.
W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus) (2011)
This is Vanilla Ice's sixth and most recent studio album, and his most eclectic and modern one to date. It features songs influenced by various genres, such as hip hop, techno, country, and acoustic. It was released by Radium Records, a label founded by Vanilla Ice himself. The album features production by Nick DeTomaso and Mark Mehwald, as well as guest appearances by Insane Clown Posse and Cowboy Troy. The album features songs such as "Turn It Up", "Born on Halloween", and "Da Ha Da Ha". The album sold just 1,000 copies in the US, according to Nielsen Music. It also received negative reviews from critics, who dismissed it as a mediocre and outdated attempt to stay relevant.
Conclusion
Vanilla Ice - Discography (1989-2011) 38 is a fascinating journey through the career of one of the most polarizing and influential rappers of all time. From his meteoric rise and fall in the early 1990s, to his various attempts to reinvent himself and stay relevant in the following decades, Vanilla Ice has never stopped making music and trying new things. His discography reflects his diverse musical tastes and influences, as well as his personal struggles and triumphs. Whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny his impact and legacy on rap music and culture. He is a rap icon who deserves respect and recognition for his achievements and contributions. b99f773239
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