Vanilla Ice’s hit song “Ice, Ice Baby” has made a remarkable return to the top of the music charts, reaching number three on Billboard’s rap songs chart, driven by politics and winter trends.
Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, said the song often sees a spike during the icy months of winter, and this year’s Winter Olympics has also increased attention. Another factor contributing to the song’s popularity is its association with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.
Both supporters and opponents of ICE are using “Ice, Ice Baby” in social media videos related to the agency. Protesters against ICE operations have been playing “Ice Ice Baby” at rallies across the country. Videos show masked activists blasting the song from speakers during demonstrations in Bristol and other cities.
One viral clip shows a black pickup truck driving past immigration advocates while playing the track at full volume. Meanwhile, ICE supporters have created their own content using the same song. Social media users on both sides of the immigration debate have turned the 1990 hit into soundtrack material for political videos and memes. Vanilla Ice said he welcomes any attention that drives his music but wants to stay out of political fights. But, he bashed Amber Rose and Forgiato Blow for ripping off his hit to create their abysmal Pro-Trump track, “Trump, Trump Baby.”
“Ice Ice Baby” originally sampled the bassline from Queen and David Bowie‘s 1981 hit “Under Pressure” without permission. The unauthorized sampling prompted legal action by both artists and their representatives. Vanilla Ice initially denied copying the bassline during interviews. He claimed his version was different because it had an extra note. The explanation didn’t hold up under legal scrutiny.
The rapper eventually settled the lawsuit out of court. Years later, he revealed he paid $4 million to purchase the publishing rights to “Under Pressure.” He said buying the rights was cheaper than fighting the case in court.