Robert Matthew Van Winkle, known as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host born on October 31, 1967. He achieved commercial success with his hit “Ice Ice Baby,” becoming the first solo white rapper to top the Billboard charts. His debut album, Hooked, was followed by the successful To the Extreme.
Ice faced controversies over his background and business dealings with SBK Records. In the 2000s, he transitioned to reality TV, hosting The Vanilla Ice Project and The Vanilla Ice Home Show, while also engaging in motocross racing and real estate.
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Vanilla Ice’s Net Worth
Vanilla Ice has a net worth estimated at $20 million. In November 2018, his wife Laura filed for divorce, revealing that he had a minimum worth of $10 million at that time, with an average monthly income of $68,000—mostly from “Ice Ice Baby” royalties, contributing about $400,000 annually.
The documents disclosed he possessed $3 million in liquid assets, along with 15 properties, eight cars, and a boat valued at approximately $5 million. A judge later ordered Ice to pay $121,000 in support and $10,000 monthly until the settlement.
Early life
Robert Matthew Van Winkle, known as Vanilla Ice, was born in Dallas, Texas, on October 31, 1967. He grew up moving between Dallas and Miami after his mother divorced when he was four. Influenced by hip hop from an early age, he practiced breakdancing and earned the nickname “Vanilla” for being the only non-black member of his group.
He later adopted the stage name Vanilla Ice while performing with his breakdance troupe, The Vanilla Ice Posse. At 16, he wrote “Ice Ice Baby,” inspired by a weekend spent with friend and DJ D-Shay.
Career
In 1985, Vanilla Ice focused on motocross, winning three championships until an ankle injury sidelined him. While recovering, he honed his dance moves and performed beatboxing and breakdancing at local malls. A chance open-mic performance at City Lights nightclub led to regular gigs, where he opened for artists like N.W.A and MC Hammer.
In January 1987, he survived a stabbing incident, later signing with management company Ultrax. His breakthrough came with “Ice Ice Baby,” which gained popularity after being played by DJ Darrell Jaye, leading to a music video that boosted its visibility.
Personal life
Vanilla Ice dated Madonna for eight months from 1991 to 1992 and married Laura Giaritta in 1997, with whom he has two daughters: Dusti Rain (born 1998) and KeeLee Breeze (born 2000).
Identifying as a “Juggalo,” a fan of Psychopathic Records, he became a vegetarian by 2012. In 2013, he claimed Choctaw heritage through his maternal grandmother, but genealogists found mostly German ancestry. After his wife filed for divorce in 2016, he welcomed a third child with a new partner in 2018.
Who owns Ice Ice Baby?
Vanilla Ice ultimately reached a private settlement regarding the rights to “Ice Ice Baby.” Instead of pursuing a court case, he purchased the rights to “Under Pressure” and gave credit to David Bowie and Queen for the sample used in his hit. Over the years, various versions of “Ice Ice Baby” have been released, with songwriting credits consistently attributed to Queen and Bowie.
Conclusion
Vanilla Ice’s journey from a rap sensation to real estate investor illustrates a story of transformation and adaptability. His ability to rebound from personal and professional challenges while maintaining his passion for music and his entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to his enduring impact and talent.
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FAQs about Vanilla Ice’s Net Worth
- What contributed to Vanilla Ice’s net worth?
Ice’s net worth stems from his successful music career, royalties, and his later ventures in television and real estate investment. - Did Vanilla Ice have any other business ventures besides music?
Yes, besides music, Ice has been successful in real estate investment and hosting a home renovation show, “The Vanilla Ice Project.” - How did “Ice Ice Baby” impact Vanilla Ice’s career?
“Ice Ice Baby” was a groundbreaking track that not only made Vanilla Ice a household name but also helped hip-hop music penetrate the mainstream market. - What challenges did Vanilla Ice face in his career?
Ice faced several challenges including public and critical backlash, personal struggles with substance abuse, and legal issues. - What is Vanilla Ice’s real estate strategy?
Vanilla Ice focuses on buying and renovating distressed properties in high-value areas, then selling them for a profit, as seen on his DIY Network show.
