October 31, 1965, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor and television host. His reputation rose to fame with the single he released, “Ice Ice Baby,” which became a major hit and the first hip-hop song that made it to the Billboard chart. His popularity continued to be recognized widely by the audience and the fans despite the criticisms and accusations faced by him because of cultural appropriation. He released several other successful albums throughout the decade. In addition to his rapping career, he starred in multiple films and television. He has also ventured into different business endeavors.
Vanilla Ice’s Early Career and Rise to Fame:
The music career of Vanilla Ice started in the late 1980s when he started performing at parties and local clubs back in the state of Texas. He eventually caught the attention of Tommy Quon, the music executive. He signed Vanilla Ice to SBK Records in 1990.
He released his debut single, “Hooked,” in the following year, but it wasn’t widely recognized by the audience. But “To the Extreme,” Ice’s second album, was a major hit as “Ice Ice Baby” became a major hit. The song created such a buzz that it became a cultural phenomenon. Thus, making it the first-ever song that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album turned into one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.
Though Vanilla Ice rose to fame with the album, it hit him with the accusation of exploiting and appropriating African culture. Even with this backlash, he continued releasing music throughout the 1990s. He also starred in films making his way into the film industry.
Vanilla Ice’s Earnings:
Vanilla Ice’s Earnings skyrocketed with the success of “To the Extreme.” Reportedly, he earned subsequent amounts of money from sales, tours, and endorsements. He also earned a significant amount of money by signing a lucrative deal with Coca-Cola and promoting their soft drink surge.
In the following years, he continued to release a significant number of albums and tours. In addition to his, he also appeared in numerous television shows, namely, “Celebrity Boxing” and “The Surreal Life.”
One of his most iconic earning opportunities came in 1992 when he was cast in the film, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze.” Not only he starred in the movie, but he also released the hit single “Ninja Rap” for the movie’s soundtrack. He earned a decent amount from the song.
Along with this, he also experimented with reality television, anchoring the DIY network program “The Vanilla Ice Project” from 2010 until 2018. Additionally, his business endorsements, including partnerships with famous brands, also helped him earn a surplus amount of money. He also starred for branded companies in their commercials.
Also, Vanilla’s assets have made a substantial contribution to his wealth. Also, with the success of his business, he has established himself as a shrewd investor and skilled house flipper.
Vanilla Ice’s Real Estate Holdings:
Vanilla Ice has amassed a significant and substantial portfolio of houses by having worked in the real estate industry for more than ten years. In states like Florida, California, and Texas, he has bought, renovated, and made house sales in various locations.
Vanilla Ice reportedly owns multiple properties in Florida. He also put up one of his houses in Florida for sale for $4.8 million. The following consists of 4 bedrooms and two baths. The house also boasts a private beach, pool, detached cabana, massive garage and rocket.
Along with owning houses, he has also invested in properties around the area. In the Miami region, he has also flipped and sold a number of houses.
There are rumors that Vanilla Ice has a ranch near Wellington, Texas. The property includes various outbuildings, a main house, guest house and spans over 100 acres of land on the site.
When Laura, Vanilla Ice’s wife, filed a divorce in November 2018, it was revealed that his average monthly income was $68,000. It was also discovered that Ice had $3 million in liquid assets, as well as 15 residences, eight automobiles, and a boat, for a total of almost $5 million. Depending on market circumstances and values, the worth of his real estate holdings might be much higher.
Vanilla Ice’s Net Worth 2023:
$22 million is estimated to be Vanilla Ice’s 2023 net worth. He has earned his checks through a variety of endeavors, including his prosperous music career, acting career, and commercial interests. With organized tours, sponsorships, and movie roles, he has made millions of dollars. He has also dabbled in real estate and house remodeling, which turned out to be a great source of revenue for him.
Vanilla Ice’s Net Worth 2022:
According to the estimates in 2022, Vanilla Ice’s net worth was around $12 million.
Vanilla Ice’s Personal Life:
Vanilla Ice’s real name is Robert Matthew Winkle was born on October 31, 1967, in South Dallas, Texas. His mother, Camilla Beth, raised him as his father abandoned him when he was four years old. From his maternal side, he has German and English ancestry.
Vanilla Ice struggled in school during his adolescence, receiving poor grades and frequently skipping classes. He left his education when he turned 18 and was in 10th grade. He earned a living by washing off the cars in the late 1980s. Within these years, he carefully observed the culture and dances of his friends before registering himself for performing at a nearby nightclub. Naturally talented at rapping and dancing, the crowd adored him. He eventually acquired the nickname “Vanilla Ice” because of his white skin.
In 1997, Vanilla Ice married Laura Giaritta. The couple had two kids together. However, after 14 years of marriage, the pair divorced in 2011. Although the details of their divorce and separation were not made public, it is reported that Vanilla Ice was requesting shared custody of their children.
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