Vanilla Ice - Discography (1989-2011) 38
Vanilla Ice is an American rapper who rose to fame in the early 1990s with his hit single "Ice Ice Baby". He has released six studio albums, two compilation albums, one live album, one remix album, and 25 singles in his career. His discography spans from 1989 to 2011, and includes various genres such as hip hop, rock, metal, and rap rock. This article will provide an overview of his discography and highlight some of his most notable songs and albums.
Studio Albums
Hooked (1989): This was Vanilla Ice's debut album, released by Ichiban Records. It featured the original version of "Ice Ice Baby", which was later remixed and re-released on his next album. The album also included a cover of "Play That Funky Music", which became a hit in some countries. The album sold poorly and received negative reviews from critics.
To the Extreme (1990): This was Vanilla Ice's breakthrough album, released by SBK Records. It was the fastest-selling hip hop album of all time, selling over seven million copies in the US alone. It featured the remix of "Ice Ice Baby", which was the first hip hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also included other popular songs such as "Ninja Rap", "I Love You", and "Stop That Train". The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its catchy beats but criticized its lyrics and Vanilla Ice's credibility as a rapper.
Mind Blowin' (1994): This was Vanilla Ice's second mainstream album, released by SBK Records. It marked a change in his image and style, as he adopted a more hardcore and gangsta rap persona. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Public Enemy, Naughty by Nature, and Earthquake. The album was a commercial and critical failure, selling less than 50,000 copies in the US and receiving harsh reviews from critics.
Hard to Swallow (1998): This was Vanilla Ice's third mainstream album, released by Universal Records. It marked another change in his image and style, as he embraced a more rock-oriented sound influenced by bands such as Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and Limp Bizkit. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Casey Chaos, Chuck D, and Ross Robinson. The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its production but criticized its lyrics and Vanilla Ice's vocals.
Bi-Polar (2001): This was Vanilla Ice's fourth mainstream album, released by Liquid 8 Records. It was a double album that consisted of two discs: one titled Skabz, which featured ska and punk rock songs; and one titled MC Blowfish, which featured hip hop and rap rock songs. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Insane Clown Posse, La the Darkman, and Bob Kulick. The album received negative reviews from critics, who panned its musical diversity and Vanilla Ice's performance.
Platinum Underground (2005): This was Vanilla Ice's fifth mainstream album, released by Ultrax Records. It was a self-produced album that featured a variety of genres such as hip hop, rock, reggae, and techno. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Cowboy Troy, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, and Chuck D. The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its experimentation but criticized its inconsistency and lack of originality.
W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus) (2011): This was Vanilla Ice's sixth mainstream album, released by Radium Records. It was a rap rock album that featured elements of electro and dubstep. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Insane Clown Posse, Cowboy Troy, Tha Realest, and La the Darkman. The album received positive reviews from critics, who commended its energy and production.
Other Albums
Extremely Live (1991): This was Vanilla Ice's only live album, released by SBK Records. It was recorded during his To the Extreme Tour in 1990 and 1991. It featured live versions of his songs from To the Extreme, as well as some new songs and covers. The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its crowd interaction but criticized its sound quality and Vanilla Ice's rapping skills.
Back 2 Back Hits (1998): This was a compilation album that featured songs from Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer, released by Capitol Records. It included some of their most popular hits, such as "Ice Ice Baby", "U Can't Touch This", "Play That Funky Music", and "Too Legit to Quit". The album received negative reviews from critics, who called it a cash-in and a mockery of both artists.
The Best of Vanilla Ice (1999): This was a compilation album that featured songs from Vanilla Ice's first three albums, released by EMI America. It included some of his most popular and controversial songs, such as "Ice Ice Baby", "Ninja Rap", "Rollin' in My 5.0", and "The Wrath". The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its nostalgia value but criticized its selection and sequencing.
Vanilla Ice Is Back! (2008): This was a remix album that featured new versions of Vanilla Ice's old songs, released by Cleopatra Records. It included remixes by artists such as DJ Gollum, Reanimator, and Disco Freak. The album failed to chart and received negative reviews from critics, who called it unnecessary and unoriginal.
Singles
Vanilla Ice has released 25 singles in his career, some of which have been successful and some of which have been flops. His most successful single is "Ice Ice Baby", which reached number one in the US, UK, Australia, and several other countries. His other notable singles include "Play That Funky Music", "Ninja Rap", "I Love You", "Satisfaction", and "Too Cold". His least successful singles include "Roll 'Em Up", "Born On Halloween", "Get Wit' It", and "W.T.F.".
Vanilla Ice - Discography (1989-2011) 38