Curiocity: Q&A With Vanilla Ice
Alright, stop. Collaborate and listen. Ice is back with a whole new invention.
It's not really an invention, but the 90s pop icon is back with a new twist on his image.
In addition to performing his catchy hit "Ice Ice Baby", he's acting and hosting TV shows. As he put it, he's "getting in where he fits in."
His smash hit, "Ice Ice Baby" spent 16 weeks on the Billboard charts and sold 11 million copies since 1991.
It's been a personal karaoke favorite since.
But beyond the microphone, Vanilla Ice has a lot going on.
When Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, puts down his mic, he picks up a hammer. He's been a general contractor for much of the last two decades.
His show, "The Vanilla Ice Project" is on its fifth season the DIY Network, where he and his friends fix up and flip houses.
He's also returned to the big screen, co-staring in movies with Adam Sandler.
Children of the 90s may remember he made his debut with the heroes in a half-shell in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" (Everybody say it together: Go Ninja! Go Ninja! Go!).
But he's not giving up the hip hop star lifestyle just yet.
The Timberwolves kicked it old school at their home opener Thursday night by inviting Vanilla Ice to perform at the halftime. His live remix got about as much applause and fanfare as the player introductions did.
He last performed at a game in 2012.
After the performance I chatted with him about his new ventures, basketball and visiting Minnesota.
Word to your mother.
Welcome back to Minneapolis. How do you think it went out there?
Amazing. Magical. Flawless. Perfect. I love coming here, man. It's just a great place, a good vibe, good people. And get in where you fit in. Great to be back, definitely.
The 90s are back in fashion and pop culture. You've got to feel on top of the world being such a big part of that decade. But really, "Ice Ice Baby" never went away.
Without a doubt. I'm trying to live the dream. Whatever that is.
Also making a comeback right now, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
What do you mean comeback? Did it every go away?! Ninja Turtles have been there forever! (then shows off calf tattoo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
Are you in any of their new movies? Can we expect you'll be getting another cameo?
(smiles) I'm zipping my lips. For now, we'll go with a maybe. We'll stick with the Macaroni and Cheese Turtle shaped commercial.
You're not just rapping, singing. You're in the construction world, building houses. And I understand, you lived on an Amish farm?
I believe you get in where you fit in. Wherever the adventure leads, that's where you go. You ride a wave and wherever it takes you, that's where you go.
I didn't really predict it all, but I've been renovating homes for 18 years and it led to that TV show that's been very successful. It's now in the fifth season. It led to the Amish show. Which I go out and live with them; no electricity, no TVs, doing it the way the Amish do it. And build homes with them because they like to build.
We built a barn in two days and we had a barn raising! Also, they bake an awesome apple pie. One of the biggest things I miss is the apple pie. They put a little bit of magic in it. They won't tell me what the ingredients is, but it's so magical. It's so good.
It's been quite an adventure. Filmed a movie with Adam Sandler called "That's My Boy." Just you ride it where it takes you, that's where you are.
Let's talk about the Timberwolves. Last time you were here, you told me you were a fan of Kevin Love, he's not here anymore. You're in a Wolves jersey and hat, so I've got to ask, who are you rooting for this time?
It's all good! You've got the number one draft pick, Andrew Wiggins. He's amazing. I'm sure he's going to marinate and become some kind of super-super star. It may not be such a bad thing KLove is gone.
It's a whole new team and a whole lot of fast runners out there. I think you mix some of that with some of the old school, I think they may be a threat. I'm hoping so.
They've been great to me. I love coming out here. I love the fans. I love Minnesota. Not so much a fan of the weather this time of year, it's getting a little colder. I'm from Florida! But when you come out here and see all the smiles, smiles are contagious. I love coming out here regardless of whatever else it is.
I'm going to put you on the spot, where do you like to go when you're in town?
I like to go to the big mall, Mall of America. I run around there like a big shopper. I love coming to the T-Wolves games. I'm going to go out and watch the second half and cheer them on. There's a lot to do in Minnesota. A lot more to do in the summer. It's such a great place with good people.