Net Worth: | $12.0 Million |
---|---|
Age: | 56 |
Born: | Oct 31, 1967 |
Gender: | male |
Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
Country of Origin: | United States of America |
Source of Wealth: | Singer, Actor, Record producer, Rapper, Musician, Presenter |
Last Updated: | 2023 |
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What is Vanilla Ice’s net worth?
Vanilla Ice, the American rapper, actor, and television host, has a net worth of $12 million. He gained fame with his 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby” and his debut album “To the Extreme.” “Ice Ice Baby” was the first hip hop single to reach number one on the Billboard charts.
Vanilla Ice’s Net Worth, Career, and Success Story (2023 Update)
Early Life
Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle on October 31, 1967, in Dallas, Texas, had a challenging childhood. His mother divorced his stepfather when he was four, and he never knew his biological father. He grew up moving between Dallas and Miami, where his stepfather worked as a car salesman.
Vanilla Ice discovered his passion for breakdancing at the age of 13 and became involved in the early hip hop scene. His friends gave him the nickname Vanilla Ice because he was the only white boy breakdancing. Despite initially disliking the nickname, it stuck with him.
At 16, he wrote his famous song “Ice Ice Baby.”
After graduating from high school in 1985, Vanilla Ice competed in motocross and won three championships. However, a broken ankle during a race shifted his focus to perfecting his dance moves. He started performing as a street dancer and eventually became a regular performer at a nightclub called City Lights, where he opened for renowned artists such as N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Paula Abdul.
In 1987, Vanilla Ice was stabbed five times during a fight outside a nightclub but recovered and continued pursuing his musical career. He gained recognition during the Stop the Violence Tour and began working on his demo tape with his manager.
Career
Vanilla Ice’s career took off when his demo tape caught the attention of the independent record label Ichiban Records. In 1989, his single “Ice Ice Baby” was accidentally played by a DJ, and it became an instant hit. The song’s success led to a confrontation with Suge Knight, who forced Vanilla Ice to sign over the rights to the song.
Vanilla Ice’s debut album, “To the Extreme,” became the fastest-selling hip hop album of all time, topping the charts for 16 weeks. He released several more albums, including “Mind Blowin’,” “Hard to Swallow,” “Bi-Polar,” “Platinum Underground,” and “W.T.F.
(Wisdom, Tenacity, and Focus).” He also recorded an album of cover songs titled “Vanilla Ice is Back.”
Aside from his music career, Vanilla Ice contributed to the soundtrack of the movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze” with his song “Ninja Rap.” He also appeared in the movie “Cool As Ice” and participated in reality TV shows such as “The Surreal Life” and “The Vanilla Ice Project,” where he showcased his house-flipping skills.
Personal Life
Vanilla Ice’s personal life has had its ups and downs. He dated Madonna for eight months in 1991-1992 and struggled with drug addiction, attempting suicide with a heroin overdose in 1994. He eventually found solace in family and friends and turned his focus to other passions, such as motocross and jet skiing.
Vanilla Ice married Laura Giaritta in 1997, and they have two daughters together. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2016. He later had another child with a new wife in 2018.
Divorce and Financial Status
In November 2018, Vanilla Ice’s wife filed for divorce after 21 years of marriage. Court documents revealed that he had a monthly income averaging $68,000 and owned various assets, including 15 properties, eight cars, and a boat, totaling around $5 million.
A judge ordered him to pay $121,000 in previous support payments and $10,000 per month until a final settlement is reached.
Real Estate
In 2018, Vanilla Ice put his Melbourne Beach, Florida house on the market for $4.8 million. The waterfront property, featured on “The Vanilla Ice Project,” has four bedrooms and two baths. In 2019, he transferred ownership of the house to his ex-wife for $10, and it was listed for sale in 2020 for $909,000.
Summary
Vanilla Ice, with a net worth of $12 million, has had a successful career as a rapper, actor, and television host. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, he continues to be remembered for his hit songs and contributions to the entertainment industry.