The song was first released as the B-side to Vanilla Ice’s cover of “Play That Funky Music,” but it gained popularity on its own, leading to its re-release as the lead single from his debut album, To the Extreme (the first version was released in 1989 by the independent record label Ichiban Records under the title “Hooked”.). The song is notable for being the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Ice Ice Baby” was written by Vanilla Ice (born Robert Van Winkle) and DJ Earthquake (born Floyd Brown). The track samples the bassline from the 1981 song “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie, which became a point of legal contention upon the song’s release. Vanilla Ice initially did not credit Queen and David Bowie, but after legal negotiations, they were subsequently credited. The production features a blend of hip-hop beats and catchy hooks, with Vanilla Ice’s rapid-fire delivery and charismatic performance.
Musically, “Ice Ice Baby” is built around the distinctive bassline from “Under Pressure,” supplemented by additional percussion, synths, and samples. The song has an upbeat and infectious rhythm that contributed to its mainstream appeal. Lyrically, “Ice Ice Baby” is a braggadocious track where Vanilla Ice raps about his lifestyle, partying, and prowess. The verses describe a night out in Miami, filled with excitement and adventure. The chorus—”Ice, Ice Baby”—is simple but memorable, adding to the song’s catchiness.
“Ice Ice Baby” was a massive commercial success. It became the first hip-hop single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for 16 weeks. The song also topped the charts in several other countries, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Ice Ice Baby” remains Vanilla Ice’s most famous song and a defining track of early 1990s pop culture. It has been parodied and referenced in various media, and its iconic status has endured despite the initial backlash from some critics. The success of “Ice Ice Baby” catapulted Vanilla Ice to fame, making him one of the first rappers to achieve mainstream pop success. The song’s crossover appeal helped to bring hip-hop to a wider audience and paved the way for future rap artists to break into the pop market. While Vanilla Ice struggled to replicate the success of “Ice Ice Baby” in his subsequent career, the song itself remains a nostalgic favorite and a symbol of the era. It also highlighted the importance of crediting original artists for sampled material, setting a precedent for future music industry practices.