How is rapper Robert Matthew Van Winkle better known?

Vanilla Ice.

Robert Matthew Van Winkle is better known by his stage name, Vanilla Ice. He catapulted to fame in the early 1990s with his hit single “Ice Ice Baby,” which became the first hip-hop song to top the Billboard charts. Born on October 31, 1967, in Dallas, Texas, Vanilla Ice’s musical style and persona are iconic of the late 1980s and early 1990s pop culture. His music blends elements of hip-hop with rock and pop, making it uniquely accessible to a broad audience at a time when hip-hop was starting to gain substantial mainstream traction.

Vanilla Ice’s debut album, “Hooked,” was rebranded as “To the Extreme” and re-released after the success of “Ice Ice Baby.” This album went on to spend 16 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200, eventually selling over 15 million copies worldwide. Despite the commercial success, Vanilla Ice’s rapid rise to stardom was met with mixed critical reactions, and he became a polarizing figure in the music industry. Critics often debated his authenticity and his contributions to hip-hop culture, with some viewing him as a novelty act.

In addition to his music career, Vanilla Ice ventured into television and film. He appeared in the 1991 film “Cool as Ice” and later participated in reality TV shows, including “The Surreal Life” and “Dancing with the Stars.” More recently, he has hosted “The Vanilla Ice Project” on DIY Network, where he showcases his skills in home renovation.

Despite the ups and downs of his career, Vanilla Ice remains a memorable figure in the entertainment industry. His story is one of rapid ascent to fame, intense scrutiny, and a personal and professional transformation that saw him finding new paths in television and real estate. His impact on the music scene of the early ’90s is undeniable, marking an era where hip-hop was beginning to shape and influence global pop culture significantly.