getty
Dear Vanilla Ice,
Excuse the late correspondence. The public was just notified about your participation in BET’s Salute Selma concert scheduled for Sunday, March 8. It is now Saturday, March 7. The time is approximately 10am EST, which means, that in less than 48 hours, this message will self-destruct.
I am respectfully asking you to withdraw from the concert. Please do not take this personal. It has little to do with you being Robert Van Winkle and everything to do with the manifestation of Vanilla Ice cloaked in the American flag leather jacket. You, he, became the prototype of white privilege and misappropriation in Hip-Hop. #PleaseChangeCourse
“Vanilla Ice platinum, that shit’s ridiculous”
–Phife Dawg from “Scenario”
The Stop the Violence movement helped raise consciousness and self-respect in the black community ad midst the crack epidemic. It sounds silly now, but people, young black men in particular, went out their way to apologize for a misstep on someone’s new kicks. The “Peace God” dap-and-hug gesture that even white politicians do today was made popular then (you’d be hard-pressed to find any footage of white people greeting each other like that before the turn of the century).
Emcees were conveying deeper thoughts, getting more lyrical by the minute and the name Vanilla Ice was the anti-thesis of real Hip-Hop.The music started having more messages that promoted pride and “do-for-self” empowerment while warning of “tricknology.” Though KRS was criminal minded, he aimed to H.E.A.L (Human Education Against Lies) through edutainment and made a powerful street tale discerning real love with material entrapment. Ironically, the drug dealer in the song was named Rob and the guy in the video even looks like you.
As a Gen Xer who went to went to a HBCU under the influence of relatives I admired, shows like A Different World and stories of Freaknic; I represented an illmatic era of potential prosperity with a Hop-Hop soundtrack. So on behalf on that delegation; let me ask you, where did you get that catchy “Ice Ice Baby” hook from?
The APPROPRIATE answer: It was a chant originated by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. used during step routines and made popular in the Spike Lee movie School Daze.
Have you ever mentioned that in an interview?
That alleged infamous moment you had with Suge Knight on the balcony was driven by principle. I’m not saying the “negotiated” transfer of wealth was rightfully appropriated to its black frat creators, but I am saying, just like that Queen sample, something is owed and it shouldn’t beunder pressure. Often it is just a humble act of respect and recognition. Read this for understanding the guidelines of white participation in Hip Hop.
There is a reason so many white artists have gone out there way to separate themselves from you. Again, it’s not personal. I’ve grown to like you as a person who just wanted to rap and didn’t ask to be thrown into Great White waters. But it took a while to separate the man from the system of privilege and supremacy. By now, there’s enough evidence of exponential success for a white person who is merely decent at a “black talent.” I like Channing Tatum, but before he was a good actor he was just a white boy who could dance better than most white guys. Yet, it was enough to catapult his career and allotted him the opportunity to shine.
Look, I don’t want to make this a race thing or “patronize” your inner Iggy with an abstract history lesson; I just want to make a desperate plea. Only you, Vanilla Ice, can help preserve a righteous legacy and self-definition of the song Self-Destruction. You’re name does NOT belong on that Wiki page and it’s not too late to bow out.
Now if KRS has given you his blessing, then disregard my request. However, let me put my plea in question form: What notable Hip Hop artists have asked you to collaborate on a song?
Assuming you can’t name one, I guess that’s what separates you from Third Bass, Eminem, Macklemore and others (just had to prove that it’s not about race).
Again, you are not to blame; Paxton Baker and the other BET executives are. Black may not crack but we’ll certainly sell it to each other. In my opinion, BET is exploiting, or perhaps piggybacking Selma’s success. If there wasn’t a movie I don’t think there would be a concert. Furthermore, if they wanted to honor KRS’s Stop the Violence Movement, they would’ve done something in support of Self-Construction which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the song – six years ago.
I must begrudgingly say: BET does not care about black people (Kanye Voice). Here lies the colonialized conundrum that plaques us. Here I am, wanting to punch another black man in the face for hiring you to perform a song about anti-violence. It may be too late for us but you’ll sleep better knowing you didn’t participate in our crimes of self-hate. Peace.
Better Baldwin is a creative mercenary and ethical lobbyist who was born, raised and resides in New York City.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
