Rocktrospectiva: The Smashing "To The Extreme" Turns 35

Released on 10 September 1990, "To The Extreme" was the major-label debut studio album by US rapper Vanilla Ice, recorded between 1989–90, it contained Vanilla Ice's most successful single, "Ice Ice Baby". It was a hip hop and pop rap album produced by Earthquake, Kim Sharp, Khayree, and Darryl Williams. The album spawned the singles "Ice Ice Baby", "Play That Funky Music" & "I Love You". 

Following the release of an early version of the album titled Hooked by Ichiban Records in 1989, Ice was signed by SBK for $325,000 and the mixtape was partially re-recorded and repackaged under the To the Extreme name. "Play That Funky Music" was released as the album's first single, with "Ice Ice Baby" appearing as the B-side. The 12-inch single featured the radio, instrumental and a cappella versions of "Play That Funky Music" and the radio version and "Miami Drop" remix of "Ice Ice Baby". When a disc jockey played "Ice Ice Baby" instead of the single's A-side, the song gained more success than "Play That Funky Music".

Vanilla Ice wrote "Ice Ice Baby" at the age of 16, basing its lyrics upon the South Florida area in which he was raised.  The lyrics describe a drive-by shooting and Vanilla Ice's rhyming skills. The chorus of "Ice Ice Baby" originates from the signature chant of the national African American fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. The song's hook samples the bassline of the 1981 song "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie. Freddie Mercury and David Bowie did not receive credit or royalties for the sample.

 In a 1990 interview, Vanilla Ice joked the two melodies were slightly different because he had added an additional note. Vanilla Ice later paid Mercury and Bowie, who have since been given songwriting credit for the sample. However, he ended up purchasing the rights to the song, because it was cheaper than licensing the sample.

The album was met with lukewarm reviews, with some critics praising Ice's abilities and showmanship, and others the simplistic lyrics and comparisons with fellow rapper MC Hammer. The album sparked controversy due to the unlicensed samples included on the album, including "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen that was later settled out of court. 

Despite the controversies, To the Extreme appeared at the top of the US Billboard 200 albums chart for sixteen consecutive weeks. The lead single "Ice Ice Baby" was the first rap single to top the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified platinum in Canada, Australia and United Kingdom selling over 15 million copies in total.

To The Extreme Track List: 

 

1. Ice Ice Baby

2. Yo Vanilla

3. Stop That Train

4. Hooked

5. Ice Is Workin' It

6. Life Is A Fantasy

7. Plat That Funky Music

8. Dancin'

9. Go Ill

10. It's A Party

11. Juice To Get Loose Boy

12. Ice Cold

13. Rosta Man

14. I Love You

15. Havin' A Roni