Vanilla Ice has defended his decision to perform at the Donald Trump-backed 'Freedom 250' festival, insisting that music should not be political. The rapper, best known for his 1990 hit 'Ice Ice Baby', is one of only two acts confirmed to still be playing the event, after multiple artists dropped out.
In an interview with TMZ, Vanilla Ice said he would perform for any leader, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'I'll go play for Putin and I'll play in Iran if you want. It don't matter,' he stated. The rapper added that he does not vote and does not care about politics, viewing his role purely as an entertainer.
The 'Freedom 250' festival, scheduled for June 26 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has seen five of its nine originally announced acts withdraw: Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day, Martina McBride and the Commodores. Freedom Williams of C&C Music Factory is considering dropping out, while Flo Rida has not commented. Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli is the only other confirmed performer alongside Vanilla Ice.
Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, said he is 'here to party with America' and that music brings people together. 'It's just music. What's the big deal, man? We're just entertainers,' he remarked, urging people not to take things too seriously and to enjoy the celebration of America's 250th birthday.
