Vanilla Ice Reflects on Lasting Impact of 'Ninja Rap' and 'Ice Ice Baby'

The '90s icon discusses his role in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II' and how his hit songs continue to resonate with new generations.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Vanilla Ice, real name Rob Van Winkle, reflects on his role in the 1991 film 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze' and the lasting impact of his hit songs 'Ice Ice Baby' and 'Ninja Rap.' He discusses how young fans are still discovering his music through the Ninja Turtles movie, the process of creating 'Ninja Rap,' and his plans to release a new album titled 'Vanilla Ice Now and Forever' featuring remastered versions of his classic tracks.

Why it matters

Vanilla Ice's involvement in the Ninja Turtles franchise introduced his music to a new generation of fans, helping to cement his status as an iconic '90s artist. As he prepares to release a new album, his reflections on the enduring popularity of his hits provide insight into the lasting cultural impact of his work.

The details

In the 1991 film 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze,' Vanilla Ice played a role where he performed the song 'Ninja Rap' on stage as the Turtles danced. Van Winkle said he wrote the song in one night, excited about the opportunity. He also had to teach the Turtles the dance routines, which was a challenge given their bulky costumes. Van Winkle has remained a lifelong Ninja Turtles fan, passing on his love for the franchise to his four daughters.

  • Vanilla Ice filmed his scenes for 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II' during a break from his 1990 tour.
  • 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze' is returning to theaters March 13 - 19, 2026 via Fathom Entertainment.
  • Vanilla Ice's 1991 film 'Cool as Ice' is also celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Vanilla Ice

Rapper and actor, also known as Rob Van Winkle, who starred in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze' and is known for hit songs like 'Ice Ice Baby' and 'Ninja Rap.'

Charles Koppelman

Former EMI Records CEO who presented Vanilla Ice with his gold, platinum, double and triple platinum album plaques during the filming of 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II.'

Dave Franco

Actor attached to play Vanilla Ice in an upcoming biopic titled 'To the Extreme.'

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What they’re saying

“They're like, 'Well, I started off with the Ninja Turtles and then I heard he did other songs,'”

— Vanilla Ice (UPI)

“I did it in one night, actually the night before that in my hotel room. I was so excited, I couldn't sleep.”

— Vanilla Ice (UPI)

“We get the soccer moms that come in. People come out dressed like Ninja Turtles.”

— Vanilla Ice (UPI)

What’s next

Vanilla Ice will reunite with Adam Sandler in the upcoming film 'Grown Ups 3,' and a biopic about his life titled 'To the Extreme' is in development with Dave Franco attached to play him.

The takeaway

Vanilla Ice's role in the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' franchise and his hit songs like 'Ice Ice Baby' and 'Ninja Rap' have had a lasting impact, introducing his music to new generations of fans and cementing his status as an iconic '90s artist. As he prepares to release a new album, Vanilla Ice's reflections on his career highlight the enduring appeal of his work and the cultural significance of the '90s era.