Several artists — including Young MC, The Commodores, Morris Day and The Time, among others — have shown solidarity by withdrawing from the Freedom 250 performance.
What was initially presented as a nonpartisan event celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence has become the subject of political debate, largely because of reports linking the event to President Donald Trump. Despite the controversy, Vanilla Ice, who remains on the bill, is marching to the beat of his own drum.
“It’s simple as a pimple for me. There’s nothing to it,” Ice told CBS News. “It’s the birthday of America. Two hundred and fifty years. It’s not anything to do with politics. I don’t know why they’re turning it into politics.”
The “Ice Ice Baby” rapper doesn’t appear to lack compassion. In fact, he said he understands why some artists chose to step away given today’s political climate. For him, however, the focus remains on the fans.
“You can’t pick your fans. They pick you.”
We understand Vanilla Ice’s position. Every artist has to make the decisions they believe are best for their career and stand by them. After all, no one was standing beside him when Suge Knight allegedly invited him to the infamous balcony years ago.
