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Vanilla Ice remains committed to performing at the Freedom 250 concert in honor of America’s significant birthday, despite several artists backing out this week. The rapper emphasized that “music is not political.”
On Friday, Vanilla Ice confirmed his participation in the Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., an event associated with President Trump. This announcement comes after artists like Martina McBride and Bret Michaels unexpectedly withdrew from the lineup.
“I’m here to celebrate with America,” the rapper, famous for “Ice Ice Baby,” told TMZ. “Music is meant to unite people, and that’s exactly what we aim to do. We’re all about representing the ’90s vibe.”
At 58, Robert Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, insists that the event’s focus is on commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, steering clear of political connotations.
“I don’t even vote, so politics doesn’t concern me,” he explained. “If President Biden invited me to perform at his daughter’s wedding, I’d be there. It’s not a big deal to me.”
“You play for your fans. We don’t get a chance to pick our fans, they pick us. And I’ll go play for Putin and I’ll play in Iran if you want, it don’t matter. There’s fans everywhere.”
“Music is not political, it’s universal,” he added.
Vanilla Ice also brushed off criticism surrounding the event and the artists who have decided not to participate.
“Come on, enjoy the dancing. Don’t take it so serious. We’re just entertainers, man,” he said. “I don’t think anybody should take this serious, including them.
“I think everybody should just go dance. It’s just music, what’s the big deal, man? We’re just entertainers.”
The rapper has previously performed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, taking the stage at the Palm Beach, Fla., club during a New Year’s Eve bash at the end of last year.
Vanilla Ice echoed the sentiments in an Instagram video Thursday, saying he was “honored” to be part of the celebration.
“America is turning 250. Come on, man. Let’s go,” he said. “We’re gonna bring back the ’90s. Put your dancing shoes on.
“It’s all about enjoying the great times of 250 years, man. George Washington until now, all the presidents and everybody in between.”
He captioned the post: “Happy birthday America 250 years. It’s gonna be an epic party. This is to bring us all together.
“This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday. Nothing too serious just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories.”
His comments come after several acts announced they were withdrawing from the Freedom 250 concert following this week’s lineup reveal.
Country singer Martina McBride exited the event one day after being announced, calling the promotion surrounding the concert “misleading.” Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day & The Time and The Commodores have also backed out.
Still on the bill are Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory and Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan.
Freedom 250 was launched by Trump last year and describes itself as a “national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday.”
The Freedom 250 concert is part of the Great American State Fair, a free festival that will take over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 through July 10.