The Advertising Guy sends me loads of stories about parties and meetings and shoots he attends with some of the big names in L.A. Movie stars, singers, models and the rest of the gang - all wanting a piece of the madness. He takes it in his stride and hardly ever reports back to me, unless it is someone truly big. But "big" in our books, doesn't mean "box office big." We've been down that road - we've played with that bunch, but it's too obvious. By "big," we mean "niche big." Like The Hoff. Or, in this case.... Vanilla Ice! A.K.A. Rob Van Winkle.
Honestly, The Advertising Guy wouldn't even email me, let alone call me if he was hanging with your basic Hollywood A-lister, but the other night I got a call from him in a STATE! This time he was in Vegas.
"Jesus bru! You will not fucking believe who I am drinking with right now!"
"Who....," I replied, bored. "Damon? Farrell?"
"No bru. VANILLA FUCKING ICE!"
"Don't talk shit!" I yelped.
"Swear to God, bru! I just had a beer with him"
"Whatever. Either you get him on the phone or you send a photograph ASAP!"
I didn't expect it to happen and certainly didn't expect it right that moment sent from his phone. It's too beautiful..
The Advertising Guy and Vanilla Ice
Stop it now..
Something obviously grabbed a hold of The Advertising Guy tightly. Try to ignore the incredibly amazing expression on his face and rather enjoy the beauty that is Vanilla Ice. Check his beard! Check his skew cap. And check his nice-guy smile! Awesome! And those tats! Christ! "O-P-E-N" on his fist - it's too much! In a weird way I want Vanilla's children inside me.
I congratulated our boy on a job well done and expected a full report in the morning. As I thought, Ice has turned into a bit of a celeb's celeb - even the big names get a hard-on when they see him. This is what I got:
"Well, it was too much, VIP section at a party in Vegas. Celebs everywhere, but one far more awesome than all the others. I spotted him from across the room, in all his glory. Could that be him? Holy shit it was! The great "Vanilla Ice". I know...the very sound of his name sends a tingle down my spine and brings back a flood of memories. It had been years since he'd crossed my mind. He was beautiful back in the day, dance moves, hair, wardrobe, lyrics, the full package, and them baam, gone forever. Until now...
I made my way over to the legend and chatted for a bit, nothing serious, small hug, how you doing, where you from, obviously asked him if I could get a picture for my boys back home. Lovely chap, friendly and very normal. As you can see he’s been in the gym since we last saw him, also hit the odd tattoo parlor.
He was the centre of attention. He was surrounded by partygirls, entourage, people coming in left and right for a high five and a little Vanilla love. Nothing like a walk down memory lane. It’s been 17 years since he rocked our world. I got a strong sense that the world is ready to re-embrace a true legend. Spotted guys like Tommy Lee, Dave Navarro and Ice T chatting to the legend and even taking down his cell number, no spice.
The man is a “celebs celeb.” Confirmed…fact. I know this is a bold statement but he’s reached “celebs celeb” status. As you know this is a very elite club that only a few of the greatest humans ever to walk the earth belong to. A “celebs celeb” is someone so special that other celebs are in awe of them. Someone that has impacted society so severely that merely being in their presence elevates you to another level.
Yup, it's too beautiful! He has managed to invert himself and, like The TBG, has created an aura (albeit man-made). He's not on an "A" or "B" list. He's above that. And, no matter what you say or think of him - he'll ALWAYS have Ice Ice Baby.
Click HERE for Vanilla's Wiki page - it's an out of control roller-coaster ride of fame, money, greed and power - including the alleged story of when Suge Knight dangled him over a balcony until he signed over the rights to Ice Ice Baby. Stunning! There have been a number of spoofs made of this encounter - namely Vince Vaughan in the movie Be Cool and Johnny Drama in Entourage.
