Vanilla Ice on Why He Grew Dreadlocks (Part 9)

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Part 8: https://youtu.be/OrPEaz6fujU
Part 10: https://youtu.be/OlGqd7R_Qwg
Part 1: https://youtu.be/nK3U0eSUVVs
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Vanilla Ice delved into his remarkable journey from a pop sensation to adopting dreadlocks in the mid-90s. Initially, Ice scored major sponsorship deals with Nike and Coca-Cola, thanks to his unprecedented fame. Reflecting on that era, he compared endorsement deals to NASCAR sponsorships, with brands eager to align their logos with his soaring popularity. However, by 1994, Ice underwent a significant lifestyle change. He embraced Rastafarian culture, became a vegetarian, and grew dreadlocks—a transformation catalyzed by his desire to escape his overwhelming fame. Ice revealed that the shift wasn’t intended to be an image overhaul but rather a way to “hide out” and regain some normalcy. Spending time at South Beach, he let his hair lock naturally with sand and seawater, enabling him to avoid the intense public scrutiny that came with his former persona. Beyond altering his appearance, Ice also evolved personally. He sought to escape the pressures of stardom through various means, including drug use, but ultimately found solace in facing reality soberly.