Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, is a significant figure in American hip-hop of the early 1990s. His musical style combines elements of rap with rock and pop, resulting in a crossover appeal that helped popularize the genre among mainstream audiences. His single, "Ice Ice Baby," was the first hip-hop song to top the Billboard charts, marking a pivotal moment in the genre's acceptance by the broader music industry. Despite facing criticism for his commercialized style and perceived lack of authenticity, Vanilla Ice's impact on the trajectory of hip-hop is undeniable.