Vanilla Ice Is ‘Honored’ to Perform at America 250 Event Despite Backlash: ‘Not About Politics’

Vanilla Ice is making no apologies for taking the stage to celebrate America.

The 58-year-old rapper (real name: Robert Van Winkle) is standing by his choice to perform at America 250’s Great American State Fair.

In an interview with Fox News Digital published on Wednesday, July 1, the singer said, “It’s kinda shocking to me that we can’t celebrate the birthday of our country” without backlash, he said, adding that he felt “honored” to be asked and that “it’s not about politics.”

The rapper didn’t hold back when explaining what the flag means to him.

“Man, I raise the flag at every concert I go to. You know that. And I’m proud because I know what we’ve gone through for 250 years to be where we are. And I am proud because I’m friends with so many soldiers,” he added.

The celebrations, he said, are “part of our freedom” as well as “part of the fun that we are allowed to do these things and enjoy our freedom, and come together.”

The rapper also addressed the criticism surrounding his decision to take part in President Donald Trump-backed events, saying he is “just an entertainer” and that artists should not be expected “to be dragged into politics and stuff.”

“I think people are taking everything too serious, and you should enjoy this concert, this celebration of our country, and we should all come together. That’s what music’s for anyway, to bring people together,” he told Fox News. “Music brings people together, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The National Enquirer reported on Friday, May 29, once the lineup became public, that several acts had backed out, among them Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, the Commodores, and Morris Day.

The rapper weighed in on their exits during his interview on Fox News. “I don’t think it’s fair for all the other musicians. I respect them all too, that pulled out even, because they’re still on tour with me, and they have their own reasons, and they live in different places, and it’s different,” he said.

“They have to feel that heat. So for them, it’s not fair and they just kind of like, ‘Hey man, I don’t need all this heat. I’m just here to play and enjoy,'” he added. “But for me, I’m gonna celebrate my country and I don’t think anybody should tell me I shouldn’t, and I’m honored to be on this.”

The rapper had been amped about the gig for weeks, despite the backlash. On June 26, he hyped it up on Instagram, writing, “Once in a lifetime, happy birthday America. Put your dance shoes on. We’re all gonna come together and be teenagers for the night. #GoNinjaGoNinjaGo.”