W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus)

Last updated
W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus)
Vanilla Ice WTF.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 30, 2011 (2011-08-30)
Recorded2008–10
Genre
Label Radium
Vanilla Ice chronology
Vanilla Ice Is Back!
(2008)
W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus)
(2011)
Singles from W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity And Focus)
  1. "Turn It Up"
    Released: July 4, 2010
  2. "Born on Halloween"
    Released: October 9, 2010
  3. "Rock Star Party"
    Released: April 26, 2011

W.T.F. (Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus), also known as W.T.F. or just WTF, is the sixth and, to date, most recent studio album by American rapper Robert Van Winkle, known as Vanilla Ice. Originally scheduled for a 2009 release, it was officially released as a digital download on August 30, 2011, through Radium Records, executive produced by Vanilla Ice, Nick DeTomaso and Mark Mehwald.

Contents

In contrast to some previous releases by Van Winkle, the album included notable active collaborators Cowboy Troy and the Insane Clown Posse, both artists that Van Winkle has been an open fan of. It also includes songs with a variety of genre influences, ranging from straightforward hip hop to rap rock to country music and others. The album sold just 1,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Music. [1]

History

The album was first announced on Robert Van Winkle's Twitter account under the title Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is A Mystery, scheduled for an initial 2009 release on StandBy Records. [2] The album was completed in February 2010, and it was announced that its new title would be WTF, an initialism for Wisdom, Tenacity and Focus. [3] [4] [5] On May 17, 2010, the album's track listing was revealed through Van Winkle's official website. [6] The album was officially released on Radium Records as a digital download through Amazon MP3 and iTunes on August 30, 2011. [7] [8] The album has since been released on CD by Radium Records [9] following the success of his reality show The Vanilla Ice Project.

Music

The album touches upon diverse musical genres, including hip hop, [4] [5] acoustic, [4] [5] country [4] [5] and techno. [4] [5] It features guest appearances by Violent J of Insane Clown Posse and Cowboy Troy. [10] [11]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Vanilla Ice.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Turn It Up"Vanilla Ice and Rod-J3:24
2."Rock Star Party"Vanilla Ice2:38
3."Good Times" (featuring Cowboy Troy)Vanilla Ice, Rod-J and Cowboy Troy4:05
4."Cadillac Ninjaz"Vanilla Ice3:13
5."Nightmare Disco"Vanilla Ice3:03
6."Born on Halloween" (featuring Insane Clown Posse)Vanilla Ice and Violent J4:05
7."Wit Dat"Vanilla Ice4:05
8."Bought & Sold" (featuring Ruckus)Vanilla Ice and La tha Darkman3:45
9."My Way" (featuring Ruckus)Vanilla Ice3:37
10."5446"Vanilla Ice3:08
11."Oh Momma"Vanilla Ice1:36
12."Impossible Mission"Vanilla Ice and Rod-J2:23
13."Hooked" (Unplugged)Vanilla Ice and DeShay1:55
14."King of the Daredevils (skit)"Evil Knievel2:09
15."Da Ha Da Ha" (featuring Cowboy Troy)Cowboy Troy5:05
16."Bought & Sold" (Brandon Bishop remix)Vanilla Ice and La tha Darkman3:15
Total length:51:26

Samples

Born on Halloween

5446

Oh Momma

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juggalo</span> A fan of the group Insane Clown Posse or any other Psychopathic Records hip hop group

A juggalo is a fan of the hip hop group Insane Clown Posse or any other hip hop group signed to Psychopathic Records. Juggalos have developed their own idioms, slang, and characteristics. The Gathering of the Juggalos, alternatively known as just "The Gathering", is a notable annual festival held by juggalos and the artists that they support, which have included rap stars such as Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, and MC Hammer; over its first eleven events (2000–2010), the festival drew a total attendance of about 107,500 fans, averaging nearly 9,800 per year, with a peak of 20,000 in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanilla Ice</span> American rapper (born 1967)

Robert Matthew Van Winkle, known professionally as Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, actor, and television host. Born in South Dallas, and raised in Texas and South Florida, Ice released his debut album, Hooked, in 1989 on Ichiban Records, before signing a contract with SBK Records, a record label of the EMI Group, which released a reformatted version of the album in 1990 under the title To the Extreme which became the fastest-selling hip hop album of all time and contained Ice's best-known hits: "Ice Ice Baby" and a cover of "Play That Funky Music". "Ice Ice Baby" was the first hip hop single to top the Billboard charts and has been credited with helping to diversify hip hop by introducing it to a mainstream audience.

<i>The Wraith: Shangri-La</i> 2002 studio album by Insane Clown Posse

The Wraith: Shangri-La is the eighth studio album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on November 5, 2002, by Psychopathic Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in 2002 at multiple recording studios throughout the United States. The album is the first of two albums representing the sixth Joker's Card in the group's Dark Carnival mythology. The album's lyrics describe the titular Wraith's exhibition of heaven.

<i>Carnival of Carnage</i> 1992 studio album by Insane Clown Posse

Carnival of Carnage is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on October 18, 1992, by Psychopathic Records.

<i>Riddle Box</i> 1995 studio album by Insane Clown Posse

Riddle Box is the third studio album by the American hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse, released in October 1995 on Battery Records and Island Records in association with Psychopathic Records. It is the third Joker's Card in the group's Dark Carnival mythology. It was released a second time by Battery Records and Jive Records. In 2008 it was re-released on a Riddle Box vinyl record. The album was the first Insane Clown Posse album in which the group worked with studio vocalist and guitarist Rich Murrell, who would work with the group throughout much of their career under the name Legz Diamond. It was released in four different versions, and earned a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2008, Riddle Box was re-released on vinyl double LP format. In 2015, Psychopathic Records reissued the album in a 20th anniversary edition, featuring bonus tracks.

<i>The Amazing Jeckel Brothers</i> 1999 studio album by Insane Clown Posse

The Amazing Jeckel Brothers is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on May 25, 1999, by Island Records, in association with Psychopathic Records. Recording sessions for the album took place from 1998 to 1999. The album is the fifth Joker's Card in the group's Dark Carnival mythology. The album's lyrics focus on the nine circles of hell and the morality of man as he is torn between righteousness and evil. The album's titular Jeckel Brothers are spirits who juggle balls of fire, representing the sins committed during the mortal life of the dead.

Psychopathic Records is an American independent record label headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The label is most associated with the hip-hop music subgenres horrorcore and rap rock. The label was founded in 1991 by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse. The iconography of a man with a meat cleaver has been used for years as a symbol of the group, its fanbase, and its associates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Violent J</span> American rapper

Joseph Frank Bruce, known by his stage name Violent J, is an American rapper, record producer, professional wrestler, and part of the hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse. He is a co-founder of the record label Psychopathic Records, with fellow ICP rapper Shaggy 2 Dope and their former manager, Alex Abbiss. Also along with Utsler, Bruce is the co-founder of the professional wrestling promotion Juggalo Championship Wrestling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaggy 2 Dope</span> American rapper

Joseph William Utsler, known by his stage name Shaggy 2 Dope, is an American rapper, record producer, DJ, podcast host of Shaggy and The Creep Show, and professional wrestler. He is part of the hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse. He is the co-founder of the record label Psychopathic Records, with fellow Insane Clown Posse rapper Violent J and their former manager, Alex Abbiss. Along with Bruce, Utsler is the co-founder of the professional wrestling promotion Juggalo Championship Wrestling, where he currently acts as color commentator.

<i>Tunnel of Love</i> (EP) 1996 EP by Insane Clown Posse

Tunnel of Love is the fourth EP by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on April 19, 1996, by Psychopathic Records. It is the third and final "sideshow" entry in the group's Dark Carnival saga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gathering of the Juggalos</span> Annual music festival in the US

The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual music festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label roster as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Jumpsteady, Insane Clown Posse, and their label in 2000. Described by Joseph Bruce as a "Juggalo Woodstock", the Gathering of the Juggalos spans five days and includes concerts, wrestling, games, contests, autograph sessions, karaoke, and seminars with artists. Over its first eleven events (2000–2010), the festival drew a total attendance upward of 100,000 fans.

<i>Platinum Underground</i> 2005 studio album by Vanilla Ice

Platinum Underground is the fifth studio album by American rapper Vanilla Ice. Released on August 16, 2005, it is the rapper's third independent release, after Hooked and Bi-Polar. Allmusic reviewer Rob Theakston panned the album, writing that it "has more bad spots in it than most unless you are a diehard fan".

<i>A Carnival Christmas</i> 1994 EP by Insane Clown Posse

A Carnival Christmas is the third EP by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on December 6, 1994, by Psychopathic Records. It was reissued in 1997 by Island Records with alternate artwork. The reissue removed the EP's final two tracks. The first two songs on the EP are included in the compilation Forgotten Freshness Volumes 1 & 2. It is the 5th overall release by Insane Clown Posse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Homies (song)</span> 2002 single by Insane Clown Posse featuring Twiztid

"Homies" is a song written by Insane Clown Posse, Mike Puwal and Twiztid for ICP's 2002 album The Wraith: Shangri-La. After the 1992 single "Psychopathic", "Homies" is the second single released by the group to not be produced by Mike E. Clark, who had stopped working with Psychopathic Records due to a disagreement with ICP's Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler. Clark later produced a remix of the song, which appeared on Forgotten Freshness Volume 4, after Clark reconciled with ICP.

<i>Bang! Pow! Boom!</i> 2009 studio album by Insane Clown Posse

Bang! Pow! Boom! is the eleventh studio album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse. Released on September 1, 2009 by Psychopathic Records, it was the group's second album with producer Mike E. Clark since his return to Psychopathic Records, and the first album to focus on the Dark Carnival since the conclusion of the group's original "Joker's Cards" series. The character is the first of a set of six new Joker's Cards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insane Clown Posse</span> American hip hop duo from Michigan

Insane Clown Posse, often abbreviated as ICP, is an American hip hop duo. Formed in Detroit in 1989 as a gangsta rap group, ICP's best-known lineup consists of rappers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse is known for its elaborate live performances and theatrical horror-inspired lyrics. The duo has earned two platinum and five gold albums. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the entire catalog of the group had sold 6.5 million units in the United States and Canada as of April 2007. The group has established a dedicated following called Juggalos numbering in the "tens of thousands".

A Family Underground is an American documentary film written and directed by Paul Andresen. Filmed at the 2008 Gathering of the Juggalos, the film focus on the event and the Juggalo fan base. Gathering of the Juggalos is a music festival hosted by Psychopathic Records every summer. Their fan base, known as Juggalos, have become an underground musical subculture.

<i>The Mighty Death Pop!</i> 2012 studio album by Insane Clown Posse

The Mighty Death Pop! is the twelfth studio album by Underground American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on August 14, 2012. It is their second album to focus on the Dark Carnival since the conclusion of the group's original "Joker's Cards" series. The title character is the second in a set of six new Joker's Cards. It is the group's 29th overall release, and is the last album to date to feature long-time producer Mike E. Clark.

<i>Featuring Freshness</i> 2011 compilation album by Insane Clown Posse

Featuring Freshness is the tenth compilation album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse. It was released on November 1, 2011. The album compiles many of the group's collaborations with other rappers. Though the majority of the material on this set is previously released, three new tracks appear on the album, featuring appearances from Afroman, Big Hutch and Paris. Previously released material includes collaborations with the Psychopathic Records and Hatchet House lineup, Ice-T, Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock and Tech N9ne. It is the group's 28th overall release.

<i>Fearless Fred Fury</i> Album by Insane Clown Posse

Fearless Fred Fury is the fifteenth studio album by American hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse, and their fourth Joker Card in the second Deck of the Dark Carnival Saga. Originally planned for release simultaneously with their twelve-track extended play titled Flip the Rat on October 26, 2018 via Psychopathic Records, it was delayed until February 15, 2019.

References

  1. https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/2015/2015-38-11-14-Issue-34-Billboard-Page-0074.pdf#search=%22vanilla%20ice%22 [ bare URL ]
  2. Bilinski, Michael (August 3, 2009). "New album from Vanilla Ice". Philadelphia: Underground Music Examiner.
  3. Sweet Tweets... with a Side of Vanilla Ice! | Lopez Tonight
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Brundage, Kurt M. (19 February 2010). "Vanilla Ice's new album – WTF – Pre-orders". Ultrax. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Vanilla Ice (Feb 18, 2010). "9324195822". Twitter . Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  6. Brundage, Kurt M. (17 May 2010). "New album! WTF Now available!". Ultrax. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  7. "WTF: Vanilla Ice: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved 2012-03-16.
  8. "iTunes - Music - Wtf by Vanilla Ice". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2012-03-16.
  9. "Vanilla Ice "WTF" CD - Vanilla Ice". Indiemerch.com. Retrieved 2012-03-16.
  10. Twitter / You can pre order the new album WTF on Vanillaice.com now ! Calabs with @ICP , Slim Thug, @Cowboy Troy, @Mike Clark, and more.
  11. Twitter / Vanilla Ice: Check this out, It just recorded a song for the new record WTF with @ICP called Born On Halloween, wait till you hear it! Whoop whoop !