Vanilla Ice is supporting the Freedom 250 concert celebrating America's anniversary after several performers pulled out this week, saying "music is not political.".
On Friday, the rapper confirmed that he will still perform at the Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair event in Washington, D.C., supported by President Trump, after Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and other artists abruptly dropped out.
«"I'm here to celebrate with America, man. Music is meant to bring people together, and that's what we're here for. And we're just going to represent the '90s," the "Ice Ice Baby" singer said in an interview with TMZ. .
Vanilla Ice confirmed he will perform at the Freedom 250 concert in support of President Trump after several other performers pulled out. Instagram/Vanilla Ice
The 58-year-old man, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, claimed the event was about celebrating the country's 250th anniversary, not politics.
«"I don't even vote, so I don't care. If Biden called and said, 'My daughter's getting married, we need Vanilla Ice,' I'd go play. It doesn't really matter," he said.
«"You play for your fans. We don't get to choose our fans; they choose us. And I'll go play for Putin, and I'll play in Iran, if you want, it doesn't matter. Fans are everywhere.".
«"Music is not political, it is universal," he added.
Vanilla Ice also brushed off criticism of the event and the artists who decided not to participate.
The 58-year-old rapper said he'd even be willing to play for Putin or Biden, and that "music isn't politics." Instagram/Vanilla Ice
«"Come on, enjoy the dancing. Don't take it so seriously. We're just performers," he said. "I don't think anyone should take it seriously, including themselves.".
«"I think everyone just needs to go out and dance. It's just music, what's the big deal? We're just artists.".
The rapper has previously performed at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, taking to the stage at the club in Palm Beach, Florida, during a New Year's Eve party late last year.
The Great American State Fair will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 to July 10. (Photo: Getty Images)
On Thursday, Vanilla Ice expressed similar sentiments in an Instagram video, saying he was honored to be part of the celebration.
«"America is turning 250. Come on, boys. Let's go!" he said. "We're bringing back the '90s. Put on your dancing shoes.".
«"The main thing is to enjoy the good times of 250 years ago, you know? From George Washington to the present day, all the presidents and everyone in between.".
The Freedom 250 initiative was launched by President Trump to lead the "celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary." (Photo: Samuel Corum – Pool via CNP/Shutterstock)
He captioned the post: "Happy Birthday, America, 250 years! It's going to be one big party. It's meant to bring us all together.".
«"This isn't a political program. We're celebrating America's birthday. Nothing too serious, just want to have fun, dance, and savor some wonderful memories.".
His comments come after several performers announced they would pull out of the Freedom 250 concert following the lineup announcement this week.
Martina McBride pulled out of a concert, saying the event, which celebrated America's 250th anniversary, was "misleading." (Getty Images)
Country singer Martina McBride withdrew from the event the day after it was announced, calling the concert's advertising campaign "misleading." Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time, and The Commodores also pulled out.
The lineup still includes Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory and Milli Vanilli's Fab Morvan.
Freedom 250 was founded by Trump last year and describes itself as "a national, nonpartisan organization leading our country's 250th anniversary celebration.".
The Freedom 250 concert is part of the Great American State Fair, a free festival taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 to July 10.