Album: Bi-Polar

Introduction
"Bi-Polar" is the 4th studio album by the American rap artist and songwriter Vanilla Ice, launched on October 23, 2001. This album marked a considerable departure from Vanilla Ice's earlier works, showcasing a heavy influence of nu-metal, hardcore, and punk styles, alongside hip-hop. The album likewise included partnerships from notable musicians, including Casey Chaos, Insane Poetry, and La the Darkman. "Bi-Polar" was launched under the Ultrax label, with circulation from the independent label Emperor Norton Records.

Background and Recording
After the release of his 1998 studio album "Hard to Swallow", Vanilla Ice (real name Robert Van Winkle) felt a strong urge to explore different genres and designs of music. He looked for to create a more dynamic and special noise that would set him apart from the mainstream rap scene. "Bi-Polar" was conceived as a double album with two unique halves - one focused on heavy metal and the other on hip-hop.

During the recording procedure of "Bi-Polar", Vanilla Ice worked together with manufacturer Ross Robinson, best known for producing albums for bands like Korn, Slipknot, and Limp Bizkit. The heavy metal tracks were taped with a live band, featuring members of the Los Angeles-based punk and metal group The Bellrays. With its aggressive sound and detailed plans, the metal side of the album showcased a stark contrast to the hip-hop portion.

The hip-hop tracks were produced by notorious producer Rodney Jerkins, known for working with prominent artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Jennifer Lopez. These tracks preserved a timeless hip-hop feel to them, with catchy hooks and beats that paid homage to Vanilla Ice's rap roots.

Material and Themes
"Bi-Polar" tackled various themes, with the most popular focusing on Vanilla Ice's struggles with bipolar illness and anxiety. The album also delves into the rapper's individual life, exposing the hardships he faced after his meteoric rise to popularity in the 90s and the subsequent decline of his music career.

One of the standout tracks on the album, "Nothing is Real", includes dark and reflective lyrics that talk about Vanilla Ice's battles with popularity and the concept that not everything in life is as it appears. Other notable tracks on the album consist of "Exhale", which features a crossover in between rap and heavy metal, and "Elvis Killed Kennedy", a controversial song that ponders the conspiracies surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Reception and Legacy
"Bi-Polar" got combined reviews from critics, with some praising the artist's venture into new musical territories and experimentation with various categories, while others criticized the irregular sound and quality of the record. Unfortunately, the album did not make a considerable influence on the charts and failed to attain commercial success.

However, "Bi-Polar" stands as a necessary piece of Vanilla Ice's discography that showcases his flexibility as an artist. The album represents a brave effort by the rapper to transform himself and defy the expectations put upon him by the music market and his fans.

In conclusion, "Bi-Polar" is a remarkable album that shows Vanilla Ice's struggle to find himself in a constantly moving musical landscape. Regardless of its lack of industrial success, the record stays an appealing and strong statement from an artist who declines to be pigeonholed into a specific genre or sound. It stands as a testament to Vanilla Ice's strength and decision to evolve as an artist, demonstrating his desire to continuously push boundaries in his music.