Robert Van Winkle, who is better known as the rapper Vanilla Ice, held court online last week with more than 1,000 fans.

In a rambling conversation, Van Winkle praised the poses of the 1990s band Bell Biv DeVoe and demurred when asked about his relationship with Madonna. He dispensed advice on real estate and life, saying, "You got to protect your happiness to protect your life.” At one point, an attendee serenaded the gathering with an a cappella version of his hit "Ice Ice Baby.”

Several hours later, Van Winkle confessed that he needed to leave before the mother of his child got angry.