VANILLA ICE IN TORONTO TO PROMOTE "THE VANILLA ICE PROJECT"

Vanilla Ice & Mr. Will-W.

Before there was Eminem, there was Vanilla Ice. In 1990, the then 23 year-old Rapper released his debut album To The Extreme, which became the fastest-selling Rap Album of the Soundscan era.  It went on to sell eleven million copies, reaching the summit of the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Chart. His mega-hit Ice Ice Baby was the first-ever Hip Hop Track to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart also. Before we knew it, Vanilla Ice soon became a household name, further catapulted by his relationship with Madonna. But what happened?

After a battle with Drugs, Depression and oppressive Management which culminated in a much-publicized Suicide attempt in 1994, Vanilla Ice is now making Music on his own terms and taking full control of his Career. Many don't realize that the Rapper also is an expert in Home Renovation and just last October his Reality Television series The Vanilla Ice Project, premiered on the DIY Network in the U.S.  The Series follows Vanilla Ice and his Crew as they take a 7,000 sq. ft. Florida property and revamp it completely. 

Receiving positive reviews and ratings, a second season of the Series has been ordered by DIY Network.  Its reception has been so positive that we too in Canada will be seeing it soon as it premieres February 13, 2011 at 8 PM EST on DIY Network Canada.  Who would've known?

VIRGIN AMERICA TORONTO LAUNCH PARTY AT THE THOMPSON (PICS AND GOSSIP)

I would die to have a Boss like Sir Richard Branson.  The man is an absolute Rock Star with a clear understanding of what makes this Ikea-buying generation tick.  He understands the power of Celebrity and the importance of Budgeting and Style as driving forces for consumers. His vision has made Virgin Group the Empire that it is today.

To have been invited to one of his parties is an amazing honour and an experience I will never forget.  Held at ultra-swank The Thompson Hotel, Virgin America's Launch Party for its first-ever international flight to Toronto, brought together Influencers of all sorts and a handful of recognizable Stars.  

With a Drink List that offered tantalizing selections like The Virgintini and endless helpings of Sliders, Cold Spring Rolls, Lamb Chops, Salmon Tartare Canapés and many, many more, Branson owns the term Hospitality.  After mingling a bit, I decided to proceed to the Lower Level, where he could be found sitting on a Bench with Guru-like presence, as guests lined up one-by-one to chat with him and have photographs taken.  I got my moment finally after letting a few over-zealous Ladies in ahead of me and was very direct and to-the-point, thanking him for having me at his Party. I then shook his hand and told him how much I admired his understanding of my generation and vision.  And he appreciated my conciseness  amidst the scurry of young Entrepreneurs trying to throw Business Proposals at him from every which direction.  As if.

AIR DRAKE MARKS VIRGIN AMERICA'S FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO TORONTO

In what was a very humble affair with little fanfare (NOT), Virgin America celebrated its first international city flight today - Destination: Toronto. The flight began in Los Angeles through San Francisco to Toronto. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson on-board a flight which contained many influencial types and Toronto's very own Darling of Hip-Hop, Drake.

A select group of Media and Influencers were invited today to Toronto Pearson International Airport for the decadent festivities, witnessing the arrival of Air Drake, an A320 Aircraft named after the Rapper.  A half hour delay in flight arrival did no more than build up anticipation further with on-lookers. 

The Air Drake tie-in capitalizes off the Rapper's current popularity and of course it didn't hurt that he hails from the same city as the first international city flight destination for Virgin America.  The Airline is now servicing flights to/from San Francisco/Los Angeles and Toronto.  Main Cabin Fares start at just $178 US/$174 CAN (San Francisco) and $187 US/$182 CAN (Los Angeles).  An added perk with Virgin America flights is that you can use their Wi-Fi services 35,000 feet in the air.  Amazing.  I have a feeling I'll be visiting Los Angeles v. soon.

Drake had nothing but words of praise for charismatic Sir Richard Branson in building this welcomed new connection between Toronto and California, professing his pure love for the Airline.  Watch below as he tells CP24 how much he loves Virgin: