The thing about sequels and reboots is that we have a tendency to think that they're never as good as the original. Whether that turns out to be the truth or not, we just can't help ourselves. The original seems like it was our version, and nothing can top just how perfect it was, right?
Vanilla Ice seems to be having the same sort of nostalgia now that Michael Bay's reboot of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" franchise is set to open on Fri., Aug. 8. Rappers Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa and Ty Dolla $ign provide the theme for the new movie, titled "Shell Shocked," and let's just say that when Vanilla Ice heard it, he was pretty caught off guard himself.
"With respect to all of the artists, the song doesn't really do it for me. It feels a little artificial -- what I mean by that is that it sounds like a bunch of executives in the corporate world put it together. It really does not fit the theme of the 'Ninja Turtles' legend. I think you have to understand, and be a true Ninja, to possess the Magic to really pull off the secret sound," Vanilla Ice said to GQ.
Sure, Vanilla Ice could genuinely feel like the theme for this upcoming movie is mediocre. When you have studied the ways of "Ninja Rap" as he has, you have plenty of expertise in this area. However, it's possible Vanilla Ice is also just feeling some sour grapes. Not only did Vanilla Ice rap the song "Go Ninja, Go Ninja, GO!" for the 1991 movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze," he also performed in the film during a nightclub scene. And the Ninja Turtles were there. And it was glorious.
"Shell Shocked" definitely has a harder sound to it than "Go Ninja, Go Ninja, GO!" as one might expect. Whether or not Vanilla Ice has a history with the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" franchise, he does kind of have a point. Aside from a few lyrics that mention the names "Shredder" and "Michelangelo" and the famous catchphrase "Turtle Power," "Shell Shocked" sounds like it could just be another song on Top 40 radio.
"Go Ninja, Go Ninja, GO!", however, has its own unique flavor. It certainly has that air of New Jack Swing Vanilla Ice tried to imbue in his music. With lyrics like "Have you ever seen a turtle get down?" and even having Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo bust a move in the film, there is no doubt that this song belongs in a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movie.
Check out both songs below, and judge for yourself.
