White Hot Ice

On the one hand, White Hot Ice is a two-man group that released the cassette album In Fools in the very early 90s. The disc became a cult among fans of the style, on this music most modern rappers grew up, including, for example, Rustaveli from the Ellipsis group. The album was reissued at the turn of the century in CD format, thereby only expanding the circle of fans.

On the other hand, White Hot Ice is one person Vitaly Orlov, who, having returned to the music show business several years ago, immediately conquered new listeners with his hit "Rastaman". The next victim was the MTV broadcasting grid, which included the stylish black-and-white clip "Vovan Kozhemyakin". And, as a result of this triumphant return, the album "Rastaman", on the cover of which three letters are succinctly written: WHI. This abbreviation no longer needs to be deciphered: "who knows, he will understand."

Music journalists have yet to figure out how to call Vitaly's work. His music organically intertwined hip-hop, neosoul, adult R&B, Jamaican motifs and echoes of Russian folklore, and criminal themes, coupled with thieves' jargon, give some songs the elusive aroma of chanson so popular in our country. All this together makes up a unique cocktail, close and understandable to listeners from any social and age group.

So one can suggest another explanation for the mysterious pseudonym.

White - because, formally working in the "black" styles of music, Vitaly uses a lot of typically Slavic, folk elements.

Hot - because the radio rotation and the video made it a recognizable and relevant star.

Ice - because the calmness with which he went to fame over the course of 15 years of his career can only be envied.

White Hot Ice.

White Hot Ice.

Or just WHI.