Ice MC: The Eurodance and Hip House Pioneer

Ice MC is an English-born vocalist and rapper who became a defining figure in the European dance scene of the early 1990s. His energetic fusion of hip house and eurodance rhythms, crafted with Italian production team Double You, led to several international chart hits that dominated airwaves and clubs.

Early career

Born Ian Campbell in 1965 in Nottingham, England, his early musical path led him to Italy. There, he connected with producers and songwriters Larry Pignagnoli and Federico Rimonti, who formed the production duo known as Double You. This collaboration set the stage for his entry into the burgeoning Italian and European dance music industry.

Breakthrough

Ice MC's breakthrough came in 1989 with the single Easy, which became a club hit. His major commercial success, however, arrived with the 1990 album Cinema, featuring the smash single Scream. This track, along with subsequent releases, propelled him to fame across Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy where the eurodance sound was reaching its peak.

Key tracks

Scream - This 1990 single is his signature hit, defining the upbeat, sample-heavy eurodance sound of the era.

Take Away the Colour - A successful follow-up that continued his run of chart-friendly dance anthems with a positive message.

Think About the Way - Another major single from the Cinema album, known for its catchy rap verses and melodic chorus.

It's a Rainy Day - This 1994 track, featuring singer Alexia, marked a continued evolution in his sound and enjoyed significant radio play.

Following the success of Cinema, Ice MC released further albums like Ice'n'Green (1991) and My World (2008), maintaining his presence in the dance genre. His work with Double You and other Italian producers cemented his status as a key voice in the hip house and eurodance movements, with his music experiencing a resurgence in popularity through compilations and digital platforms.

Fans of Ice MC's brand of 90s dance may also enjoy the work of Double You, the production duo behind many of his biggest tracks. The energetic pop-rap of Dr Alban shares a similar cross-European appeal. The iconic eurodance sound of Capella also comes from the same era and scene. For another prominent Italian dance project of the period, listeners can explore Gala and her anthemic house style.