Wired 25: Hip-Hop’s 25 Favorite Athletes - Page 3

The summer is coming to an end and we all know that can suck. One thing that is great, however, is the return of some of our favorite sports. NFL football has already started, NBA basketball players will return to training camp shortly, the MLB playoffs are kicking off, and big fights are always around the corner.

As far as we are concerned, autumn is for real sports. Hip-Hop and sports have always gone together like peanut butter and jelly. Even though on the outside they don’t look like they belong together, once you’ve had them at the same time, you wonder how you went this long without them. They may or may not have actually rapped or been involved with the culture, but these next 25 athletes are undoubtedly some of Hip-Hop’s biggest inspirations, the only genre that is a contact sport.

On this week’s Wired 25, we take a look at Hip-Hop’s favorite athletes. Check them all out below.

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Photo: World Basketball Festival

25. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Namedrop: “Spit rounds like a gun range, beat it up like “Rampage.” – 2 Chainz, “Mercy,” Cruel Summer. 

When Mixed Martial Arts was on the rise, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was the one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. Drawing comparisons to Mike Tyson with his ability to end fights in the blink of an eye with his incredible knock out power, you might have flinched a bit when 2 Chainz threatened to “beat it up like ‘Rampage.”

24. Terry Kennedy

Namedrop: “My style is very Tennessee, mixed with some Terry Kennedy” – Drake, “Kick, Push (Freestyle)” Room For Improvement. 

Contrary to popular belief, skateboarding has always been loosely affiliated with Hip-Hop. The outsider attitude that skaters carry is a extremely similar to that of the blossoming Hip-Hop scene of the late 80s. It wasn’t until the mid 2000s when Hip-Hop fully embraced skating with guys like Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell and now Lil Wayne and Hopsin really embracing the culture. The unofficial skater of Hip-Hop is Terry Kennedy, or “Compton A$$ Terry” as he was affectionately known as on the MTV show, Viva La Bam. 

23. “The Macho Man” Randy Savage

Namedrop: “I’m gonna go so opposite of soft, Off the Richter, Hector Camacho- Man Randy Savage, far from average” – Lil Wayne – “Mr. Carter,” Tha Carter III

Back in the 1980s during Wrestling’s golden era, the biggest star in it’s world was Hulk Hogan. But anyone who grew up in that era knew that the real gangsta was, Randy “Macho Man” Savage. From being the most hated to being the most loved and having one of the flyest chicks in the game wearing his chain, “Macho Man” was the dude. His slick talk that he was spit before having a match with his trademark “Oh Yeah!” is stuff of legend and it’s no surprise he’s been name dropped in numerous songs over the years.

22. Metta World Peace/Ron Artest

Namedrop: “I’m Ron Artest, laying down to your garbage, While my niggas in the street pushing Isht like Ben Wallace” – Pharrell, “Drop It Like It’s Hot (Remix),” R&G: Rhythm And Gangsta

Whatever he feels like being called, Metta World Peace is a nut case from New York City that went from the projects to a multiple time defensive player of the year and NBA Champion with the L.A. Lakers. Although his unforgettable role in “The Malice In The Palace” was one of the biggest black eyes (no pun intended) in pro sports history, he solidified himself in rap lure for being a metaphor for wildin’ the F out. Now, say “Queensbridge.”

21. Micheal Phelps

Namedrop: “Concrete shoes wont help in the river, I dont care if you were Michael Phelps my ni**a” – Lil Wayne, “Ice Cream Paint Job,” No Ceilings.

Besides being the greatest Olympic athlete to ever live, Michael Phelps is a huge Hip-Hop head. In turn, Hip-Hop loves him right back, especially Lil Wayne. Weezy dedicated a song to the half man/half fish when he had completed a run in the Beijing games and Phelps returned the favor in the 2012 Olympics by shouting out Weezy along with Young Jeezy for inspiring him to get his dolphin on. He retired on top this past summer as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

20. Kevin Durant

Namedrop: Big house, couple rides, Call that s*it Neverland Ranch.Tre Pounds, shoot fast, call that s**t Kevin Durant – Fabolous – “Steve Jobs”

The youngest scoring champion in NBA history (and the youngest to do it three times in a row) has had a career that has mirrored that of some of his favorite MCs. He’s even dabbled in some production and plans to (gulp) put out a rap album in the near future. As a DMV product, he’s been chummy with Wale for quite a while but has been known to quote Drake, Big Sean and others more often than not.

19. Carmelo Anthony 

Namedrop: “Skinny ni**a Diggy in ya city getting chizzange, like I’m Carmelo, meet me in the gizzame.” –  Kid Cudi, “Ashin Kusher,” Man On The Moon 2

Carmelo Anthony’s been a superstar athlete since he was in high school. Playing in televised games with then-high school, LeBron James, Melo’s always been in the public eye. Quite honestly, his name is pretty easy to rhyme with things so it’s not surprise to hear him name dropped numerous times. Add to the fact that he married MTV fixture, Lala, and tattooed the infamous “Warn-A-Brother” logo on his left shoulder, Melo’s been one of Hip-Hop’s favorite athletes for a long time.

18. Derek Jeter 

Namedrop: “Ringleader set it off, rap Derek Jeter, Culprit, prince of the game wish you could see us” – Ghostface Killah, “Mighty Healthy,” Supreme Clientele

If Jay-Z could swing a baseball bat, he would be Derek Jeter. Defined by his unshakable cool and as quite possibly the greatest Yankee of all-time, “The Captain” might be the only person in New York who lives just as good as the God MC. From his legendary laundry list of dames he’s allegedly chopped down to his endless list of accolades as a shortstop for the real “America’s Team,” it’s easy to see why Hip-Hop has and always will have love for DJ.

17. Jerry Rice 

Namedrop: “I crept up behind her. Mami threw it like a quarterback, I caught that like Rice. I call mami Montana, bandana.” – Jay-Z, “Take You Home,” Best Of Both Worlds

Regarded as the greatest football player to ever live, the one and only Jerry Rice has long been tied to Hip-Hop despite seeming like he wouldn’t know a hook from a sixteen. With a career spanning close to two decades, the long time wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers has been name dropped in as many rap songs as touchdowns he’s caught in his career.

16. Tiger Woods

Namedrop: “Tiger Woods y’all. It’s all good y’all. Tiger Woods y’all. All good y’all” – Chris Rock “Champagne,” Roll With The New. 

Let’s be blunt here. 98% of black people didn’t give a flying fruit loop in a hot bowl of milk about Golf before Eldrick Tiger Woods came into the paint. Before a young Woods came into the game and was slapping old dudes silly all over the back nine, black people and Golf went together like oil and water. If there is anything that Hip-Hop will exploit…er..I mean give props to, it’s a black guy doing something for the first time and kicking a$$ in it. Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, Woods y”all. It’s all good y’all.

15. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway 

Namedrop: “Dunk dem like a Penny Hardaway, Shaq and Kobe two a di hard away” – Elephant Man – “F**k You Sign”

When Michael Jordan first retired in the middle of the 90s, there was one player groomed to pick up where His Airness left off. That was Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. His style was so undeniably 90’s from his part and fade to his endless array of dope kicks that Nike laced him with that sell to this day. Penny (along with Lil’ Penny) was on his way to becoming the next Jordan…up until he came back. We all know how that ended up.

14. Bo Jackson

Namedrop: “Loot like Michael Jackson, kicks like Bo Jackson, Benz like Freddie Jackson. – No need to ask in the crew!” – The Notorious B.I.G., “Microphone Murderers”

Vincent Edward “Bo” Jackson was simply known as “The Ball Player.” One of the most gifted athletes to ever live, Bo was a Pro Ball running back in the NFL and an MLB All Star. He won the Heisman Trophy and the MLB All Star Game MVP, and did it cooler than anyone. Used as metaphor in numerous songs for being able to multitask or just be a beast, “Bo Knows” that if injuries didn’t cut his career short he would be an even bigger legend than he already is.

13. Kobe Bryant

Namedrop: “Kobe about to lose 150 M’s. Kobe my n***a I hate it had to be him. B***h you wasn’t with me shooting in the gym!” – Drake, “Stay Schemin” Rich Forever. 

The heir apparent to MJ and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Kobe “Bean” Bryant has been a Hip-Hop staple since high school. When the flashy young guard took R&B star, Brandy, to his prom and went straight to the league out of high school, “The Black Mamba” has been a staple in Hip-Hop ever since. He’s tried (and failed) at rapping but it hasn’t stopped Hip-Hop from embracing one of the all-time great winners in professional sports.

12. Serena Williams

Namedrop: “In the home of Dr. Dre, Venus and Serena, Where 14-year-olds pack ninas and drive Beamers” – The Game, “Compton, Compton,” The Doctor’s Advocate

Serena Williams came into the game with her sister, but she quickly surpassed her in talent and in publicity. She’s allegedly been the reason behind one of rap’s corniest rap beefs between Drake and Common and she solidified her G status by crip walking all over the Olympic Games in London after snatching a gold medal. With her tons of accolades, she’s managed to do this all with two Thanksgiving Turkeys stuffed in her back pockets. She’s a problem.

11. Ric Flair

Namedrop: “Wooo! That’s rare n***a. Wooo! Ric Flair n***a. The power’s in my hair n***a.” – Pusha T, “I Don’t Like (Remix),” Cruel Summer

Before rap had any type of swag or flashy lifestyle behind it, the limosine riding, jet flyin’, kiss stealin’ wheelin’ dealin’ son of a gun known as Ric Flair was winning championships and doing it with style. As a 17-time world champion in the NWA, WCW and WWE, Ric Flair was the Muhammad Ali of professional wrestling. Not only was he as great as he says he was, but absolutely nobody talked a bigger game than “The Nature Boy.” His influence is littered in tons of rappers today who grew up watching pro wrestling.

10. Ken Griffey Jr. 

Namedrop: “But that’s like pickin up a ball, playin with Mike, Swingin at Ken Griffey or challengin Roy to a fight.” – LL Cool J, “4,3,2,1,” Phenomenon. 

Baseball has long been the American pastime, the white American pastime. It wasn’t until a 19-year-old prodigy known as “The Kid” came into the game and revolutionized baseball. Although his career was somewhat shortened by injuries, he still swung his way into the MLB record books. The backward cap wearing all-star for the Seattle Mariners had the smoothest swing in the game and played the game with a style that hasn’t been matched since. He also made it cool to wear baseball sneakers in the streets.

9. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Namedrop:” I just landed in that G450, Caught the Mayweather fight, ’cause the satellite was crispy” – Jay-Z, “Light Up,” Thank Me Later.

The undefeated and undisputed pound for pound best boxer in the world has long been tied to Hip-Hop. Besides running with one of his best friends, 50 Cent, Mayweather’s name has always been linked with two things: dominance and money. Mayweather’s flashy lifestyle and bravado is all the more annoying to his detractors because he has backed up every single thing he has said since the beginning of his career. Floyd Mayweather isn’t just the top draw in boxing, he’s the only draw in boxing.

8. LeBron James

Namedrop: “Hood phenomenon, the LeBron of rhyme. Hard to be humble when you stuntin on a Jumbotron” – Kanye West, “Devil In A New Dress,” My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 

Just like 80s babies have a hard time remembering basketball before Michael Jordan, like it or not, 90s babies will have a hard time remembering basketball before LeBron James. He’s been a legitimate superstar since he was 16-years-old. It’s been nearly a decade since LeBron first graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as “The Chosen One” and since then he’s always repped for Hip-Hop. From running with Jay-Z and throwing up the ROC sign at any chance he gets, to placing Drake, Lil Wayne, Eminem and Kanye West on his movie soundtrack for “Forever,” to arguably being one of the main reasons for the rise of 2 Chainz, LeBron is Hip-Hop.

7. Michael Vick

Namedrop: “We don’t talk on the phone cuz it might stick, Gotta play for the 7 call it Mike Vick” – Young Jeezy, “Gangsta Music,” Thug Motivation: 101

Michael Vick has long been called the Allen Iverson of football. Not only did they both grow up in the same area, but the way that he brought street football with his electrifying scrambling style of play to the big leagues has already made him a legend. The greatest running quarterback of all-time has been embraced by Hip-Hop since his rookie year playing for the Atlanta Falcons. He’s so beloved in the Hip-Hop hot bed of Atlanta, he was greeted with roaring cheers upon his return to the Dirty South despite his transgressions with dog fighting.

6. Shaquille O’Neal 

Namedrop: “Still ballin money stack taller than Shaq now, Still push a button to let the roof on the ‘Lac down” – T.I., “Bring ‘Em Out,” Urban Legend

Shaquille O’ Neal has been around forever. The Big Aristotle has more nicknames than your favorite rapper and has been name dropped in more songs than he’s missed free throws. As a metaphor for doing it big, Shaq Diesel not only was revered in rap, he succeeded in rap. Widely regarded as one of the only basketball players to successfully have a rap career by having an RIAA certified platinum album and rapping with The Notorious B.I.G. (no made up s**ts), the original Superman will always be the starting center on a Hip-Hop starting five.

5. Deion Sanders 

Namedrop: “Red, black, and white Chevy now I’m ridin’ Deion. Put them lights off in my rims, now I’m ridin’ neon” – Young Dro, “Shoulder Lean,” Best Thang Smokin’

Don’t be fooled by the trouble he ran into this past year with his ex wife, “Pilar,” Deion was one of the baddest mofos ever to participate in professional sports. Not only was he a two sport star in Major League Baseball and the NFL, he has one of the rare distinction of playing on both of America’s team’s, The New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. He won two Superbowls and set records for most punt returns, kick returns, and interceptions for touchdowns in the NFL. He also has the greatest end zone dance of all-time. All of these accomplishments, and that’s without mentioning his foray into rap/singing “Must Be The Money.” Hold that, Drake.

4. Mike Tyson

Namedrop: “On nights, I perform like Mike. Anyone, Tyson, Jordan, Jackson action, pack guns. Ridiculous.” – The Notorious B.I.G., “Victory,” No Way Out. 

Mike Tyson was simply known as “The Baddest Man On The Planet,” for good reason. In the 90s, if you ordered a Tyson fight and missed the first round, you more than likely missed the entire fight. Brooklyn’s pride and joy was literally a pit bull with gloves on (ask Evander Holyfield) and was beloved by everyone in Hip-Hop. He was even great friends with Tupac Shakur, and even spoke with him the night that he was murdered, at the site of one of his Heavyweight Championship fights.

3. Muhammad Ali

Namedrop: “Muhammad Ali knucklin in tournament. Pimp daddy hats with buckles and ornaments” – Slick Rick, “Memories,” The Art Of Storytelling. 

Before there even was such thing as Hip-Hop, Muhammad Ali was dropping bars on opponents domes before he’s drop right hooks on them. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” “Rumble young  man, rumble,” and numerous other rhymes, absolutely nobody in history got into the heads of his opponents like “The Greatest” did. Nothing more needs to be said.

2. Michael Jordan

Namedrop: When I come back like Jordan wearing the 4-5, it ain’t to play games with you. It’s to aim at you, probably maim you. Jay-Z, “Encore,” The Black Album

Who hasn’t Michael Jordan influenced? From the hood to Hollywood, from the block to the boardroom, MJ’s influence is literally scattered everywhere in pop culture. He literally carried an entire league on it’s back and close to a decade since he last played in an NBA game, people that weren’t even born to see him play lineup to buy his sneakers. Jordan was more than  an influence on hip-hop, he was an influence on Americana. Which is probably why he doesn’t grab the #1 spot on this week’s Wired 25. There was one athlete who struct directly to the core of Hip-Hop, one athlete who embodied the culture and everything it was and is.

1. Allen Iverson 

Namedrop: “I be the east side Soprano, Rob Marciano, Flow in each channel with the Iverson handle” – Black Rob, “Let’s Get It (Remix)” We Invented The Remix

Never before, and quite possibly never again will there be another athlete who repped for Hip-Hop more than Bubba Chuck. Iverson’s entire style, swagger, confidence, and heart was the embodiment of Hip-Hop. He was defiant, he was proud, he was confident, cocky, and above all, he was real. His commercials with Jadakiss and Reebok gave Nike a run for it’s money and his rebellious attitude made David Stern harlem shake in his loafers. The reason why there even is a dress code in the NBA is all because of Iverson, and when you look up “hood legend” in the dictionary, Iverson will be front and center. Although the NBA record books might try to make you forget the greatness of A.I., Hip-Hop never will.