One of the greatest rappers of all time, Jay-Z is still adding to his legacy. This weekend he brings his stadium show to Los Angeles, and it will be full of trademark hits along with plenty of sports lyrics. From Michael Jordan and NASCAR to scrambling quarterbacks, a Jay-Z album may have more sports references than ESPN's SportsCenter. ESPN's David Dennis Jr. and Justin Tinsley ranked his 10 best, most unexpected and clever.
At No. 10 is "Party Life" (2007), where Jay-Z shouts out the ESPYs with the line "I sport fly s--- I should win an ESPY." Dennis argues he could even win an ESPY for the reference alone. At No. 9, "Never Let Me Down" (2004) nods to NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, with a double meaning about Jay-Z's return from his short-lived retirement. At No. 8, "I Love The Dough" (1997) references Mike Tyson's fights, recalling a 1995 trip to Las Vegas to watch Tyson's first post-prison bout.
Further down the list, "Blow The Whistle" (2008) puts LeBron James in the rap spotlight with the line "the rap Le Bron James." Tinsley notes that James averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a six-game, first-round win over Washington that spring. "Heart of the City" (2001) brings in Randall Cunningham, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback known for his scrambling and his historic 1998 season with the Minnesota Vikings.
The list shows how Jay-Z has woven sports into his music for decades, mixing legend, rivalry and pop culture into his most memorable verses.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing