20 Athletes Your Favorite Rappers Most Want to Be Like

We’ve always heard the saying that rappers want to be athletes and vice-versa. With the way some rappers think up their lyrical content, you would think that they want to step into the sport arena. Jay Z is always comparing himself to Michael Jordan and why not? Success is success however you measure it. One thing is for sure. These references are for only a select few. You will not see any rappers dropping lines aspiring to be the next Kwame Brown. All of these famous athletes are idols and inspirations for some of our favorite artists. From Kobe Bryant to Michael Phelps, here are the 20 Athletes Your Favorite Rappers Most Want to Be Like.

Ken Griffey Jr.

Sport: Baseball
Career years: 1989-2010
Notable songs referenced in: Jay Z, "Hova Song [Intro]," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, "Me Oh My," Kendrick Lamar, "Bloodsport Freestyle"

The reality of Ken Griffey, Jr.'s career is that it had many ups and downs. Early on in his career, Griffey was one of the best players in MLB, but towards the end injuries robbed him of his supreme athleticism and the possibility of becoming the home run king. At one point he was the Michael Jordan of baseball in terms of popularity and he used to win Home Run Derbys while rocking his hat backward. Junior was hip-hop and his signature sneakers are still rapper favorites.

Shaquille O'Neal

Sport: Basketball
Career years: 1992-2011
Notable songs referenced in: The Notorious B.I.G., "Gimme The Loot," Ice Cube, "Wicked," 50 Cent, "Back Down"

Shaq maintained a career as a rapper while going through the early part of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic. He was a platinum-selling artist and an All-Star at the same damn time (Shaq Diesel went platinum in 1993, the same year he made his first All-Star squad). His experience was the best of both worlds which is what any rapper wants. The ability to crossover and reach success in multiple fields. Did we mention he spent his career tearing down the hoop?

Scottie Pippen

Sport: Basketball
Career years: 1987-2004
Notable songs referenced in: Ol' Dirty Bastard, "Protect Ya Neck II the Zoo," Curren$y f/ Freddie Gibbs, "Scottie Pippen," Danny Brown, "Side A"

One of the most unique players in the NBA has to be Scottie Pippen. His ability to defend, handle the ball, score, and do practically everything else under the sun helped the Bulls to six championships. Six rings are what every lyricist is looking for, but some would probably be unhappy to be underappreciated. Then again, rap has plenty of happy weed carriers sidekicks.

Mario Balotelli

Sport: Soccer
Career years: 2006-present
Notable songs referenced in: Drake "Enough Said"

When the hottest rapper in the game is nearly obsessed cosigning you, people take notice. Soccer fans have been talking about Mario Balotelli for years because of his badass and jackass moments both on and off the pitch. The "Just swerving with Balotelli the fuck are you trying to tell me" line, a photo of Drizzy and Super Mario hanging out together, and love shown on social media has made Balotelli a known name in the rap world. Guys like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be the best playesr in the world but A.C. MIlan's controversial striker is the most hip-hop.

Randy Moss

Sport: Football
Career years: 1998-2010, 2012
Notable songs referenced in: Game, "No More Fun and Games," Outkast f/ Killer Mike, "The Whole World," Ab-Soul f/ Schoolboy Q "Hell Yeah"

Randy Moss had a great career and was nearly unstoppable in his prime. Teams couldn't affect his game, and he brought some level of inspiration with his antics and celebrations. His star power is undeniable. "Glitter, glisten, gloss, floss I catch a beat runnin' like Randy Moss." Moss' ability to make the big play like his one-handed catch against the New York Jets and his supreme confidence are why rappers love his style. Straight cash, homie.

Michael Phelps

Sport: Swimming
Career years: 2000-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Kanye West f/ 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Marsha Ambrosius, "The One," Kendrick Lamar f/ Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q, "Swimming Pools [Remix]," Wiz Khalifa f/ Chevy Woods and Juicy J, "Medicated"

The real question to ask is who doesn't want to be like Michael Phelps? He never loses on the big stage and he seems like an incredibly chill person. He's especially relaxed while swimming:

“Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home.”

Being around a winner is a positive. Maybe he could help one of these struggle rappers get a gold plaque similar to his Olympic record 18 gold medals. And maybe smoke some of them out.

Derek Jeter

Sport: Baseball
Career years: 1995-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Ghostface Killah, "Mighty Healthy," French Montana, "Gifted," Cam'Ron, "Cookin' Up"

The Captain will always get admiration from emcees and fans because he's in a position most people want to be in. The Yankees shortstop has achieved so much in an 18-year career. He's building on those 3,000 hits and is on the way to the Hall of Fame. He's the leader of the greatest American franchise in sports, a 13x All-Star, and he has dated all of your celebrity crushes. That's easily what you call "the life."

Magic Johnson

Sport: Basketball
Career years: 1979-91, 1996
Notable songs referenced in: Kanye West, "Can't Tell Me Nothing," "Roses," Tyga f/ Lil Wayne, "Faded," Action Bronson, "Blue Chips"

"You can live through anything if Magic made it." After Magic's HIV announcement in 1991 it seemed like the NBA's biggest star was given a death sentence. Pior to that he was running the show of one of the most exciting NBA teams in history. From 1982-91, the Lakers finished in the top five in offensive rating with Johnson at the helm. Magic was flashy but was still able to put winning first, finishing with four championships in the '80s all while averaging 12.3 APG in his playoff career.

After his announcement and retirement, Magic went on to become a legend in the business world. He's earned an estimated $500 million by revitalizing urban neighborhoods. Magic's Starbucks, Best Buys, and AMC theaters have created jobs for thousands in at-risk neighborhoods. He's not businessman. He's a business, man.

Peyton Manning

Sport: Football
Career years: 1998-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Nelly, "Heart of A Champion," Future, "Itchin'," Lil Wayne, Hawaii 5.0"

Accuracy and precision. That's the name of Peyton Manning's game. Some of these rappers might need some of his audibles to adjust to the ever-changing music landscape. Manning's play evokes the thought of quality over quantity with his near-perfect throwing ability and decision-making. In just four games this season, Manning is completing 75 percent of his passes and is fifth all-time in career passing percentage (65.4 percent). Those qualities would be a boon to any emcee's career.

Tom Brady

Sport: Football
Career years: 2000-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Rick Ross f/ Wale & Meek Mill, "Pandemonium," Lil Wayne, "That's All I Have"

Tom Brady's career is probably the most ideal NFL career for any emcee. A rapper would love to have the chemistry with a producer the way Brady and Bill Belichick have. Both were able to team up and make the Patriots a power in the AFC East for a decade plus. The Pats won three Super Bowls with Brady amassing huge numbers every season. He's currently fifth all-time in passing touchdowns, and seems to have unfinished business helping the Pats to a 4-0 record early this season. Tom and Bill are like the Gangstarr of the NFL.

Michael Vick

Sport: Football
Career years: 2001-06, 2009-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Jay Electronica, "A Prayer for Michael Vick and T.I.," Pusha T, "What Dreams Are Made"

Mike Vick can be wreckless, but that's part of what makes him a special player in the NFL. His ability to run and throw makes him a trailblazer for the dynamic signal caller in the NFL. Vick surpassed Randall Cunningham as the all-time rushing leader at quarterback. As a matter of fact, Vick said that he struggled last year because of his lack of aggression. Any rapper with an aggressive personality would respect Vick's aggressive style of play.

Kevin Durant

Sport: Basketball
Career years: 2007-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Drake, "Pop That," Fabolous, "Steve Jobs," Stalley, "Samson"

While Kevin Durant has yet to win a championship, he's already made a name for himself. He has four All-Star appearances, an Olympic Gold medal, a Finals appearance, and three scoring titles. Durant's story and hard work could definitely transfer over to the music field. He's constantly improved his offensive game and has worked to improve all other aspects. He put OKC on the map in the basketball world. Any small town rapper can relate. Durant still has work to do leaving a "to be continued" asterisk on his career. He also gets it poppin' in these streets with performances like his 66-point explosion at Rucker Park.

Muhammad Ali

Sport: Boxing
Career years: 1960-1981
Notable songs referenced in: Jay Z, "F.U.T.W.," Wu-Tang Clan, "7th Chamber," LL Cool J, "Mama Said Knock You Out"

Muhammad Ali inspired everyone with his unique story and colorful personality. His 56-5 career record in the boxing ring is also phenomenal. Ali is the greatest so it's no surprise that some of the greats mention him often. When you have Jay Z, LL Cool J, and Wu-Tang Clan dropping your name, you've done something right. Don't forget about his pre-fight rhymes.

Tiger Woods

Sport: Golf
Career years: 1996-Present
Notable songs referenced in: CyHi The Prince, "So Appalled," Kanye West, "Get Em High," Chris Rock "

He has 14 major wins, a notorious rep with women, and millions of dollars to his name. Tiger Woods isn't just notable because of his achievements though; he's pretty much the only thing that makes golf relevant in the pop culture conversation. Who else would make for even a remotely sellable one-liner? Sergio Garcia? We're pretty much sure his 15 minutes of infamy are done by now. From the Puffy Woods skit in "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems" to Chris Rock's "Tiger Woods y'all" lines on "Champagne," Eldrick is more hip-hop than you think.

Mike Tyson

Sport: Boxing
Career years: 1985-2005
Notable songs referenced in: Nas, "Legendary," 2Pac, "Ambitionz Az a Ridah," Jay Z "Politics as Usual"

Take a good look at his physique and early fights to figure out just why some boxers were scared shitless about facing him. That's what intimidation looks like, and that intimidation turned into admiration by fans and rappers throughout the years. Shockingly, there hasn't been a lot of references about Tyson's speech after knocking out Lou Savarese in 38 seconds. Greatest bars ever said in a boxing ring. All in all, Tyson's story symbolizes an all too common story in hip-hop culture: Rising from the ghettos by riding on undeniable talent, but collapsing under the weight of excess. Nas pretty much breaks down why he's a prominent figure in hip-hop in "Legendary."

Deion Sanders

Sport: Football & Baseball
Career years: 1989-2000, 2004-05; 1989-95, 97, 2001
Notable songs referenced in: Wale, "Barry Sanders," J. Cole, "Cost Me A Lot," Wu-Tang Clan, "The M.G.M."

A lot of rappers have their signature habits or ad-libs, like Jay Z's "IT'S YA BOY!" or the pile of emotions Drake always wears on his sleeves. For Sanders, it's that bandana. None of these signatures overshadow their undeniable talent though, and it's hard to imagine anything overshadowing the achievements Sanders accomplished throughout his career. That bandana is so iconic it made it into the Hall of Fame. His "Must Be the Money" video is iconic too, but in a don't-ever-do-this type of way. As bad as that video is, Sanders was stuntin' majorily like your favorite rappers.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Sport: Boxing
Career years: 1996-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Lupe Fiasco, "SLR," Meek Mill, "I'm A Boss," Kevin Gates, '"IHop (True Story)"

Actually, pretty much everybody would want to be Floyd Mayweather. Wouldn't you want to be worth approximately $200 million? The only loss Mayweather took in his adult life is having to spend 90 days in jail following a misdimeanor battery charge. Other than that, living large like there's no tomorrow while causing some controversy on the side falls right in line with hip-hop's narrative. We think Money May is a rapper. He could teach some how to stunt. Cue the soundtrack.

LeBron James

Sport: Basketball
Career years: 2003-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Jay Z, "Dead Presidents 3," Jay Z "Empire State of Mind," Kanye West "New God Flow"

Believe it or not, hip-hop is still considered a cultural pariah in some circles (we're looking at you, FOX News and TMZ). The hate didn't stop rap from being a mainstream success. Just like the massive vitriol didn't stop LeBron James from those two consecutive MVPs and championships. Nas' "Hate Me Now" basically predicted James' comeup. James story also fits into rap narrative because he did hit the big time straight from high school, albeit a bit quicker than most rappers because of that $90 million endrosement contract with Nike. How many of your favorite rappers finished college? Jay Z once rapped "Like LeBron or Sebastian, high school graduates." James managed to succeed despite taking the unconventional path.

Kobe Bryant

Sport: Basketball
Career years: 1996-Present
Notable songs referenced in: Chance The Rapper, "Juice," Kendrick Lamar, "The Heart Pt. 2," Lil Wayne "Dough Is What I Got"

Kobe Bryant came up around the same time hip-hop started to make itself known as a mainstream entity, so it'd make sense he'd be constantly referenced in verses. Precisely why Bryant is so often name-dropped is eloquently explained in Chief Keef's aptly titled "Kobe":

• "I been ballin' so damn hard I swear I think that I'm Kobe" - Kobe has been ballin' extraordinarily hard since he came into the league. He's easily the franchise's most recognizable figure since Magic Johnson with his intense will to win, five NBA titles, and 11 All-NBA recognitions.

• "Young bull of this rap shit but I think that I'm Kobe." Because Kobe is known as Vino now, but he has been killing it since his 20s. Just ask Phil Jackson.

• "I swear I'm dunkin on these hoes on these niggas I'm free throwin" What up, Dwight.

• "These boys they don't like me cause I think that I'm Kobe." A lot of Kobe Bryant's well-documented arrogance self-assuredness comes from the constant awareness that he is Kobe Bryant. Hell, Phil Jackson didn't even like him at one point

• "Watch me hit the strip club make it rain like I'm Kobe." The man is worth millions, but there's no word if he's actually spending all that at a strip club

• "Industry full of lames I play the game like I'm Kobe"

To be clear, Bryant does NOT have a great team to work with this season.

Note: We're in no way implying Cheif Keef is the rap game's Kobe Bryant.

Michael Jordan

Sport: Basketball
Career Years: 1984-93, 1995-98, 2001-03
Notable Songs Referenced In: Kanye West & Jay Z, "Niggas in Paris," Jay Z "Encore," P. Diddy f/ The Notorious B.I.G., "Victory," Ice Cube "It Was a Good Day"

Kendrick Lamar's verse on "Control" reminded us rap was much more interesting when artists drop the focus on friendship and start aiming for throats. The constant Michael Jordan shoutouts wouldn't feel right otherwise, because His Airness was far from worried about getting buddies. Not even with his own teammates; just ask Steve Kerr's lip. But as aggressive as Jordan was as a person, his on-court achievements and what he did for basketball as a brand is forever going to be lauded. This is why people aspire to be the next Jordan in any profession.

Jordan's influence and image is relevant no matter the time period or the region. The latter is particularly notable because His Airness is referenced by New York rappers who came up in a time where the Bulls were topping the Knicks on a regular basis. Heck, Jay Z even hung out with him (see above). One of the biggest examples of real recognizing real.