From Jordan to LeBron: Ranking Jay-Z's best sports references
ESPN ranks Jay-Z's 10 best sports references ahead of his SoFi Stadium show, with Michael Jordan topping the list — twice.
ESPN has ranked Jay-Z's 10 best sports references in music, timed to the rap legend's show at SoFi Stadium — and Michael Jordan sits at the very top, twice.
In the feature by David Dennis Jr. and Justin Tinsley, published Friday, the No. 1 spot goes to Jay-Z's famous bit of basketball draft analysis, in which he boasts about balling for real while his rivals are Sam Bowie — a nod to the Portland Trail Blazers famously picking Bowie over Jordan in the 1984 NBA draft. Jordan pops up again at No. 3, where Jay-Z declares himself the 'Mike Jordan of the mic' while name-checking Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady.
LeBron James lands at No. 7, from 2008's 'Blow The Whistle,' with the ESPN writers noting how long James has now been playing in the NBA. Mike Tyson, watched from the '1500 seats,' comes in at No. 8.
The list stretches well beyond basketball. Jeff Gordon earns a NASCAR nod at No. 9, Randall Cunningham's scrambling gets No. 6, Penny Hardaway's 'Lil' Penny' alter ego takes No. 5, and Yankees closer Mariano Rivera lands at No. 4. Shaquille O'Neal's 'Diesel' nickname claims the No. 2 slot via 'Lyrical Exercise,' while an ESPY shout-out from 'Party Life' rounds out the list at No. 10.
ESPN notes that Jay-Z remains one of the most decorated rappers in Grammy history, with 25 wins — second only to Kendrick Lamar.
Source: ESPN — Top Headlines — TrendWire reports stories in its own words; facts should be confirmed against the original source.