Hip-Hop Game Changer: Shaq

Ever since Shaq started jumping around with the Fu-Schnickens and turning out platinum records athletes have decided to try their hand at hip-hop. Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker, Ron Artest, and Allen Iverson have all made a song or two. Reebok and Nike both had ad campaigns with hoopers featuring star rappers such as Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss. It's a natural collaboration. Athletes and rappers share alot of commonalities. Young, rich, and famous coming from an adverse urban background seems to be a common theme within both industries. I'll be the first to tell you that athletes should stay on the court and stay away from the mic. The reality is there's too much money and exposure to keep them away. The target market for athletes and rappers is virtually the same. It's a good thing athletes have something to fall back on because most of their material is awful. Still the trend remains viable and profitable so we'll hear more of this nonsense. The two worlds don't collide, they coexist and because of the mutual respect between the two the world of hip-hop will forever be influenced by star athletes trying to be the next Jay-Z. Cover your ears.