The 25 Best Yankees Rap References of All Time

Shout-outs, metaphors, and many slick lines from Jay-Z, Drake, Kool G Rap, and more.

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Complex Original

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Hip-hop’s love affair with the Yankees is more than just the fitted cap. With a stadium located just blocks away from the birthplace of hip-hop, the Bronx Bombers have been a part of the rap lexicon for decades.

Maybe it’s the wealth, rich history, or tradition to win at all costs that attracts emcees like Jay-Z (of course), Kool G Rap, Ice Cube, and Drizzy to cite the Yankees. With 27 world championships and dozens of Hall of Fame players as alumni, there are plenty of big names to choose from. And you know they’ll continue to provide inspiration for rappers since they’re always in the mix to keep the roster armed with some of the game’s best pitchers and hitters.

So, on the day of the 2012 Yankees home opener, check out the 25 Greatest Yankees Rap References of All Time.

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25. Rich Boy f/ Drake & Lloyd, "To the Floor"

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24. Big Daddy Kane, "Cause I Can Do It Right"

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23. Swizz Beats f/ Maino, Jim Jones, Jadakiss, & Joelle Ortiz, "We Keep it Rockin'"

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22. Consequence f/ Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Common, Big Sean, John Legend, "Whatever You Want (Remix)"

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21. Cypress Hill, "K.U.S.H."

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20. Lil Wayne, "Racks on Racks"

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19. Beastie Boys, "3-Minute Rule"

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18. Cam'ron, "Halftime Show"

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17. J. Cole, "Who Dat"

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16. Jay-Z & T.I. f/ Kanye West & Lil Wayne, "Swagger Like Us"

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15. Nicki Minaj, "Itty Bitty Piggy"

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14. Method Man f/ Redman, "Walk On"

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13. Nas, "N.Y. State of Mind Pt. II"

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12. Joe Budden f/ Ezo, "Get No Younger"

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11. Young Jeezy f/ Jay-Z, "Put On (Remix)"

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10. 8 Ball & MJG f/ Lloyd, "Forever"

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9. 50 Cent, "I Don't Need 'Em"

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8. Ice Cube, "3 Strikes You in"

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7. A Tribe Called Quest, "Award Tour"

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6. Joe Budden, "All Of Me"

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5. Ghostface Killah, "Mighty Healthy"

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4. Beastie Boys "What Comes Around"

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3. Jay-Z f/ Amil & Beanie Sigel, "Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up)"

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2. Big L, f/ Kool G Rap "Fall Back"

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1. Jay-Z f/ Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind"

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