20 Athletes Your Favorite Rappers Most Want to Be Like

Iron Mike, MJ, Balotelli, and many more of the most hip-hop ballers.

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Image via Complex Original
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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.

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Shaquille O'Neal

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Scottie Pippen

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Mario Balotelli

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Randy Moss

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Michael Phelps

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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

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Magic Johnson

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Peyton Manning

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Tom Brady

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Michael Vick

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Kevin Durant

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Muhammad Ali

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Tiger Woods

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Mike Tyson

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Deion Sanders

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Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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LeBron James

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Kobe Bryant

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Michael Jordan

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