Which do you think is better: free concert tickets to your favorite artist’s performances for life, or free game tickets to your favorite team’s games for life? These athlete-rapper best friend duos don’t have to choose! Their BFF always hooks them up. Here are 10 rappers and athletes you didn’t know were friends.
Jay Z and Lebron James
Jay Z has been a guest to James’ Lebron James Family Foundation benefits, and when the Miami Heat player got married, Jay Z and Beyonce were in attendance.
Unfortunately the “F” in BFF didn’t hold true—this friendship fell apart when the two fought over money in 2012. Allegedly the boxer didn’t make good on a loan of $2 million from the rapper. Before then, they were great friends and helped one another in business endeavors, which is what sparked the money rift.
At the 1999 Source Hip Hop Awards, O’Neal’s good bud Master P presented the athlete with the “Athlete of the Year” award. O’Neal also appeared in the rapper’s music video “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!”
Tyson’s documentary about his own life “Tyson” featured Nas’ song “Legendary.” In one of the first lines for the demo “Ain’t Hard to Tell,” Nas mentions Tyson.
Bryant makes a point to personally greet Diddy at any game the artist attends, and they’ve been spotted carrying out some pretty elaborate handshakes that only good friends could have come up with!
Apparently James just likes to keep good musicians nearby! He was also seen celebrating an NBA championship with Drake, who’s seen talking to James courtside during games.
Mayweather Jr tends to have a circle of celebrities ringside for his matches, including Lil Wane. At a recent Las Vegas match, Mayweather asked Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber to walk him to the ring.
A Texan native, Bun B is naturally a fan of wide receiver Johnson. The two have hosted several charity events together, and run around in the same social circles. In the source video, the stars surprise high school students at an assembly!
Nas attends Anthony’s celebratory events and when the NBA star has a win, he calls up Nas to go to the clubs. Anthony gifted Nas tickets to watch Team USA play for the gold metal in basketball.
The former 49ers corner back and the 90’s superstar actually recorded a song together called “Straight to My Feet” for the “Street Fighter” soundtrack and have been spotted at political events together.