The transition from sports activities stardom to music is just not as simple as it might appear. Expertise in a single area does not at all times assure success in one other. Right here, we spotlight some notable athletes who tried to cross over to the music business, with various levels of success. You is likely to be stunned to be taught which former Heavyweight World Champion tried his hand at rap!
Allen Iverson
In 2000, Allen Iverson debuted within the music scene underneath the identify “Jewelz” with the discharge of his first rap single, “40 Bars.” Sadly, the music drew vital criticism on account of its violent, misogynistic, and homophobic lyrics. The NBA Commissioner on the time, David Stern, even warned Iverson of attainable termination for his offensive conduct. To mitigate backlash, Iverson revised lots of the lyrics earlier than the album was absolutely launched. He later expressed remorse, stating, “If a child thinks that I promote violence by the lyrics of my songs, I urge them to not purchase it or take heed to it.” In the end, the album was scrapped completely, main Iverson to desert his musical aspirations.
Shaquille O’Neal
After solely a yr within the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal leaped into music with a report deal from Jive. His debut rap album, Shaq Diesel, launched in 1993, consisted of party-themed tracks and notably achieved platinum standing. Constructing on this success, he collaborated with famend artists corresponding to Methodology Man, RZA, and Redman for his second album, Shaq Fu: Da Return, which went gold. Although he produced a number of extra albums afterward, the bulk didn’t carry out effectively. Nonetheless, in 2010, Shaq launched a shock freestyle concentrating on Kobe Bryant, showcasing his sudden rap expertise.
Oscar De La Hoya
Famend boxer Oscar De La Hoya made a formidable musical debut in 2000 together with his self-titled Latin pop album, which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Prime Latin Albums chart and acquired a Grammy nomination. Nevertheless, the album confronted criticism for being excessively “tacky,” limiting the momentum of his musical profession regardless of his boxing prowess.
Bronson Arroyo
Following an damage that ended his 17-year MLB profession, Bronson Arroyo pursued music, releasing his first album Overlaying the Bases in 2005. The album, a compilation of acoustic grunge covers, peaked at No. 2 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. Regardless of sparking preliminary curiosity, Arroyo didn’t proceed to launch additional music.
Barry Zito
A World Sequence Champion, Barry Zito has music in his blood, hailing from a household deeply rooted in musical expertise. He has been enjoying guitar since he was 21 and sometimes wrote songs on the highway. Publish-retirement, he launched his first EP, No Secrets and techniques, in February 2017, which mixed people and nation parts and was well-received, main Zito to carry out in varied sold-out exhibits.
Macho Man Randy Savage
Identified for his flamboyant persona in wrestling, Macho Man Randy Savage shocked followers together with his 2003 rap album Be A Man on the age of fifty. Regardless of his ardour for hip-hop, the album didn’t resonate with audiences and acquired unfavourable opinions, marking a lower than stellar crossover try.
Clint Dempsey A.Ok.A. “Deuce”
Clint Dempsey, a outstanding determine in U.S. soccer, ventured into music by collaborating with Texas rappers on a music referred to as “Do not Tread” for the 2006 World Cup. Following its success, he continued to pursue his music profession, even releasing a single, “It is Poppin,” the place the proceeds have been donated to the Texas Meals Financial institution.
Bernie Williams
After an illustrious baseball profession with 4 World Sequence championships, Bernie Williams returned to his roots as a guitarist. He launched a number of jazz albums, together with a major one which reached #3 on the Up to date Jazz Charts, solidifying his twin profession.
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders, well-known for excelling in each soccer and baseball, launched a rap album referred to as Prime Time in 1994. Whereas it garnered blended opinions, it featured the catchy single “Have to be the Cash.” A later remix album failed to realize traction.
Alexi Lalas
Soccer participant Alexi Lalas had a robust background in music, performing in a school rock band. He later launched three albums that showcased his songwriting skills, with the final one in 2014 profitable vital acclaim. He has since shifted his focus to sports activities evaluation.
Cedric Benson A.Ok.A. DJ World Peace
When Cedric Benson sustained a foot damage, he explored a brand new profession as DJ World Peace in Austin, acting at varied venues, significantly in nightlife hotspots. He transitioned to DJing full-time after leaving soccer however has since stepped again from the limelight, leaving followers interested by his present actions.
Metta World Peace
Often known as Metta World Peace—previously Ronald Artest—he launched a rap album titled My World in 2006, that includes varied artists. Although not commercially profitable, he persevered within the music scene by founding his label and launching a number of tasks, incomes a measure of respect inside the style.
The 1985 Chicago Bears
Throughout their near-perfect season in 1985, the Chicago Bears launched a rap single, “The Tremendous Bowl Shuffle,” boasting about their anticipated victory previous to the Tremendous Bowl XX. The monitor featured practically all group members and comprised a full brass band. It grew to become a shock hit and even garnered a Grammy nomination.
Chris Webber
Former NBA star Chris Webber had a short rap profession underneath the identify C. Webber, releasing an album referred to as 2 A lot Drama in 1999. Whereas his single “Gangsta, Gangsta” managed to chart, the album itself was not well-received, and Webber shifted his focus away from music afterwards.
John Cena
WWE Heavyweight Champion John Cena gained vital consideration for his debut rap album launched in 2005, titled after his well-known catchphrase, “You Cannot See Me.” Regardless of promoting over 40,000 copies initially and reaching quantity 15 on the Billboard 200, the album was met with criticism, resulting in comparisons with Vanilla Ice.
Iman Shumpert A.Ok.A. 2wo 1ne
Iman Shumpert began his musical profession whereas enjoying for the Knicks, sharing a promotional music. In 2015, he dropped the music video “Promised,” that includes his spouse, Teyana Taylor. Regardless of blended opinions from critics, Shumpert continued to launch music underneath the identify 2wo 1ne, together with singles and a mixtape that garnered consideration for his social commentary.
Wayman Tisdale
A gifted bassist and jazz musician, Wayman Tisdale launched his first album, Energy Ahead, in 1995 whereas with the Phoenix Suns. Publish-NBA, he absolutely devoted himself to music, issuing a complete of eight albums. His later work reached the highest of the Up to date Jazz charts, and he was acknowledged by the Oklahoma Jazz Corridor of Fame earlier than his premature passing.
Carlos Arroyo
After dipping his toes into the music scene together with his 2009 reggaeton single “Oculto Secreto,” NBA participant Carlos Arroyo garnered consideration together with his follow-up “Se Va Conmigo,” which featured famend artist Yomo. His music continued to realize traction, even securing a spot on Billboard charts, although he has launched little since.
Mike Reid
Former NFL lineman Mike Reid seamlessly transitioned right into a profitable music profession, writing over 30 chart-topping nation and pop hits—together with a Grammy-winning music. Following an damage, he transitioned to full-time music and earned accolades, securing his place in each soccer and music Corridor of Fames.
Darren McCarty
Throughout his NHL tenure, Darren McCarty showcased his musical expertise because the lead singer of the rock band Grinder, which performed at varied occasions, together with giant festivals. Following struggles with habit, McCarty in the end selected sobriety and stepped away from music, presently having fun with singing at karaoke classes.
