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- Unexpected Rap FansUnexpected Rap FansIn the <a href="http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/10/nas-celebrates-20-years-in-hip-hop-interviewed-by-tyler-the-creator-in-new-xxl/">November issue of <em>XXL</em></a>, Coldplay front man Chris Martin talks about listening to Jay-Z and Kanye West for inspiration. Though he didn't get into hip-hop into his 20s, Martin—who grew up in the UK—is now a rap fan. He recently copped Hov and 'Ye's Watch the Throne and Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV, and was bumping Run-D.M.C. for inspiration on his group's fifth LP, <em>Mylo Xyloto</em>. To let Martin tell it, he shouldn't really be a rap fan, but he is. He's not alone. XXLMag.com takes a look at unexpected rap fans.—<em>XXL Staff</em>
- Taylor SwiftTaylor SwiftTaylor Swift most likely had Kanye West on her iPod before he interrupted her MTV Video Music Awards acceptance speech. Funny enough, she told Chelsea Handler she's a big 50 Cent fan earlier this year. She tweeted about having Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" on repeat months before the single cracked the Billboard Hot 100's Top 10. More recently, Taylor brought out a fresh-out-of-jail T.I. and Young Jeezy at a concert in Atlanta.
- Steve NashSteve NashThe NBA All-Star has been spotted at several rap shows over the years. He <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwfSwsOzZtM">was the lucky recipient of a Nicki Minaj lap dance</a> during the Phoenix stop of Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music Tour earlier this year. He was also seen backstage at this year's Rock the Bells Festival at Governor's Island in NYC.
- Young JeezyYoung JeezyJizzle doesn't only motivate thugs. Word is Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps prepped with Jeezy on his iPod during his record-breaking turn at the 2008 Olympics.
- Joaquin PhoenixJoaquin PhoenixThe two-time Oscar nominee must have been a rap fan to some degree. A while back he announced he was retiring from movies to pursue a rap career. His journey as an aspiring MC was documented in the 2010 documentary, <em>I'm Still Here</em>.
- Barack ObamaBarack ObamaThe President's talked about having Jay-Z and B.o.B on the iPod, to name a few. Here, he's pictured with Common.
- obama-ludaBarack Obama With Ludacris
- Bill MaherBill MaherMaher most likely appreciates hip-hop's politically incorrect side. Maher made Jay-Z his only guest for a one-hour special back in 2009. The talk show was clearly familiar with Hov's music beyond research. He once dated Karrine "Superhead" Steffans, perhaps under a rapper's recommendation.
- Bill Maher and 50 CentBill Maher and 50 Cent
- Natalie PortmanNatalie PortmanPortman is a longtime hip-hop fan, particularly The Roots, but she doesn't stick to one sub-genre. In a 2009 interview, Portman revealed that she had soft spot for The Ying Yang Twins's "Wait (The Whisper Song)."
- Shia LabeoufShia LabeoufThe <em>Transformers</em> star has been listening to hip-hop since he was 12 and is a big Cage fan. He even shadowed the MC during his Hell's Winter Tour and he's shown interest in playing the MC in a movie.
- Hugh JackmanHugh JackmanHugh Jackman recently described an Eminem concert featuring Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre as one of the "most electrifying" concerts he's ever attended. . Here, he's pictured with Q-Tip.
- Hugh Jackman and 50 CentHugh Jackman and 50 Cent
- Jonah HillJonah HillJonah Hill was apparently supposedly to be one of the talking heads in the Michael Rapaport-directed, <em>Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest</em>. He's also been spotted with <em>Stakes Is High</em> t-shirt on a red carpet. Here, he's pictured with Diddy in a scene from <em>Get Him to the Greek</em>.
- Prince HarryPrince HarryThe Prince reached out to Snoop Dogg and Tinie Tempah to have the rappers perform at his brother's engagement party last year. Snoop recorded the song "Wet" specifically for the Bachelor Party. Here, he's pictured with Kanye West and Diddy.
- Gwyneth PaltrowGwyneth PaltrowJigga Man's BFF can recite <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Oej7K469I">N.W.A. lyrics word-for-word</a> at the drop of a dime. She's reportedly a huge fan of '90s hip-hop.
- Gwyneth Paltrow Performing With Cee Lo GreenGwyneth Paltrow Performing With Cee Lo Green
- Gwyneth PaltrowGwyneth Paltrow and Jay-Z
- Seth RogenSeth RogenSeth Rogen's a longtime hip-hop fan. His movies often feature hip-hop songs. Here, he's pictured with The RZA in <em>Funny People</em>.
- Michelle TrachtenbergMichelle TrachtenbergMichelle Trachtenberg knew all about Nicki Minaj way before she blew up. The actress lyrics off of Nick's <em>Beam Me Up Scotty</em> mixtape in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEW73k0bgDw">this memorable YouTube clip.</a>
- AzizAziz Ansari
- aziz-ansari-clipse.jpegAziz Ansari and The Clipse
- Miley CyrusMiley CyrusMiley Cyrus apparently loves her some Gucci Mane. Here, she's pictured with the legendary LL Cool J.
- Adrian BrodyAdrian BrodyThe Oscar-winning actor crafts hip-hop tracks in his free time.
- Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioLeo's been spotted at hip-hop shows for well over a decade. He lists A Tribe Called Quest as one of his favorite groups of all time. Here, he's seen with Q-Tip.
- Jay BilasJay BilasJay Bilas shocked the internets when he tweeted about Young Jeezy.
- 1ACDA7B4Ryan PhillipePhillipe is reportedly a big hip-hop head. He once quoted OutKast during a red carpet interview with MTV. Word is he's a big Jay Electronica fan and also likes Drake, Jay-Z and Biggie, among others.
- 50-Cent-Deepak-ChopraDeepak ChopraDeepak Chopra's been in the news for recently chopping it up with 50 Cent, but he's apparently also a Diddy fan.
- Paul WalkerPaul WalkerPaul Walker's starred in movies alongside ATLiens Ludacris and T.I., but word is he enjoys bumping tracks off the set.
