Rappers Can’t Stop Name-Dropping Michael Jordan

Is Michael Jordan the most frequently made reference in rap? Perhaps. If we’re being honest, this list was initially a collection of songs mentioning Michael Jordan over time. With MJ saying that he thinks he could’ve beaten LeBron James in a game of one-on-one (but not Kobe Bryant) recently, it was the perfect time to remember how much hip-hop leans upon #23 to fit any one of the following in raps: a rhyme, a reference to “balling,” an aspiration, an elongated tongue, a slam dunk, the list goes on and on.

We’re not venturing into the subject of the Jordan shoe this time (we’ll save that list for a rainy day), but in 2013 alone, we’ve dug up 15 references to Michael Jordan from some prominent rappers in the game. Hey prominent rapper, if you’re reading this, to quote the great Lauryn Hill: “Everything you did has already been done.” In the same year no less. --KI

“Hit it like a free throw, tongue out like I'm Jordan.” - "23" Mike WiLL Made It Featuring Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa And Juicy J
Considering the fact that the song is called “23” and Juicy J chants “J’s on my feet,” it’s pretty obvious who’s getting name checked in this song. In the video, Miley’s rocking a makeshift Jordan jersey too. Maybe that’s why her tongue is always out these days.

“A nigga Jordan, I ain't Pippen yeah.” - “Rich Niggaz” J. Cole
What did Scottie Pippen ever do to you, J. Cole that you have to reference him as that second place dude. Okay, yeah, Pippen was kind of that second place dude, but he still has a bunch of NBA championship rings. That at least counts for something, right?

“Michael Jordan with the chopper man, I hit you like Pippen. Act right.” - “Act Right” Yo Gotti Featuring Jeezy & YG
Pippen can’t catch a break, can he? Well outside of referencing a Pippen brawl, Jeezy made sure to name check MJ, but only after reminding everyone about his Lamborghini. We’re guessing it’s the blue one, right?

“You niggas is boring. I'm balling like I'm Jordan.” - “Kay Kay” Chief Keef
Not exactly the most prolific words to fall out of Ambassador Keef’s mouth, but hey he got his point across. Michael Jordan played basketball, and Chief Keef is ballin’ too, but like in a different way. Or something.

“I’m Jordan Vs. Cavs for the last shot.” - “40 Acres” Pusha T
So for those who don’t follow basketball, in 1989, during Game Five of the Eastern Conference, the Bulls played against the Cavaliers and Jordan made a remarkable shot from the foul line in the nick of time to win the game. That’s your sports history lesson.

“Smoker’s Club, Michael Jordan how I’m killing 4 quarters.” - “Sorry Bonita” Joey Bada$$
Michael Jordan is probably super excited that Joey Bada$$ mentioned him in a bar that’s referencing weed. Either that or he’s impressed Young Bada$$ even knows who the hell he is. That must be a testament to MJ’s legacy or the fact that Joey is an old soul.

“David Copperfield, I make a hundred disappear like I know magic, but ball like Jordan.” - “Live Life” Lil Wayne
Okay, well, here’s another situation where the no brainer “ball like Jordan” is used. Lil Wayne’s double entendre about spending money is the real winner here, though. The Jordan reference is merely a bonus.

“Still outin’ Jams nigga, no Jackson/No Jordan and we toe-tagging.” - “Pusha Man/Paranoia” Chance The Rapper Featuring Lily K And Nate Fox
If anyone missed the infamous “Jam” video with Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan, then you’re missing out. MJ and MJ go toe-to-toe, where Jackson tries to teach Jordan how to dance. It’s awkward, but awesome.

“Growing up, I wanted to be like Jordan/Even though I couldn't really afford it.” - “Hope” Ace Hood
While the sentiment is clear in this line, it’s not all the way accurate. It’s not like Michael Jordan signed up for “learn how to be a legendary basketball player” school and dropped a rack on his studies. He was born with that talent, Ace Hood.

“No D-league, I'm like these clothes/'88 Jordan, leaping from the free throw.” - “Numbers On The Board” Pusha T
Pusha T sure loves making his Michael Jordan references historical. They’re not just basic “ball like Jordan” lines. He gets deep into sports, like on this line for example. This 1988 Dunk Contest truly exemplified why MJ was called “Air Jordan.”

“Or like Rocky, beat the Russian/Or like Jordan, beat the buzzer.” - “Fuckin’ Problem” Lil Wayne Featuring Euro And Kidd Kidd
Lil Wayne doubled up on history here, with mentioning Rocky IV and Drago (“the Russian”). Then he turns around and brings up Michael Jordan’s ability to kill the buzzer in basketball games with last minute wins. Way to go, Weezus!

“Ballin' like I'm Jordan, no assists from Scottie Pippen." - “The End (Outro)” Meek Mill
It’s nice to know in this line Scottie Pippen is referenced more that just second place. He’s always been the one to assist Jordan when he needed it. Okay, we’re trailing off from the subject. This is about Jordan, right?

“I'm Jordan from the free throw, while every frame is in slow mo.” - “Control (Remix)” Los
Los took his response to Kendrick Lamar’s killer verse on Big Sean’s “Control” and made sure to mention Michael Jordan when it came down to the skills. Then he went ahead and brought up almost every rapper in the game.

“For all the Jordans from Jordan…” - “Thank You Very Much” Rapsody
Rapsody not only mentions MJ, but his sneakers too. From sports heads to sneaker heads, you can be thankful for both.

“But I'm fly like Jordan off of that first string.” - “Fashion” Dizzy Wright
Dizzy Wright made sure to mention Michael Jordan in his XXL Freshman 2013 cypher, but he also name checks MJ here. So Dizzy’s fly like Jordan, but can he jump as high?