“True legend, his hands was two weapons…,” —Nas, “Legendary (Mike Tyson)”

You ain’t never lie, Nasir.

Others might wear the crown of the greatest of all-time, but Iron Mike Tyson was the greatest boxer I ever saw. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY a Tyson fight was like a national holiday in the ’hood.

Everything stopped.

You had to be in front of a television to see the most brutal and ruthless champion there has ever been. Iron Mike was loved in the streets and respected by hip-hop. Like Nas, many rappers paid homage to the boxing icon on wax. He even made cameos on rap records like on Canibus’ “Second Round Knockout” in 1998. So as the champ celebrates his 44th birthday today (June 30) it’s only right that I flip a list of some of my favorite knockouts in hip-hop. —Rondell Conway

CLICK HERE for a little sample of what Iron Mike did to the comp back in the day.

SUGE KNIGHT
Once “the most feared man in hip-hop,” Suge got hit with a one hitter-quitter from a neighborhood barber and the rest was history.

CHARLES HAMILTON
Charlie wasn’t physically laid out when his ex-girl hit him with the right cross, but his career has been on a standing eight count ever since.