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Sporting events have become a major part of the hip-hop culture. It’s become less about the actual game and more about celebrities making an appearance. Who’s there? What are they wearing? Who are they with? Let’s take a look at four celebrities who have been spotted courtside as much as the athletes.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s connected to the sports industry. He has his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, and is the former minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets. So naturally, you expect that he would be spotted courtside at a game or two. In Empire State of Mind, one of the more notable songs in his catalog, HOV flexes that he is “Spike’d out,” a nod to famed film director Spike Lee, who is regularly seen sitting courtside at Knicks games. He also says that he sits close enough to “trip a referee.”
Meek Mill
It should not come as a surprise that Meek Mill is well-connected to the Sports industry. After all, he is the native son of Philadelphia, one of the most crazed sports cities in the country. He has become a courtside regular at Philadelphia 76ers games. Ironically, Meek’s connection to the sports industry came as a result of his 2014 arrest over a parole violation. The outpouring of support the Meek received from his fans that demanded his freedom caught the attention of Fanatics CEO, Michael Rubin, who played a major part in his being released in 2015. On the Sunday of his release, Meek accompanied Rubin on his helicopter and rang the bell at the Sixers playoff game.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott is another music star who has become a prominent figure in the sports industry. And that can largely be attributed to the success of his Cactus Jack signature line under the Nike/ Jordan Brand. It’s no surprise to find the Texas Native courtside at Houston Rockets games or in the skybox at Houston Astros games. He has also become a regular at the NBA’s All-Star Weekend. In addition, Scott is another music industry tastemaker who has aligned himself with Fanatics CEO, Michael Rubin. Needless to say, his connection to the Sports industry is well-documented.
Cardi B
Rap star Cardi B is one of the biggest stars from her hometown, New York City. So, as one might expect, she has become a courtside fixture at Madison Square Garden at New York Knicks games. It was at a Knicks playoff game earlier this year where she took her relationship with NFL star Steffon Diggs public. But if you know anything about Cardi B, she is all about women’s empowerment. So she has never been shy about her support for women’s sports, as she has also been spotted courtside at several WNBA games.
