The worlds of music and horse racing have been closely intertwined throughout history, and that remains as prominent as ever in this modern day.
Seeing superstar artists at major events across the world is a common occurrence, with many opting to enjoy major days out at significant events such as the Kentucky Derby annually. The sectors have been closely related since Bing Crosby played a leading role in the formation of Del Mar Racecourse in California.
However, stars from the music industry have continued to have strong ties to racing, and that has sometimes been referred to in their lyrics. However, who are some of the notable hip hop stars that have a passion for horse racing?
MC Hammer
There are not a lot of people more excited to know when can you start betting on the Kentucky Derby than MC Hammer. Besides being one of the pioneering artists in the world of hip-hop music, MC Hammer is also a horse racing enthusiast.
MC Hammer gained popularity throughout the 1990s, as he burst onto the scene with a string of mainstream hits. Hammer’s big breakthrough came following the release of ‘U Can’t Touch This’, which made the artist a global name.
He would also achieve domestic success in the U.S. with hits such as ‘2 Legit 2 Quit’ and ‘Pumps and a Bump. Hammer’s significance in the genre was apparent in 1990 when his album ‘Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em’ saw him become the first hip hop artist to achieve diamond status.
Hammer has long been a passionate fan of horse racing, and even spent lavish amount on the sport during the height of his success. He purchased Oaktown Stable, and would achieve major success on the track with Lite Light.
The mare would achieve multiple wins in stakes company, with her biggest victories coming in the forms of the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks, and world-famous, G1 Kentucky Oaks.
Lil Nas X
One of the brightest new stars on the hip hop scene is Lil Nas X, and his love for all things horses has already been reflected in the music videos that he has featured in. He was riding a horse in the video for ‘Old Town Road’.
The same song would see Lil Nas X achieve his big breakthrough in the mainstream, as the song was the longest-running number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 since its inception.
Following the success of that song, the artist signed with Columbia Records, and followed up with two further hits in the forms of ‘Panini’ and ‘Rodeo’. His success continued following the release of his debut album ‘Montero’, which was nominated at the Grammy Awards. However, his passion for horse racing continues to be prominent based on his social media interactions. Following the 145th Kentucky Derby, Lil Nas X sympathised with Maximum Security following his disqualification.
Baldenna The King
Baldenna The King is one of the freshest faces in the world of hip hop, and he has strong ties to horse racing since his early days in the scene. Antony Ramon Fountain was raised on Houston rap, and dreamed of becoming a household name in his own right, using his inspiring lyrics and only emotions into some of his biggest hits.
Known by the name, Baldenna The King, he has transcended across two different genres that shouldn’t match well on paper in hip hop and trail riding. The latter is long-standing tradition in Houston, which brings people together on horses with live music.
Traditionally, it has been closely connected to country music throughout history, but Baldenna The King is attempting to change the narrative. The aspiring superstar hasn’t been shy about expressing his love for horses to the public, and that was mirrored in the release of ‘Out The Gate’, which paints a picture of leading horses and owners in the sport.
Jack Harlow
One of the most famous hip hop artists that has a close relationship with horse racing is Jack Harlow. That would come as little surprise since he was born in the home state of the Kentucky Derby.
Such is his love for racing, Harlow released the track ‘Churchill Downs’ which featured images of racing action at the home of the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Harlow was also pictured at the track alongside Drake to film the video. Harlow’s breakthrough in the mainstream came in 2020, as TikTok played a huge role in ‘Whats Poppin’ making national radio.
A remix of the same song was released and featured Tory Lanez and Lil Wayne, reaching second in the Hot 100. Harlow would later achieve major success following the release of his debut album ‘That’s What They All Say’ in 2020. The record would receive platinum certification. Harlow’s first number one hit came following a collaboration with Lil Nas X titled ‘Industry Baby’.
His first solo number one arrived in 2022 following the release of ‘First Class’, which featured on his highly-praised album ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’.
