Image via Complex Original
When you're a part of the rare top five percent of the population, you're bound to naturally grow and develop friendships with others of the same ilk. When it comes to athletes and rappers, the sentiment has held true throughout the years as both marvel in each others talent. On the heels of Drake's most recent sports bromance with Italian striker Mario Balotelli, we decided we'd take a look back at some of the best rapper-athlete friendships and grab pics of some of their best moments. Over the years we've seen some of the game's best grow close like LeBron and Jay-Z, along with Floyd Mayweather and 50 cent, and guys on the come up like Darelle Revis and Mac Miller, and Wale and John Wall. Check out our gallery of Athletes and Rappers.
Michael Jordan with Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Kid 'n Play
People forget Will Smith used to be a rapper before the whole acting thing. This pic makes us feel a lot younger than the more recent MJ/Big Willie connection.
Drake with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade
After Drizzy couldn't get into the locker room, he was finally able to hang with some old friends. Because you know, no new ones.
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Lil Wayne and Dirk Nowitzki
One night of pure jubilation and a complete odd couple pairing.
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Louis Williams and Meek Mill
Arguably the best current athlete rapper, Louis Williams has linked up with his homie Meek Mill on more than one occasion.
Chad Johnson and Lil Wayne
Who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall for this convo?
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Master P and Ricky Williams
Remember that time the Heisman winner and biggest name coming into the NFL hired Master P to be his agent? We do!
Drake and Kentucky Basketball
The Canadian guy loves him some sports.
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MTV Rock 'N Jock
OK, so Queen Latifah is the only rapper in this photo but can we all agree that Rock 'N Jock needs to be brought back STAT?
Serena Williams and Common
This picture started the beef between Common and Drake. Drizzy was mad he wasn't invited, he loves to surf.
Wale and John Wall
Two of the DMV's shining stars, Wale and John Wall are rising to prominance in their respective fields.
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Rick Ross and Manny Pacquiao
Rozay put a milli down on Pac-Man in his bout with Sugar Shane Mosley back in May 2011. We wonder if he put anything down on Manny the night Juan Manuel Marquez put him to sleep.
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Fat Joe and Lance Stephenson
"Kay keep tellin' me to speak about my taxes the Rucker/Matter of fact, I don't wanna speak about my taxes."
Darelle Revis and Mac Miller
Most people didn't know these two were pretty tight. Darelle actually helped Mac get discovered and has been a major supporter since.
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Snoop Dogg, Game, DJ Skee, Matt Barnes, & Metta World Peace
Matt Barnes and Metta World Peace are harder than most rappers.
Tupac and Mike Tyson
Two of the most influential people in their respective fields, both fell from glory too soon.
Jeremy Lin and Lecrae
We can only imagine the wholesome conversation that went down when these two linked up. *awaits the Jeremy Lin-themed chopped and screwed mixtape from Lecrae* *pours up some sacramental wine instead of lean*
Jay-Z and LeBron James
The best in their own arenas and having a damn good time maintaining that.
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Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Swizz Beatz, and Nas
"Athletes of today in the NBA, make me proud/But there's somethin' they don't say/Keep gettin' accused for abusin' white pussy/From OJ to Kobe, uh let's call him 'Toby.'" Think we forgot about that line, Nas? Looks like they made up.
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Drake and Mario Balotelli
Drizzy had to show some love to the Italian striker Balotelli. They have a bromance.
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50 Cent and Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis is known for his amazing speeches. Think he can motivate Fif into putting out another Get Rich or Die Tryin'?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and 50 Cent
When they're not bickering back and forth about nonsense, these two are exactly what you want from a rapper-athlete friendship.