Rap music has achieved mainstream prominence amongst millions of music fans around the world ever since its inception back in the 70’s. This stylised rhythmic chanting is now among the most popular forms music in the world and also amongst several famous footballers.
Over the years, many football players have hit the recording studio to dish out some of their own rap renditions inspired by the likes of the likes of Eminem or Tupac Shakur. Although their work might not be on par with the Rap legends, some of the footballers on the list did come out with some decent music.
Let's take a look at five footballers attempted to make it as rappers.
#1 Andy Cole
Andrew Cole or let's just say, Andy Cole was quite the footballer during the 90’s. The former Manchester United striker has had plenty of success on the field having won five Premier League titles and also a Champions League trophy with Manchester United. He became a Premier League legend for his abilities to find the back of the net with relative ease.
But when it comes to a mic in his hand it’s a different story, with the new millennium approaching, Cole collaborated with DJ Pied Piper and came out with the not so popular single ‘Outstanding’ back in 1999. Maybe Cole should have just stuck to playing football because his attempt at becoming a rap star was a serious dud. Check out the ‘Outstanding’ track performed by Cole and DJ Pied Piper down below.
#2 Clint Dempsey
There have been very few successful footballers from the United States, and Clint Dempsey is definitely among them. The former Tottenham Hotspur player didn’t quite make it in the Premier League but had a decent international career with the United States national soccer team. He even captained his national side for the most of his career. In 2006 though, Dempsey took up the alias of ‘Deuce’ for song name 'Don't Tread' collaborating with Rappers, Big Hawk and Texas rappers XO.
The single was also featured in an advertising campaign for the 2006 World Cup by Nike. It was a decent effort by Dempsey as the song had a good message in it and the forward had dedicated the song to his sister, who passed away at the age of 16 from a brain aneurysm.
#3 Memphis Depay
The 22-year-old Dutch sensation was snatched up by Manchester United in 2014 only to arrive a year later after having set the Eredivisie on ifre. He, however, failed to make any impression ever since he arrived in the Premier League.
But just in case Depay’s playing career takes tumble he could always go back to becoming a Rapper! Yes! Depay did, in fact, try his hand at music during his younger days in the Netherlands. Apart from Rapping, Depay also produces music and has recorded and uploaded several rap videos to his YouTube channel. Although we can’t quite make out the language since it's in Dutch, he sure looks the part as Rap Star. His videos consist of the usual rap stereotypes, with a bunch of dudes, fancy cars, and blingy jewellery.
#4 Liverpool Squad
Back in 1998, the entire Liverpool FC squad featured in a rap video in which they were seen performing to the famous ‘Anfield Rap,' in fact, the song was so successful it made to the top three of the UK charts. The video also featured Liverpool locals, Steve Mcmanaman and John Aldridge along with the former manager and club legend Kenny Dalglish.
The song is actually a parody of many hip-hop tracks and includes lyrics like “Liverpool F.C. is hard as hell United, Tottenham, Arsenal. Watch my lips, and I will spell. Cause they don't just play, but they can rap as well.”
#5 John Barnes
There is no denying John Barnes is one of the most beloved English football players of all time. Even though he was born in Jamaica, Barnes opted to play for England and was one of the best players in his position in the world during the 90’s. For England’s 1990 World Cup campaign, Barnes competed and won in a rap contest with players like Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle to perform in the music video, "World In Motion" by New Order.
The song became quite popular with the crowd and is among the best football songs to have ever been made and also made to Uk’s number one charts. Barnes was pretty darn good with his rap in the video, but the only nullifying part of it was Keith Allen dancing around like a moron in the background.
