More and more rappers are participating in the world of casinos and sportsbooks. The gambling industry often uses rappers and their music to attract new players. Celebrity endorsements help to market gambling, and rappers are just some of the celebrities who enjoy betting and endorse gambling platforms. Sportsmen and women are doing the same. Risk, rewards, and success are prominent in the worlds of rap and gambling. Gambling symbolism aligns with the rap culture.
Gambling themes in rap music
Gambling is often a theme in rap music because rappers associate the thrills and high stakes of gambling with exploring risky topics in their music. Rap artists use gambling to convey risks, aspirations, and their personal journeys. There is some controversy over whether the inclusion is harmless or has the potential to influence young listeners to take gambling risks.
Betting on sports and gambling online in the US are popular pastimes. Online casinos provide players with a way to relax and have fun. They can make use of bonuses and play on safe, secure platforms that meet all the legal requirements.
Drake
Drake is a gifted and accomplished rapper who has an official partnership with Stake, an Australian crypto-betting platform. Drake’s posts on social media platforms like Instagram show him playing games like virtual roulette. He is an active user on the Stake site. Lil Wayne and Drake both reference casinos, high stakes, and poker games in their lyrics.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z is one of the most famous rappers ever, and he would reference his extravagant trips to Las Vegas in his lyrics. In 2021, Jay-Z announced an almost $350 million investment into Fanatics. This sporting goods company deals in everything from trading cards to NFTs.
Fanatics also operates official digital storefronts for the NBA and NFL. It entered the betting marketplace this year with its sportsbook which is currently available in a handful of states. Jay-Z is also one of the entrepreneurs fighting for the rights to the only casino license in the New York Metro.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is the modern-day Queen of Rap. She announced her official partnership with Maxim Magazine as the global ambassador for its sportsbook. However, the service has since shut down.
Emerging rap artists
Emerging rap artists like Fresco Tray and Polo Perks have branded commissions with gambling companies, which gives them extra visibility and an additional payday.
The problem is that they have many fans who look up to them and want to be like them. The difference between top rich people who gamble and normal gamblers is a big one. Some fans of young rappers may bet it all on the chance of being successful like their idols.
Blurred lines
What happens when the lines between lyrics and promoting gambling blur? At first glance, celebrity rappers endorsing gambling may not seem like a problem. But it does make some wonder what effect it can have on their fans. Rappers like Drake and Jay-Z didn’t build their wealth from gambling. Some legislation is being passed to ban ads that feature celebrities who could appeal to the youth.
The lyrics, from Kendrick Lamar to modern-day rappers like 21 Savage, are all about taking risks and striving for success. These references have long been a part of rap culture and will likely remain an integral part of it for years to come. Gambling represents success and wealth in rap music. It’s no surprise that it’s such an essential part of the genre, and references to gambling in rap music will likely continue.
