Words By Jason Hortillas

Baseball is associated with many things but Hip-Hop? More commonly associated with sports such as basketball and football, Hip-Hop is now shining some light on America’s pastime. With a new generation of players being raised on Rap music, you can see its influence from the way they dress to their warm-up playlists on their iPod.

For years Hip-hop heads having been wearing jerseys and of course baseball caps, but you rarely see the reverse. Today you can see examples like Joba Chamberlain, relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. The Yankee franchise breeds clean-cut players a la Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, but for Chamberlain this is definitely not the case as he was seen last Monday leaving the rained out Yankee home opener rocking a hoody, fitted cap, baggy jeans and Air Force One sneakers. Can you tell me another cat in the Major leagues doing the same?

On the field something simple as they way you wear your hat can indicate your Hip-Hop affiliation. Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis and his now signature tipped brim equate to be Hip-Hop, simply on the style. Funny how many people labeled him as such.

It’s all about image and perception and we all know Hip-Hop has never gotten a fair shake (Think Imus equals objectionable lyrics). With the game of baseball already tainted with performance enhancing drugs, how interesting would it be if the game got “thugged out?” With the MLB’s resurgence in revenue last year tying the perennial leading NFL with a net of 6 billion dollars, obviously they don’t want to lose cream over this potential new “image” in their newfound popularity. So when you see pitching phenom Joba Chamberlain rock a black hoody and a fitted, Hip-Hop’s influence even in subtle unintentional doses can cause a stir.

=============================================
On the topic of baseball, last call for those looking to join the TSS Fantasy Baseball League. Click here for details.

Loosies

Playaz Circle- Never Die

G-Unit – Grimey

Paul Wall Feat. Skinhead Rob and Too Short – Pop One Of These

Chris Brown Feat. Karina Pasian – With You (Offcial Remix)

Ne-Yo – Used To You

Snoop Dogg – Walk Away (iTunes Bonus Track)

S-One,Hocus,Cuban Link,Drop,Mysonne & Lord Tariq – High Blood Pressure

State Property – Live in Effect

Playaz Circle Feat. Young Buck, Lloyd Banks – Keepin It Hood

Vast Aire Feat. Vordul Mega – Mecca And The Ox (Prod. By Pete Rock)

Ransom – Big Wheelz

Mack 10 Feat. Glasses Malone & Red Cafe – Big Baller

Skyzoo – The_Neccessary_Evils

Lupe Fiasco – Superstar (Acoustic Version)

Mickey Factz Feat. N.E.R.D.-Don’t Be Light

Loosies